June 19, 2010 Lesson 1 of 2 Timothy 2

V1-7. What theological truths form the basis for confidence in prayer? Answer: I see three examples here. The NIV study tells me that each is an example of consistent and hard work being rewarded. I have some questions on the 3rd example however. It says the farmer should “be the first to receive a share of the crops.” Does not God get the first 10%? Or is this referring to some other reward? Reward in Heaven? Crowns of glory?


For whom, and for what, should we pray (v1-4)? What kind of people ought we to be in personal behavior if we wish to be effective in prayer and pleasing to God when we meet to pray? With verses 8-10, cf. Ps. 66:18; Is 59:1-3; Mark 11:25. Answer: We should pray for each other. We should with other like minded people. We are to pray with those…. You know I just don’t understand this question based on this text!! 

V9-15. Paul is not deprecating the role of women in the device of Christ (cf. Rom. 16:1ff; Phil 4:2-3), but he does here forbid women ‘to teach or to have authority’ over men in the local church. Is it conceivable that today change may be permitted in women’s part, or is Paul appealing here to the permanent consequences of the difference made by the Creator between male and female? What is the significance of verses 13 and 14? Answer: I believe that God is never changing, which makes His Word never changing. To be politically incorrect, the feminist movement was an uprising of some women against the culture that was established on these Godly principles. I am not saying women can’t vote or women can’t own property ect. I am saying that in God’s Word there is a very specific place a woman is to be, and in leadership of the church is not one of them. In addition I believe that God can and does use women.


Notes:
V8. ‘Lift up holy hands’: it was customary to stand when praying, and to spread out one’s hands before God Cf. 1 Kg 8:22.
V15. ‘Saved through bearing children’: a difficult expression. It must be understood here in context, with reference to the place and function of women. Bearing children is a function to which women are unquestionably called. In it they will experience God’s saving grace provided they continue in faith, ect.