Talk
Caroline Litchfield
1) As a group, list the different kinds of service a church needs to make it a place that welcomes and integrates people of all ages and backgrounds, so they can hear God’s word and be saved, discipled, cared for and equipped. Consider all ministries, mid-week and on Sundays, for different age groups and backgrounds, behind the scenes and up-front.
Read 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
In this passage, Paul addresses particular issues for men—anger is not to hinder prayer—and for women— conduct and demeanour (v.8, 9-15).
2) What attitude should women reflect in their appearance (v.9-10)?
3) What attitude are women to have when they meet together with the church family (v.11-12)?
4) What two reasons does Paul give for this attitude (v.13-14)? Why does he go right back to Genesis?
5) What will it mean for us to be women in the church? What kind of women should we be (v.15)?
NB: Earlier in 1 Timothy, Paul says that Christ alone is the means of our salvation (1 Tim. 2:5-6), so he is not saying that childbirth is. Childbearing, which is uniquely female, is likely used here as shorthand for ‘being a woman’, as opposed to ‘being a man’.
6) How can we develop an attitude of support and willing submission towards church leaders and teachers?
7) How could we see every woman at church mobilised to use her gifts to serve (minister) in ways that complement the ways men serve?
8) How can we encourage the men around us as they are mobilised to serve too? Keep in mind the array of serving opportunities from Q1.