KEEP THE HOUSE CLEAN 1 Timothy 2 – 3:15

INTRODUCTION

A couple weeks ago, my wife had major back surgery. In the days leading up to the surgery we were warned that there would be about a 6-week period afterwards in which she would need to restrict her movements. Knowing this, we prepared as much as possible. Lisa baked and froze several kinds of food. We setup a bed in the living room so she wouldn’t have to climb stairs as much. We added a riser to the toilet seat. I also began to prepare myself mentally, knowing that I’d have to help take on additional responsibilities around the house like laundry, preparing meals, washing dishes, vacuuming, and sweeping the floors. I also knew that I’d have to help her with personal grooming like washing and getting dressed. All these tasks were things in which I had experience doing before in some fashion. In all these things I was able to apply what I had learned before to help her out. But there was one additional responsibility for which my previous experience was totally irrelevant - doing her hair. As a 59-year-old man, I can do my own hair by putting a little bit of shampoo on the top of my head, swashing it around for 30 seconds, then rinsing the soap out. After drying my body for another 30 seconds, I step out of the shower and walk 5 steps to get a brush. It takes me about six brush strokes to get my hair where I want it, and by then it has air dried. Done!

How much of this applies when doing a women’s hair – none - everything is 20 times more complicated and time consuming. Lisa tells me that the amount and placement of the shampoo in her hair is crucial. I have no use for conditioner, but she does – and the rules for its application and removal are different than shampoo. I can dry my own hair with no hands. But to do Lisa’s it takes three - one to hold the hair dryer, one to hold the brush, and one do whatever the other two are not. Both the dryer and brush are to be held at specific angles. Each section of hair must be styled for a specific amount of time. I’ve learned that the best time to do her hair is at night, so that I can immediately go to bed to sleep off my feelings of frustration and failure.

1 TIMOTHY BACKGROUND

Based upon Paul’s reason for writing to Timothy we see that the believers Timothy will help lead had more things to learn about maintaining their spiritual household. “I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).

Why was this something that Timothy and those believers needed to be instructed on? One reason is that it doesn’t happen naturally or by accident. When people come to Christ, they bring their former ways of living with them. At the time of conversion, their minds are mostly consumed with how life has unfolded in the past, and what they are experiencing at that point time. Even though they have been saved by Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, believers often go through periods of ignorance, indifference, and failure.

However, like other letters that Paul wrote, 1 Timothy doesn’t just describe a different standard of behavior, but a much higher one as well. We are going to learn that certain beliefs and habits that might have been acceptable as a non-Christian do not apply to Christians who desire to keep their new household clean and presentable. We are going to see that in 1 Timothy, Paul intentionally highlights behaviors and attitudes that men and women have found naturally challenging since the beginning of time.

A great deal of the topics in 1 Timothy had already been brought to the attention of Timothy and the believers in the city of Ephesus before. It has been approximately 15 years since Paul’s initial visit to the city of Ephesus. After his first visit, Paul has either visited the city or met with its church leaders two more times. Paul has also written a letter directly to the Ephesians that instructing them to conduct themselves in a way that that was recognizably different and appealing to non-Christians. He gave specific instructions to children, fathers, slaves, masters, husbands, and wives. He emphasized prayer.

Now Paul is writing a letter to Timothy who is going to help lead the church in that city. Many of the same themes Paul had included in the letter directly to the Ephesians are also included in 1 Timothy. This letter includes more instruction for how Timothy and the church should conduct themselves.

Paul’s goal is that the church functions most effectively. These instructions were meant to guide the behaviors and relationships with believers, but just as, if not more importantly, these instructions would also impact their witness and relationships with non-believers. Through the things Paul writes, he is reminding Christians that they needed to be a light to the world, proving that Christ impacts the way believers live for the better. For that to happen, believers are not to live according to the same pattern they did before they were saved – lives largely centered in pleasure, pride, and self-centered principles.

If your Bible is like mine, it may contain the heading, “Instructions for Worship” at the beginning of 1 Timothy 2. After reading those words you may assume that Paul is going to provide an agenda for what Christians are supposed to do during a Sunday morning service. However, very little of what we are about to read today can be directly tied to any specific activity that believers do when they meet. As Colossians 3:23 reminds us that in everything we do, in every minute of our day, we are to be worshipping God - living in such a way as to give to Him the honor and glory He deserves.

WHO TO PRAY FOR

The first topic Paul addresses with Timothy is prayer.

1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.

