Christian Living Today

As we delved into the story of the first woman God created, one thing has become clear. People have not changed much in the last few thousand years. Neither has Satan. His tactics remain much the same. Our gullibility remains unfettered. Our sinful tendencies remain unchecked (except for the grace of God). Thus, in our final look at Eve, we are going to focus on the lessons learned and the principles we need to take away from this story.

There is much to learn from Eve’s story even though there are many things we will never know. We are wise to learn from the life stories contained in Scripture. Yet, there is always danger in reading between the lines, or, worse yet, re-writing the story. The greatest danger, however, is in taking something out of context and twisting it to say or imply something which completely contradicts Scripture. If we do, we are guilty of the very sin Eve committed!

I found an excellent example of such a situation at an innocent appearing site entitled, “Women In The Bible”. This site offers some insight into Eve’s story - however, much is far from biblical. In fact, the author’s conclusion sums up their underlying supposition: “The Bible begins as it will continue, with the story of an independent and strong-minded woman who is, like all humans, both creative and destructive. Eve initiates change - was it a good thing, or bad? After all, if we had stayed in the Garden, we would have remained children forever.”

God help us not to believe lies such as this. To ever assume we are better off in sin is to negate Christ’s purpose in dying to remove the power of sin over our life. Furthermore, if we look at Eve’s story - with attention to the New Testament references, we see it was her independent and strong-minded actions which introduced despair and destruction to the human race.

In fact, from Eve’s story we learn at least three valuable (and too often unwanted) lessons. And, before we shrug them off as old-fashioned, out-of-date, or ultra conservative, we would be wise to ask ourselves if these conclusions are in keeping Scripture’s overall teaching on the subject. If they are, we should ask ourselves why our tendency is to resist them with such vigor.

From Eve we learn:

1-God has designed wives to find their protection and direction from their own husbands. Satan’s ploy would never have been successful if Eve had not left her husband’s side.2-Questioning God’s word and purpose often leads us to discontent and other sins. Eve was someplace she should never have been. It is doubtful her steps would have lead her to the tree if her mind was not already captured with ‘why’.

3-A woman has a greatly under-rated and despised role which, in God’s plan, is actually extremely important and blessed. While part of Eve’s curse was the sorrow (toil is the first meaning (3:16) and pain is the second meaning) which accompanies her role, the curse came after the promise - from the woman would come the Redeemer who would crush Satan’s power once and for all.

About God we learn: 1-He is incredibly merciful and gracious.2-He has a reason for the rules He makes and what He requires of us.

First we see God has designed women to find their protection and direction from men. Satan’s ploy would never have been successful if Eve had not left her husband’s side. God said our husbands will rule over us.God designed men to take the leadership role. This was His design - and it was GOOD. Yet hundreds of thousands of women (many are Christian women) have chosen a different path. Then we wonder why it is so hard. We wonder why the end result isn’t what we thought it would be. We wonder why God does not seem to be blessing our lives like we thought He would. I suspect, until God clarified the point, Eve may have wondered much the same thing.

Second, questioning God’s word and purpose often leads us to discontent which leads to other sins. Eve was someplace she should never have been. It is doubtful her steps would have lead her to the tree if her mind was not already captured with curiosity and questions.

How many times have we questioned God’s word? Surely He didn’t say. . . Surely He didn’t mean. . . Surely we misunderstood. Surely our pastor is not interpreting that passage correctly. Surely Paul didn’t mean that. Surely that doesn’t apply to Christians today. Isn’t that exactly what Satan said to Eve?

Third, a woman has a greatly under-rated and despised role which, in God’s plan, is actually extremely important and blessed. While part of Eve’s curse was the sorrow (toil is the first meaning (3:16) and pain is the second meaning) which would accompany her position, the curse came after the promise - from the woman would come the Redeemer who would crush Satan’s power once and for all.

If there is any lie which has had an extremely negative impact on women today, it is that being a wife and a mother is a second-hand, lesser-than calling. For the last 40 or so years, women have flocked to the workplace. Children are left to raise themselves. Husbands often share (or abdicate) their leadership role. Wives are stretched thin and are often angry at the demands placed upon them. Yet we have done it to ourselves.

We despise God’s plan. We question the wisdom and goodness in His design. And - we reap the results. Just like Eve.

The lessons we learn from Eve’s sin and its result are expected. However, I am amazed at God’s response! He is so very merciful and gracious. Why? He didn’t have to be. He didn’t have to pardon their sin. The world was young. Why not start over with another prototype? Why not kill them then and there? Why not scrap the entire idea? Why promise ‘Himself’ to provide the cure?

When you read God’s plan that your husband will rule over you, does it not make your hair stand on end just a little? Don’t you bow you neck just a bit? Don’t your teeth clench just a tad? Probably. Yet, this decree came from a merciful and good God. You are alive because of His mercy and goodness. Why, oh why, do we so quickly see Him as overbearing and unkind? Why? Because we believe the serpent’s lie.

