August 15, 2010

1 Timothy 2:1-15 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Encouraging Others in Faith

Introduction

1 Timothy 2:1-15: In today's passage, the author offers instructions on how and for whom to pray. He mentions praying for kings and others in power because it was important for Christians to show respect to authorities so that they could avoid trouble. He also prescribes restrictions on women's dress and freedom of expression.

Today’s Scripture: I Timothy 2:5,6

For there is one God, and there is one who brings God and human beings together, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself to redeem the whole human race. That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved.

Today’s Reading

¹First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; ²for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. ³This is good and it pleases God our Savior, ⁴who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth. ⁵For there is one God, and there is one who brings God and human beings together, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶who gave himself to redeem the whole human race. That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved, ⁷and that is why I was sent as an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles, to proclaim the message of faith and truth. I am not lying; I am telling the truth! ⁸In every church service I want the men to pray, men who are dedicated to God and can lift up their hands in prayer without anger or argument. ⁹I also want the women to be modest and sensible about their clothes and to dress properly; not with fancy hair styles or with gold ornaments or pearls or expensive dresses, ¹⁰but with good deeds, as is proper for women who claim to be religious. ¹¹Women should learn in silence and all humility. ¹²I do not allow them to teach or to have authority over men; they must keep quiet. ¹³For Adam was created first, and then Eve. ¹⁴And it was not Adam who was deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and broke God's law. ¹⁵But a woman will be saved through having children, if she perseveres in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.

Reflect

The author of today's reading says that women should learn in silence and be humble, modest, and not teach or have authority over men. How do you understand this in the light of Paul's claim that in Christ there is no male or female, for everyone in Christ is a new creation (Galatians 3:28)? What is your response to the writings about women in this letter?

Pray

Gracious God, in Christ our human hierarchies are non-existent as we become new creations through you. Empower me to work for justice and equality for all people, that we may experience Christ's love anew in our world. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Victims of sexual harassment