Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson for June 9

Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson for June 9

By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

ON MISSION
1 Timothy 2:1–15

Through Prayer (1–7)

We are instructed to pray for our leaders so we may lead a tranquil and quiet life. Paul was not encouraging a life of ease. Rather he meant a life free of disturbances, such as wars and persecutions, would facilitate the spread of the gospel. 

Paul also instructed the believers to live lives of godliness and dignity. In other words they should do nothing to create an unnecessary disturbance that might hinder the advancement of the gospel. 

The church must never become an exclusive club for a select group of people. It is pleasing to God our Savior for His Church to pray for Him to save all kinds of people. Prayer must be made on behalf of all people because salvation was intended for all regardless of rank, race, social position or nationality. We must pray for God to save people because there is but one God and one mediator between God and humanity. And this one mediator, Christ Jesus, is the one ransom for all who will be saved.

Paul was appointed by God to teach the Gentiles the gospel in faith and truth. 

Churches must not think prayer must be made for citizens but not for those in authority. Neither can churches think prayer must be offered only for Jews and not for Gentiles. 

Led by Godly Men (8)

In public worship men are to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. The pastors naturally would take the lead (1 Tim. 5:17). However, these hands must be holy and the prayer must be offered in the proper spirit. If the heart of a person is filled with anger or malice against his brother his prayer is not acceptable to God. The men who lead in corporate prayer must pray with purity before God and with peace before others.

Supported by Godly Women (9–15)

The mission of the church is to take place through prayer led by godly men and supported by godly women. It is important to keep in mind that God created both men and women in His own image and likeness.

Men and women are equal in the eyes of God, but God has assigned men and women different roles in the home and in the church. The roles of both are very important. 

I follow the doctrine of complementarianism and see it as God’s design — which is therefore for His glory and our good.

Apparently false teachers in Ephesus were teaching women in Christ were liberated. They did not need to get married and have children. They could wear whatever they wanted, no matter how distracting. They could even serve as a pastor and exercise authority over men. 

But Paul said in verses 9–10: “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

In my understanding of Scripture godly women should not teach as pastors or elders in the church. They should listen willingly to the teaching of the pastors and teach in various settings of the church in accordance with pastoral instruction. 

Consistent with my biblical interpretation, women should not lead as pastors or elders in the church. They should submit to the servant leadership of the pastors and lead in various positions of the church under the authority of pastoral leadership. 

Women are sanctified as they glorify God in the distinct roles and responsibilities He has entrusted to them.