1 Timothy 2:1-15, In Pursuit of Godliness Series
The context of 1 Timothy 2:1-15 is public worship. Paul says, “14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:14-15. Since chapter 1, Paul has been discussing godly conduct in the church. He wanted to get things right that is consistent with God’s truth, rather than “contrary to sound doctrine” (1:10).
Paul uses the analogy of load bearing structures like columns and buttresses of ancient buildings to illustrate that the household of God supports the truths of God. Structural columns that reach to the ceiling holds up the whole roof. Buttresses were used in ancient buildings to prevent lateral movement of the walls because of the heavy weight of the roof. What Paul is saying is this, the church, is not the source of God’s truth. Rather, God is the source of Biblical truths, and our task is to uphold His truths. And we demonstrate upholding God’s truth, not only by our teachings, but also, by our conduct.
Here are three essential conducts that demonstrates our support to God’s truth while in corporate worship.
1. Constant prayer for the lost.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
· God is a saving God.
· Praying for the lost exalts God.
· Get the church to forget to pray for the lost and it will make us insignificant in the work of the gospel.
2. Lifting holy lives.
“8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing” 1 Timothy 2:8
· Christian men were commanded to live in godliness that they may lead the church.
· Anger prevents us from praying for people and for the right things.
· The MacArthur commentary, “hands symbolize the activities of life.”[1]
· Godly leaders clothe themselves with the attitude of Christ.
· Godly men must live the Bible, they walk like the Bible, speak like the Bible, think like the Bible, and feel like the Bible.
3. Submission to biblical authority.
Paul said, “9 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, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.” 1 Timothy 2:9-12
· The Ephesian church was influenced by Greek culture and traditions. See v.9
· Jewish practiced the separation of men and women in their Temple worship/activities. Hence, it’s already a novelty to see women worshipping God together with men.
· In Christ, all were made equal and welcomed in the presence of God. See Galatians 3:28.
· The sudden spiritual and social change made the Christian women eager and overzealous of their freedom.
· The verse “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission” is applicable to all worshippers who distracts the orderliness of worship.
[1] John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary, 1782.
Comments