If only we could remember what Eve forgot. God has a reason for the rules He makes and what He requires of us. He has a plan. He sees in ‘total’; we see in ‘part.’ Like Eve, we think we are getting the short end of the deal, and, like Eve, we make choices which cost us and our offspring dearly.

God help us to see through Satan’s lies. God grant us the grace to trust and obey!

Proverbs 25:11 - “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.”

Let’s face it ladies, women have a way with their tongues. Unfortunately, it is not always a ‘good’ way. In all honesty, I can think of a few times, lately, when I have said something which I should not have said or in a way in which I should not have said it.

I believe it is impossible to grow up a female and not be aware women often use their tongues as a weapon. In fact, some are exceedingly talented in flaying the skin right off your hide. However, it was not until after I was married I learned just how a bitter tongue can flavor a conversation.

My new husband and I had joined his family for a family reunion. As the new bride, I sought to fit in. I tried to lend a hand when I could. I tried to be friendly and helpful. Most of all I tried not to cling to my husband’s side but, instead, to spend time ‘getting to know’ the ladies of the family.

I learned something that day. I learned what women sounded like when they got together for a man-bashing. I had my own issues, my own frustrations, my own pet-peeves, but I happened to still be very much in love with my husband (I still am, thank God). Thus their words fell like bullets upon my heart. For the first time, I realized just how insidious, how vindictive, how cruel we can be with our tongues.

Since that day, the verse above has come to mind numerous times - usually as I lament a word spoken ‘unfitly’. I earnestly desire my words to be something which gives grace to my hearers, something which honors my Lord, and something which is beautiful - like apples of gold in settings of silver. So what, exactly, is a ‘fitly spoken word’?

In his commentary John Gill says a word fitly spoken is a word “that proceeds aright, keeps due order, is well circumstanced as to matter, method, time, place, and persons; a discourse well put together, properly pronounced, roundly, easily, and fluently delivered to proper persons, and adapted to their circumstances; and “seasonably” spoken.” That seems a LONG way from the untimely, unseasonable, unkind words which flow so easily from between our lips.

God grant me the grace to use my words to His glory and honor. May my words be few and fitly spoken!

1 Tim 2:12 - 15: “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. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”

A feministic mindset has so infiltrated Christianity that many Christian women, women who desire to be pleasing to the Lord, consider the home-keeping role to a belittling and unimportant position. In other words, many women believe their skills and talents are wasted in the home.

How easily we buy the enemy’s lie. In reality, what could be more important than the next generation? Furthermore, if our children are a gift from the Lord, a stewardship He has placed in our care, why do we take so lightly the responsibility with which they come? Is it not because we think little of it? Is it not because we assume our primary role is to feed and clothe and provide for their physical well-being while it is the state’s role to teach their minds and the church’s role to train their hearts?

Why do we believe this to be true? Where in Scripture is this taught?

While I am not intending to provide in depth answers to all of these questions, I am convinced they are questions Christian mothers and fathers need to face squarely. Let me also preface this by saying I am NOT suggesting every woman who works outside of the home is sinning. The Proverbs 31 woman was obviously a very industrious woman who had her fingers in many pies.

However, lest we use that as an excuse to neglect our primary responsibility, let us remember her children rose up and called her blessed - an implication of her hands-on training and teaching of her children.

One of the reasons, maybe the primary reason, many Christian women are pulled into the workplace, is because we, as women, feel unfulfilled in the home. We feel as though we are not contributing significantly. We feel somehow left out or passed by or belittled by accepting a home-keeping role. Why is this?

It is imperative we remember our enemy, the Devil, poses as an angel of light. He is the father of lies. His whole intent and purpose is to make us believe good is bad and bad is good. In other words, he has accomplished his plan if he can make us replace the all-important role of training our children’s hearts and minds with the lesser important role of clothing their bodies and filling their bellies.

Ladies, if you are a mother, you have been given an extremely high calling. In fact, while your husband certainly plays a huge role in the outcome, you have been given the ultimate opportunity to shape those who will determine the direction of the next generation.

And so we turn to the verses in 1 Timothy where we started. What, exactly is this saying? Certainly, if we believe the overall Scriptural teaching of justification by faith in Christ alone, we realize the word ‘salvation’ in this text is not referring to redemption from our sins. What, then, does it mean?

I purposely included verse 12 in what I quoted because I believe it plays a ‘key’ role in understanding what Paul is saying. Verse 12 tells us a what a woman must not do. Obviously there is MUCH which could be said about this one verse. Much has been said. For this post, I will only say this does not mean women cannot teach - period - it means God has so designed the relationship between men and women and Himself that women are not to assume positions which place them in a position of ‘headship’ over men. Like it or not, this is what it says.