Individuals who have decided to follow Jesus soon recognize a significant difference between the moral values of the world and those of God. As one matures in their faith, they may even feel a sense of disgust in the philosophies and behaviors of some who don’t know Christ. However, these verses make it clear that people in the church need to be careful about the way in which they respond to the non-Christian world. Regardless of whether the world’s values conflict with their own, believers are not supposed to run and hide from people in this world. Even if believers face hatred and persecution due to these differences, they aren’t supposed to criticize and belittle them either.

How are believers in Christ supposed to respond to the world around them? They are to pray for everyone - even non-believers. In the context of these verses Paul was likely referring to Romans kings and governors whose authority they were under. Paul isn’t saying that a believer can only live a peaceful and tranquil life if the worldly authority figures around him are good people. Instead, he is warning Christians not to be disrespectful, known for back biting and brash condemnations against them. Even though believers recognize that their non-believing leaders think and act in ungodly ways, their attitude toward them should Godly – one of gentleness, peacefulness, and dignity.

7 For this I was appointed as a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Paul says for “this” I was appointed. What is “this”? It is the things he is teaching and preaching about – including the very instructions he is giving to Timothy and the church. He ties what he is saying back to his calling from Jesus Himself. Because of this, the things Paul is writing are the truth – he isn’t just making things up. Even though Paul didn’t travel around with Jesus like the rest of the apostles, God specially revealed to him what to teach. This means that in the upcoming verses when Paul’s instructions include the phrases, “I want” and “I do not allow”, readers cannot claim that Paul is merely spouting opinions, or restrictions based in personal bigotry or cultural bias.

PRAYERFUL ATTITUDE OF MEN

8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and dispute.

As he continues to describe the characteristics of the kind of prayer God desires, he focuses on men. In doing so, he isn’t suggesting that women cannot pray. Instead, we see Paul start to tailor his instructions specific to men and women. Perhaps in this case, men have more of a tendency to get angry and argumentative than women, or maybe it was a specific problem that that the Ephesian church leaders had.

Paul’s main concern isn’t where prayer takes place, nor what one does with his hands, but rather the spiritual condition (heart). Believers are going to face difficult issues with non-Christians and Christians alike. However, they need to set all that aside and pray with clean hearts.

WOMEN AND THEIR APPEARANCE

Paul now turns his attention to how women in the church can bring glory to God.

9 Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive apparel, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.

Do you think it is generally true that when it comes to physical appearances, women are more concerned about that than men? Does our culture put more pressure on women in this area? Imagine a world with only women and another world with only men. Which world would be more fresh and lovely, and which would be foul and unkept?

In verse 9 Paul addresses the topic of outward appearance by tying it to the inner motivations of the heart. Notice that when Paul refers to the clothes that women wear, he doesn’t list specific colors, fabrics, styles, dollar values, or body parts. Instead, he uses subjective words - “modest”, “discreet”, and “expensive”. If we only considered this general guideline regarding external appearance we’d be left with a very diverse set of opinions on the matter. For sure, Beyonce and Madonna would define modest and expensive in a much different way than Mother Theresa.

But Paul’s goal isn’t to just leave believers in a state of flux, causing arguments amongst themselves. He then switches gears by naming a specific hairstyle - one with braids, and two kinds of jewels, gold and pearls. After reading this, some may believe that Paul has decided to give his stamp of disapproval on these three things for all believers for all times.

I don’t believe he is. We’ll get to the more effective way for a woman to determine what is or is not appropriate to wear in a minute. However, first notice that Paul is contrasting modesty and discretion with these three things. Since it is a contrast, it seems that these three specific things were generally known to NOT be modest and discrete during those times. One potential reason why these things were not modest was due to the economic conditions and resources then. Gold and pearls were much more difficult to come by than they are now. By wearing them a woman was almost assuredly making a statement – look at me! Regarding the hair braiding, perhaps he mentions that specifically because it was a particular hairstyle used to differentiate the wealthy from the poor, or to be sexually appealing to men.

We could sit here all day and surmise about middle eastern culture, and we could debate what is modest, discreet, expensive, and appropriate to us and never come to agreement. However, what is not debatable is the motivation of the women who wear them. There are two people who know the reason why a woman chooses to wear the things she does, her and God. A woman who claims to follow Christ needs to answer the following questions for herself - what am I trying to get people to notice – me or God? What kind of thoughts or behaviors am I attempting to evoke from them?

WOMEN AND THEIR AUTHORITY

11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a wrongdoer.

There are numerous examples in scripture of Christian women who spoke in public, prayed audibly and taught children about God. Therefore, we can conclude these verses are not intended to mean that a woman can only speak if a man or husband allows her.

As we have said, Paul isn’t merely spouting off chauvinistic perspectives. First, remember that Paul was taught directly by Christ. Second, we know that “all of scripture is God-breathed” – even the parts we cringe at upon first read. Third, Paul provides us with the specific reasons for the role that women are to play in this regard: A) Because man was created before woman was, and B) Because the woman was the first one to be deceived by Satan.

