 WOMEN IN THE PULPIT
A common topic in the news media these days is the question of women serving as gospel ministers. If one is interested in pleasing God, he must look to the New Testament of Christ for the answer to this question. If he is interested in pleasing self, he will scorn that God-given document and seek approval in public opinion and social change.
Christ built the church (Matt. 16:18) and claims all authority in matters relating to it (Matt. 28:18). He authorized his apostles to record his will on all things regarding the faith and practice of his church. Paul wrote, "The things which I write unto you...are the commandment of the Lord" (I Cor. 14:37). Through his divinely appointed apostolic ambassador Christ announced the boundaries of woman's work in his church.
"As in all the churches of the saints, let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law" (I Cor. 14:33-34).
"But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness" (I Tim. 2:12).
He who is serious about serving God will gladly accept these divine restrictions. He that "goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching...hath both the Father and the Son" (II John 9).
Should all the conferences and conventions, synods and bishops in the world cast their vote for women preachers it would not change God's Word one whit.
If society in toto endorses women filling pulpits it would only be the wish of the creature against the will of the Creator.
Women share the image of God with men (Gen. 1:27). Together they are one in Christ (Gal. 3:28). But the God who created men and women and the church has assigned the public leadership role to males (I Tim. 3:1-2). One has no greater value than the other. It is a matter of divine decree.
To be a Christian is to confess Christ as Lord (Rom. 10:9) and ourselves as his servants (Rom.1:1) A faithful servant will honor and obey his Lord's will in reference to women and the ministry. To challenge the Master's will is to be unfaithful.
JHW |
