QT 4/25/2024 1 Tim 3:11-13, Roles were created for our fulfillment

1 Timothy 3:11–13 (ESV) — 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

 

NOTE: Technically, the verse does not say "their wives" and is more easily translated "women." In understanding this and the previous verses, verses 8-10 would apply to all deacons (regardless of sex), then special requirements for the woman (verse 11), then special requirements for the man (verse 12), and finally a promise to all deacons (verse 13). Why do I think verse 12 applies only to men, because I believe the primary responsibility of the man is be the spiritual head of the home. The woman is able to do the job, but it is the role God assigned to man. God gave him that role and he is responsible. Failure reflects on the man, not on the woman (although most failed marriages do show failures distributed to both, still this is something a man should take responsibility to heal). As men and women serve the body in the role as Deacons and Deaconess, there is a special confidence they receive in our faith, because they see God using their lives for the good of others.

 

Our culture does not like the idea of "roles," and so our problem is with God, not the church. God says that we find our fulfillment and happiness in following how he created us. Satan has particularly attacked us in this area, and we are blind to the pain our "freedom" has brought us.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe God or do I believe the culture?
2. Do I seek my happiness in the world's view of how life should be lived?
3. Do I know any difference?

 

PRAYER: Father, the enemy has deceived this culture in so many way: sexual identity, gender, marriage, roles, sexual desires, creation,  made in the image of God, existence of sin and guilt, absolute truth, morals importance of work, existence of a hidden world of demons, heaven, hell, and the list goes on. And the secret is that everything we are told is untrue is actually true. Open our eyes to your truth and to real life.