What Paul seems to be focusing on in these verses is primarily about submissiveness in the context of formal or planned teaching of the word of God (instructions)– not in regard all discussions about spiritual matters. The example Paul refers to in these verses is one that involved the interpretation of and response to the word of God in the garden of Eden. In addition, these instructions to women are intermingled with other roles and behaviors that occur between people within the church.

There is nothing wrong with women advising men of the Word of God in more informal cases, one on one discussions, or within the home. Priscilla gave instruction to Apollos helping him to have a better understanding of the Word of God (Acts 18:26). Deborah advised Barak of God’s command that they go to war (Judges 4:6-10). Abigail persuaded David not to sin against God (1 Samuel 25). Mary Magdalene delivered the Word of God to the disciples that Christ had risen (John 20:11-18). Anna spoke of Christ, to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). These women did not have a premeditated teaching agenda, nor were they acting from a leadership position, but instead, they spoke to men about spiritual matters as a response to certain circumstances. They provided biblical truth to men personally, who were either unaware of God’s Word, or ignoring His commands in a particular situation.

Let’s also set the record straight that in these passages there is not even a hint that God values men more than women, or that men are better than women. What Paul is saying is consistent with the original order and roles that God put into place at creation, before the first sin. God had a reason for doing it in the way He did. When Adam and Eve didn’t follow these principles in the garden of Eden - what was the result - chaos and a broken world that continues to this day. Paul is setting structure in place within the church for the purpose of ensuring men and women hear and apply the word of God most effectively.

MOTHERHOOD

15 But women will be preserved through childbirth—if they continue in faith, love, and sanctity, with moderation.

The phrase “preserved through childbirth” may naturally evoke the image of the unsettling moments as a woman screams in pain during several hours of labor. However, let’s not be too hasty and assume that right in the middle of discussing roles and behaviors in the church, Paul is providing a litmus test for deciding which women live and which ones die during the birthing process of a child.

Paul begins verses 15 with “But” because what he is about to say contrasts with the attitude of a woman who doesn’t like what was said in verses 9-14. Rather than a woman proving her worth by what she wears, or by insisting on a position of spiritual leadership over a man, Paul is going to reveal a different way that she can be just as valuable and used by God.

The Greek word for preserved is “sozo” (Strongs 4892) and is typically used to describe how God rescues believers from the power and consequence of sin and into His provision or safety. In other words, through motherhood a woman can be saved from the tendencies and consequences of the issues he raised in the preceding verses. Instead, she can find significance and purpose through the crucially important role of raising children, teaching them, and being a Christlike example to them.

Not only is there great reward for a woman who invests herself in children and managing a household, but society is better when women are good mothers. Even women who are not literally mothers, can still find purpose by displaying faith, love, sanctity, and moderation. All these characteristics can point others to God.

OVERSEERS

3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, 3 not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.

The phrase “office of overseer” comes from the Greek word “episcope” whose root means “to inspect” or “to look out for” or “look after.” Think of it as a role or task more so than a salaried occupation done behind a desk in a cubicle. An overseer is responsible for looking out for the church. An overseer, also referred to as a bishop, elder, or pastor, is one of two church offices mentioned in Scripture. This person would be known as a spiritual leader or shepherd that helps feed people spiritually (Acts 20:28). In Acts 20:28 Paul referred to the leaders of the church in Ephesus this way…. 28Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,

When we read what Paul said to women, we scratched our heads a little as to the meaning of his words, and maybe even thought they were unreasonable. However, as we look at what he says to men who are going to oversee and teach other believers a few things stand out: 1. He provides a lot more criteria (approximately sixteen), 2. The specific characteristics are more easily defined, 3. They make a lot of sense for someone in a leadership position.

Think about the characteristics of a boss or leader you had that lacked one or more of these characteristics. You probably resented them, tended to ignore their guidance, and caused you to be less effective. If believers are to imitate Christ, their leaders must do the same. Whether or not non-believers come to Christ is also impacted by the reputation of leaders within the church. In cases when non-believers become aware of overseers caught in sin, that is a significant hurdle for them to overcome.

DEACONS

8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

A deacon is the second church office or leadership role mentioned by Paul. The duties of a deacon are more related to personal needs, physical tasks, church administration and organization than they are teaching the word of God. While overseers would have to spend time contemplating, studying, writing about what they are going to teach, a deacon sees a need and can just dive in and get it done.

As we learned from Acts 6, Stephen filled the role of deacon as he was responsible for distributing bread to widows in the church. He was given that specific responsibility because it wasn’t good for a person to have the role of overseer and deacon. When a church leader has too many responsibilities, the teaching will suffer.

