Paul commands women in the church to be quiet. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law {1 Corinthians 14:34} and But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence {1 Timothy 2:12}. Many believe this was due to women speaking out of order and it was a cultural thing back when he wrote these verses; one women would shout out something, then another woman, etc. But somehow women think it's different today. I disagree!
After the GOP debate, Ken and I were watching The Kelly File on Fox News. Megan had a large group of Republicans discussing the debate. It was probably 50% women and 50% men. The women completely dominated the discussion! If you have been in Bible studies that were men and females, haven't you noticed how usually the women dominate the conversation? Women have the gift of gab. It was the same back in Paul's day and it's the same today. Nothing has changed.
Women who have disobedient husbands are commanded to win them how? Without a WORD; by being QUIET! Being quiet is a good quality to pursue. Since we know we have a problem with talking too much, we need to begin working on developing this quiet quality which in the sight of God of great price {1 Peter 3:4}. Why is a being quiet so precious to the Lord?
We won't stick our foot in our mouth and say something we regret.
We have a much greater chance of not offending others.
We have time to ponder our words and speak words of kindness.
We allow our actions to speak louder than our words.
There's a better chance of hearing the still small voice of the Lord.
How can we tame the tongue that James tells us it's so difficult to tame? And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell {James 3:6}. Then James goes on to say, But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison {James 3:8}. Oh no! This means we can't tame our tongue or does it?
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible {Matthew 19:26}. Since we are new creatures in Christ, we have His Spirit living mightily within us and one fruit of the Spirit is self-control so YES, we can tame the tongue! None of His commands to us are burdensome and He gives us the power to walk in the Spirit and obey Him. We do this by being transformed by renewing our minds with Truth. Therefore, if you have a problem with your tongue and being quiet, memorize verses that deal with being quiet and being slow to speak.
Logging you in...
HappyHomemaker · 490 weeks ago
Andrea · 490 weeks ago
As women, we are emotionally responsive..which is great, as that's how our Creator made us! Keeping that in check with His commands to be quiet and reserve and chaste, however, is the mark of spiritual maturity for which all of us can strive!
Cori · 490 weeks ago
FREEINDEED! · 490 weeks ago
This is such an important message, Lori. When the church gets this wrong, it can be devastating on so many levels.
Ken · 490 weeks ago
Wisdom says we should all be conscious to not over-talk others or just go on and on. It is a life long struggle for those of us born with a Talker personality, and that style can be male or female.
Talk less and listen more is a message for all who are talkative types. In the church setting Paul combines two goals. One is to be sure that the conversations in church are not dominated by talking and questions, but rather by teaching. Hence, if men, elders in particular are to be teaching in the church, the rest of us should be listening. This can't be considered cultural as headship remains with a husband and elders are specifically called to be men, and all of this is modeled after the Headship of Christ and His church.
Maria · 490 weeks ago
Jo · 490 weeks ago
Of course, once at home it was perfectly ok to discuss anything that was raised etc.. Women don't have to be quiet all the time, there is a time and a place. But in general, women could learn to back off a bit as they can be very opininated and can steamroll the poor men.
Kay · 490 weeks ago
I enjoy your blog and it has helped me in striving to become the wife I need to be...thank you!
Can you tell me if Andrea has a blog and what it is...would love to check it out If she does...love her comments! God Bless you.
Kay
Anon · 490 weeks ago
Ouch to that one!
If I am aware that I may put my foot in my mouth during a disagreement, I keep my words to a minimum. Or I don't speak at all. That's mostly for my sake as I don't want to regret what I say and have time to think it thru. But that only seems to frustrate my husband and he thinks I'm giving him the silent treatment, and when I tell him what I just told you that just makes him angrier. So I'm confused. As I seem prone to putting my foot in my mouth. He wants me to talk things thru but I don't always know what to say. And saying that ticks him off too.
Alisha Jackson · 489 weeks ago
The Lord says And if they(women) will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 1Cor.14:34-37
Also the Bible tells us why we are to be silent,But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 1Tim.2:12-14.
The Bible gives us the why to our question. First because of creation order and then because we as woman were the ones deceived (Eve in the garden). Also because it is the commandment of the Lord.
The Bible gives us all the answers but when we want a different one we will blame it on culture which is the most ridiculous excuse to base your faith on.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Tim.4:3-4
Shiloh · 489 weeks ago
There is a lot that we as "laypeople" do not have understand or knowledge of with scripture which scholars do.
http://godswordtowomen.org/Preato2.htm
Shiloh · 489 weeks ago
As far as my belief's I do believe that women can be called in any gift or office listed in 1 Corinthians. In the OT Deborah was a prophet but also led many, both men and women, in the truths of God. Her words would've been that which Paul had studied while growing up. In the NT there is an apostle that is a female. An apostle is one who can also teach. And then you have other women in the NT who are prophets who when giving a word of the Lord is in some ways required to teach others in re to that word if it is a corporate setting.
I have given words in front of our church which I was asked by the pastor to further expound on as well as pray over the congregation for. Normally when I receive a word I go to my husband first to talk with him about it. Before being married I went straight to the pastor or the authority over the congregation (if the pastor was out of town etc.) So....that's me. ;-) Oh, I also go to a non denominational church called New Life Church in CO Springs.
The link I gave goes into great depth about this scripture and is a great tool to use. Also talking with Jewish Rabbi's who have a better understanding of the law that Paul mentions (which was an oral law not the written) as well as the way in which he writes is a good idea.