After making this statement, Paul seems to take on an ‘odd’ subject. He says women are saved in childbearing. What is the connection between verse 12 and the three verses which follow? Barnes says, “Rosenmuller regards the word rendered “child-bearing” as synonymous with education, and supposes that the meaning is, that a woman, by the proper training of her children, can obtain salvation as well as her husband, and that her appropriate duty is not public teaching, but the training of her family.”

Of course there are numerous interpretations for this verse, some wandering into what I would consider the questionable. However, this interpretation seems to flow nicely from Paul’s emphasis on the teaching a woman is not allowed to do into the teaching a woman is not only allowed to do but supposed to do.

Would we but reach the point, as women, where we again embrace the privilege we have been given. The men may teach adults, but as women, we have been given the opportunity and responsibility to form the hearts of the youth - to set the foundation upon which our society is formed. Is this not, then, the higher honor?

Our culture is steeped in feminism. It has permeated every nook and cranny of our lives. Church doors have not halted the flow of its pervasive influence. As a result, Christian women who are seeking to look and act like godly women often have fuzzy ideas of what this means.

And, as so often happens we swing to extremes. We can find ‘Christian’ churches where women wear head coverings, where wives walk ten paces behind their husbands, where plainness is exalted and anything which remotely resembles adornment is banned.

Far more common, however, are the ‘Christian’ churches where anything goes. A visitor to one of these assemblies might be hard pressed to distinguish it from a secular gathering. Male and female bodies riddled with piercings. Short, short skirts. Bare middles. Low tops. Gaudy makeup. Outlandish jewelry. And more.

In both of these examples I purposely placed the term ‘Christian’ in quotes. My point is not to say a person who practices either extreme is not a Christian. We are quick to judge based on outward appearance. God, alone, can see the heart. However, as godly women, one thing is certain. We should be thinking about these things. We should be seeking a balance alternative.

Godliness is a HEART attitude. Thus in both extremes we will find error. The first extreme is often based upon legalism - an attitude which stems from the misconception that we can somehow ‘earn’ our salvation or ‘merit’ God’s favor. One this side we can see the danger of thinking we can achieve holiness by our outward appearance.

The second extreme often reflects a strong influence from our modern culture. We think God accepts us no matter what we do or how we appear. We think God, like a modern day parent, is obligated to love us no matter what we do or how we act. However, this, too, is not biblical. If it were, verses like Phillipians 2:12 would be pointless (”. . .work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”) as would James focus on proving our faith by our works.

Thus it was with appreciation I read a recent commentary in the June 2009 issue of Tabletalk Magazine. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Tabletalk, it is a daily devotional publication produced by Ligonier Ministries (R.C. Sproul’s ministry). It features a daily Bible study which works through a different book or books of the Bible each year. Burk Parsons, Chris Donato, Keith A Mathison, and Robert Rothwell are the editors and thus, I believe, responsible for the what follows.

I am going to quote a fairly lengthy section because I believe it is extremely relevant to today - to the issues which Christian women everywhere face as they seek to find a biblical way to present themselves in a strongly feminist culture.

The comments which follow are based on 1 Timothy 2:9-10 where Paul says, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”

“As always, our analysis of verses 9-10 is well served by considering the text’s cultural background.

“Scholarship has revealed the ‘new Roman woman’ of first-century Roman society whose attitudes — sexual libertinism, fueled by increasingly available contraception and abortion, and rebellion against male headship in the home — were close to modern, radical feminism. Jewish and pagan authors alike condemned such things, noting that a woman’s clothing could show her feelings on these subjects. Wives influenced by this ‘feminism’ often traded the modest, many-layered garment called the stola for the more-revealing toga associated with prostitutes. “New” women commonly wore elaborate, braided hairstlyes adorned with ribbons, tortoise-shell combs, and gold and silver pins. Unfortunately, this philosophy and dress affected many Christian women, if not toward sexual libertinism then toward the reversal of family roles. . .

“Women who dressed this way did not commend Christianity to the Jews and the pagans who frowned upon the new Roman woman, and their seductive dress would have been no help to the men in the believing community who struggled with lust. . .Knowing that godly women desire to point others to the Lord, not themselves, Paul told them not to focus on cosmetic enhancement but good works that lead people to glorify our Father (Matt 5:16).

“Given this background and the approval of jewelry elsewhere in Scripture (Song 1:10-11), it seems best not to read Paul’s words as an absolute prohibition of precious stones and metals. He simply calls women to use good judgment and modesty when they dress and to emphasize deeds of service over their outward appearance. This principle must be heard anew in our day. . .

“Our manner of dress says much about our values, and modesty is one way that we say ‘no’ to the idols of physical perfection and sex worshiped in our culture. What does your clothing say about you?”