Notice from the context that women can fill the role of deacon within the church. Finally, many of the same qualifications that were necessary for overseers are also necessary for deacons. Even though a deacon may not stand in front of people teaching, their reputations still go before them.

SO WHAT

1. Make sure your prayer list includes non-believers.

Although not yet saved by the blood of Christ, non-believers were made by God and loved by Him. If a non-believer is still living and breathing on this earth, there is hope they will come to Christ. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray to the Father, He asked that “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. What is God’s will in terms of people getting saved? God is not willing that any should perish. We should look at non-believers with the same attitude that God does and pray for them as much as we pray for ourselves.

2. Behaviors and attitudes that require sacrifice are ones that best reflect Jesus (Romans 12:1-2)

Clothes, fancy hair, jewels, and many other things can bring attention to the exterior of a person. Anyone with money or resources can do that. But what do those things confirm about the goodness of a woman? Absolutely nothing. Good works on the other hand, require sacrifice – giving something up. That is the type of motivation and behavior that reflects the character of God.

3. An effective church doesn’t happen by accident or just getting together - it requires planning, organization, and accurate teaching. Fill a role that you are qualified for and fill it well.

4. Obedience is what God desires, but it also forms our reputation. A good reputation is a necessary condition if you desire to play a role in helping people becoming believers in Jesus. If you act like a non-believer, this reduces the impact that message of Jesus will have and will be a stumbling block to them.

5. Instructions difficult to follow are still possible to follow. Gods design for men and women might seem unfair, harsh, or restrictive but the broken reality of the consequences of people who choose to ignore God’s word are destroying this world. Believers need to remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13), and what seems impossible for us is possible with God (Luke 18:27).

There has always been controversy and difficulty accepting the things taught about men and women in the Bible. Especially in the times we live when some claim to be unsure about what a man or woman even is, words like this are interpreted more offensively than ever. However, the evidence that God knew what He was doing is easy to see within our quickly changing and crumbling culture. When men and women decide the role they wish to play based upon feelings and opinions, families are broken, and emotional, psychological, and spiritual problems occur.

However, Christian men and women who follow God’s design can help point others to the life changing truth Christ. We are to be living proof of who Christ is and what He has accomplished. The Bible says we are “in Christ”, which is a figurative statement of our relationship to Him. So, remember that everything we do is a reflection on Him – therefore live consistent with how He lived and what He taught.

KEEP THE HOUSE CLEAN 1 Timothy 2 – 3:15

PURPOSE OF 1 TIMOTHY

· Instructions for how to a_______ in the h____________ of God (1 Timothy 3:14-15).

· An e____________ church requires good relationships between b__________ and n____-believers.

PRAYER IN THE CHURCH

· Pray for e____________.

· Pray with a clean h____________.

WOMEN AND THEIR APPEARANCE

· Proper attire is determined by the m____________ of the heart.

WOMEN AND THEIR AUTHORITY

· The role of formal, spiritual teaching was determined by G______.

· Women can speak to men about spiritual matters in cases when they are u_________ of or i___________ God’s word.

MOTHERHOOD

· Motherhood is a way for a woman to be s__________ from the tendencies and consequences of external appearances and spiritual authority.

· Motherhood is good for e____________.

OVERSEERS

· An overseer helps f________ people the w_______ of God.

· The q_______________ for being an overseer are deep and wide.

DEACONS

· Deacons f________ on personal needs, physical tasks, church administration and organization.

· The role of deacon is necessary so that the t_________ of the word of God doesn’t suffer.

SO WHAT

1. Make sure your prayer list includes non-believers. We should look at non-believers with the same attitude that God does and pray for them as much as we pray for ourselves.

2. Behaviors and attitudes that require sacrifice are ones that best reflect Jesus (Romans 12:1-2).

3. An effective church doesn’t happen by accident or just getting together - it requires planning, organization, and accurate teaching. Fill a role that you are qualified for and fill it well.

4. Obedience is what God desires, but it also forms our reputation. A good reputation is a necessary condition if you desire to play a role in helping people becoming believers in Jesus.

5. Instructions difficult to follow are still possible to follow. Believers need to remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13), and what seems impossible for us is possible with God (Luke 18:27).

There has always been controversy and difficulty accepting the things taught about men and women in the Bible. Especially in the times we live when some claim to be unsure about what a man or woman even is, words like this are interpreted more offensively than ever. However, the evidence that God knew what He was doing is easy to see within our quickly changing and crumbling culture. When men and women decide the roles they wish to play based upon feelings and opinions, families are broken, and emotional, psychological, and spiritual problems occur.