For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.. 1 Timothy 2:13-14

God designed both the man and woman in His own image equally (Genesis 1:27). Yet they were designed to fulfill different roles. When Paul cites reasons for gender-based distinctions in the church, he goes back to the beginning, back to Genesis chapters 1-3. In Genesis 3:1-7, Satan undermined the order of God’s creation. Adam failed in his leadership and Eve was willing to take it up. In the fall, the God-ordained roles were reversed.

Rather than writing more words on this topic, I encourage you to think through this text with some questions:

• How has culture impacted your thinking on this difficult issue?
• How has traditionalism influenced your thinking?
• Women, how has sin and abuse by male authority influenced your thinking and actions?
• Is your attitude toward Scripture defiant or compliant? If Scripture is teaching that men are to do the authoritative public doctrinal instruction in the church, what kind of role can a woman like Beth Moore have?
• Does submission imply weakness or inferiority? Why/why not?
• Some say that the submission of women was related to the cultural situation of that time. How do you answer this?
• Many evangelicals argue that Galatians 3:28 erases all distinctions in the church on the basis of gender. Study and discuss with your spouse or godly friend.
• Watch this video and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. your thoughts.

Yesterday's Application: