June 9, 2010 Lesson 2 of 1Timothy 2

Verse 1-7. What theological truths form the basis for confidence in prayer? Answer: The theological truth that Christ died for our sins, giving us the ability to stand before a holy and righteous God, making Jesus the one true way to God, and that God does not wish for any to die in their sins. We are born into sin and must accept Christ to cleanse us of those sins.


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 pray for all including those next to us and those in authority over so that we may live in peace. I am not sure I understand the second part of the question. The sentence makes no sense to me at all.


V 9-15. Paul is not deprecating the role of women in the service of Christ (cf. Rom 16:1ff; Phil 4:2-3), but 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 do believe that God has created men and women for a purpose. If the Bible teaches that women are to be subordinate to men than that is as true today as it was when the words were written. I know this is very counter cultural today in our post feminist movement. The Bible is truths that are all eternal.


Notes:
Verse 8. ‘Life up holy hands’: it was customary to stand when praying, and to spread out one’s hands before God Cf. 1 Kings 8:22.
Verse 15. ‘Saved through bearing children’: a difficult expression. It must be understood here in its 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, etc.