What was happening in Timothy’s church? Paul’s counsel about worship practices boldly addresses some specific issues. It sounds like people were not keeping their places of worship holy. In church, there is no room for anger, controversy, or flamboyancy. There are plenty of churches in existence today who need to hear Paul’s words.
Paul lays out what a place of worship should look like. He starts with the reverent attitude we need when we pray. With a pure heart, our prayers should be sincere and directed to God. Many people think that we pray our hands should be folded and heads bowed. That these hands are lifted to God means you are proclaiming before God that you have nothing to hide. Men are to be praying in church, not caught up in fighting or anger. Such behaviors distract from the goodness of God and allow Satan’s grasp within the sacred walls.
Interesting that just yesterday I read an article urging us to be “Controversial Christians.” The article was not suggesting such provocative behavior during worship but rather outside in the world. There is a time and a place for being controversial. With the focus we see on tolerating behaviors, allowing people to “identify” this way or that, we as Christians have a choice. We can remain silent and let the world go down a dark path, or we can stand firm in our faith and the truth of Scripture and be controversial. How are you responding to the social crisis happening in the world?
One might even say Paul is being controversial in how he is addressing the freedoms of women in this passage. Just as he addressed the godly man, he gives counsel to godly women, too. We need to be careful not to take these verses out of context. Paul is focusing on worship practices. Anytime we act in ways that distract others from Jesus and the truth, we need to be reminded it’s not about us.
When we read Paul’s wisdom for women, it helps to remember his first century audience. The role of women was a lot different. Applying our own culture to this reading can be dangerous. “Women should learn quietly and submissively.” God’s economy allows women to learn which is better than the world was allowing at the time. But Paul is saying for the women to learn but to continue to maintain her modesty, self-control, and not drawing attention to herself by flaunting wealth (i.e. thru gold, pearls, and expensive clothes).
Paul’s words here ring true for women in any age. “For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.” To be a godly woman is to reflect Jesus in all we say and do. Getting caught up in freedoms is a slippery slope. If you get stuck on the word “submission,” think of it not as “do what I say” but rather to fulfill the role God has given to you.
Think about the freedoms we have in Christ. Galatians 5:1 says, “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” A few verses later in 5:13, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”
What do your worship practices look like? Do you pray reverently to honor God? Do you seek to learn and grow closer to Jesus without worrying about your appearance or what other people think? God knows our heart. He longs for us to worship him.
Let’s pray. Father, I worship and adore you. Your majesty and power have no limit. Forgive me for those times when I lose sight of the true heart of worship. Help me to strip away all the noise and distractions of the world so I can draw closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