Are women ‘second class citizens’? Is this what Paul is saying when he uses words like ‘submit’ and ‘respect’? Is this what God intended by giving women equal access to His throne but not equal authority with all men?

A recent USA Today religion opinion article claims, “. . .in far too many religious contexts in this county, women remain second-class citizens.” Is this really true? I fear the answer is a resounding, ‘yes,’ in the minds of many American women.

Most American women, even many Christian women, have bought into our culture’s view of their place - their position. Current statistics show more women attend college than men. The wage gap, especially among younger women in the work force, has nearly disappeared. No door remains which is ‘closed’ to women. However, trying to achieve what our society terms ‘equal status,’ women have given up their ‘special status,’

What has this fight for ‘equal rights’ given women? They have moved from operating under the loving authority of their husband, to trying to function under the often dictatorial authority of an employer, a supervisor, or, worse yet, a group of people. Furthermore, while they remain under God’s authority, they are, essentially, blocking His blessings by their actions.

The two words which give Christian women the greatest trouble are: submit and respect. A closer look at Scripture shows a wife’s submission to her husband is only one of the forms of submission called for in the Bible. In each of the situations below, the Greek word used for ‘submit’ is the same!

The highest level of submission to which we are called (and any woman seeking ‘equal rights’ by the world’s definition is failing this) is to, as James tell us, “. . .submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (4:7) Barnes comments on this verse by saying, “The duty here enjoined is that of entire acquiescence in the arrangements of God, whether in his providence or grace. All these are for our good, and submission to them is required by the spirit of true humility.” Thus we are commanded to submit to God.

Speaking to the ‘brethren’ (Christians) in Corinth, Paul says, “. . .you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.” (1 Cor 16:16). The author of Hebrews also says, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. . .” (13:17) Thus we are commanded to submit to our Spiritual leaders. (While ‘submit’ is usually defined as obedience or subordination, in this usage the word suggests a kind and courteous demeanor.)

In another passage Paul, again speaking to Christians, says, “. . .submitting to one another in the fear of God.” (Eph 5:21). This appears to be extremely broad, and John Calvin supports this understanding. He says, “God has bound us so strongly to each other, that no man ought to endeavor to avoid subjection; and where love reigns, mutual services will be rendered. I do not except even kings and governors, whose very authority is held for the service of the community. It is highly proper that all should be exhorted to be subject to each other in their turn.” Thus we are commanded to submit to one another.

Both Paul and Peter speak of our submission to ruling authorities. Paul tells Titus to, “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,” (3:1). Peter, in his first epistle, tells us to, “. . .submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God. . .” (1 Peter 2:13-15). He gives two powerful reasons for our obedience:

1) God’s glory (vs 12)

2) God’s will (vs 15)

Thus we are commanded to submit to the ruling authorities.

Peter further urges younger people to, “. . .submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”" (1 Peter 5:5) Thus younger people are to submit to their elders.

Twice Paul gives clear directives on the authority issue as it relates directly to family relationships. He tells children, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Eph 6:1) And again, Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. (Col 3:20). The word translated, ‘obey’, in these verses is from the same root word as our word submit. In other words, children are commanded to submit to their parents’ authority.

Twice, also, the apostle Paul speaks to the relationship between bondservants and masters. In Eph 6:5 he says, “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ.” And again in Col 3:22 he says, “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men–pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.” The words ‘obey’ and ‘obedience’ are, not surprisingly, from the same root word as our word submit. Thus servants (or employees -since employees ‘serve’ someone else’s interests) are commanded to submit to their master’s (or employer’s) authority.

These verses makes it clear: young or old, bond or free, rich or poor, great or small - we are all under authority. So, back to our original issue. Wives, too, are called to submit. They are to submit to their husbands. Like the command to bondservants and to children, this directive is given twice by Paul. In Eph 5:22 we read, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” Again in Col 3:18 we are told, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Thus wives, too, are clearly commanded to submit to someone’s authority - that of their own husbands.

Obviously the issue is not ‘submission’, per se. It is submission to a specific person. We have swallowed an idea of anonymity. Yet, Scripture makes it clear NONE of us are free from authority. Our own experience makes this obvious. So, what have we done? We have only switched our authority figure. In so doing, we have rebelled against God!

At the heart of the issue is our PRIDE. Pride always seeks to be anonymous. Pride always seeks the final word. Pride always rebels against authority. Paul put it this way, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Rom 6:16)

To put it in Bob Dylan’s ‘common’ vernacular, “You’re gonna have to serve somebody . .it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” As wives, we do not have an option. We are to submit to our husbands. If they love us as we would like, this makes our submission easier. However, even if they do not, we are still called to submit to their authority.

While we do not have an option, we do have a promise. 1 Peter 5:6 tells us, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” God WILL bless our humble submission to the authorities He has placed over us.

God grant us the grace to submit to Him by submitting to our husbands.