Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, October 2, 2022 1 Timothy 2:8-15
Godly Men and Women

Introduction: We talked about gender roles in the family when we studied Ephesians. Here Paul talks about gender roles in the church. Men and women are equal in value, and both bear the image of God, but they have distinctive roles, and they are blessed when they function in those roles.

1. Godly Men: Lead the Church in Prayer. (2:8)

   Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

   There is no place where the Christian cannot pray. Here Paul is concerned about a man’s posture of prayer, which is really the posture of his life. If we are to lift holy hands, we must lead holy lives. Men are to lead in prayer in such a way as to promote unity in the church.

   Father, please lead the men in our church to live holy lives and lift holy hands in prayer. Please lead them and hear them as they pray for their families and for this church.

2. Godly Women: Adorn Yourselves With Good Works. (2:9-10)

   I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

   Paul did not want Christians to distract from, but rather to enhance the gospel mission. This means to display the beauty of godly character and good works.

   Father, please lead the women in our church to reflect the beauty of Christ in their dress, in their words, and in their ministry.

3. Godly Women: Fulfill Your Discipleship Role. (2:11-15)

   A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.

   • Women are to learn – they are disciples. God wants them to be knowledgeable in the Scriptures and sound in their theology. They also have a tremendous role as disciple- makers, discipling other women, and teaching children and young people.

   • Women are to submit in obedience and respect for the authority of the pastors and elders of the church. The rationale for submission is God’s order in creation and the failure to keep that order in the fall. The structure of the family and the church reflect God’s order that He has ordained, through which we bless one another and bring God glory.

     Lord, please help all the men and women in our church to submit to Your Word, continue in faith, love, and holiness, bless one another, and glorify You.