QT 4/18/2025 1 Cor 14:32-40, Accepting our God-given roles

1 Corinthians 14:32–40 (ESV) —

32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

 

NOTE: The subject has been prophecy. Today, we would call this preaching or also teaching. God has given the role of spiritual leader to the man (not that men have done a very good job at it). It is a man's responsibility to lead his home spiritually -- many men fail at this task. Actually, a women seems more eager about leading spiritually in the home (and usually more spiritual as well). But this is the role God gave to men. The reason it is important in the church is that the leader of the church, the senior Pastor, is the example to all the families in the church of spiritual leadership. When men see a woman preaching or teaching other men, he could be left with the impression that is fine for a woman to lead the home spiritually as well, relieving him of his responsibility (from God) to be spiritually involved in the home.

 

Today, we get all hung up about men's and women's roles. We need to get over it. Men need to lead spiritually as God has called them. Wives need to support their husband in the home. Outside the home, I see no scriptural teaching on secular leadership. I do think as a society, women have been lied to about the most fulfilling role for them. Mothers and wives are not very glamorous jobs, especially when married to an unbelieving husband who is not the spiritual head of the home. But the most fulfilling thing a woman can do is to marry a godly man and be a full-time mother to their children. You might think differently or not recognize the truth, but you are fighting against God's order (plan). Jesus once said to Paul, "it is hard to kick against the goads." Jacob spent 40 years fighting against God's plan. A life fighting against God is disappointing, frustrating, and difficult.

 

PONDER:

1. If you are a man, have you stepped up to the role of leading your home spiritually?
2. If you are a woman, are you willing to follow the role God has given you to support your husband in building a home?

 

PRAYER: Father, in today's culture, this is an especially difficult truth that many fight against. We really are kicking against the goads (the prod used to move the oxen). But we seem to enjoy fighting you rather than agreeing with you on what is best for our lives. We really are like Adam and Eve, choosing to be our own gods (our own right and wrong) than submitting to your rulership. Forgive us for our rebellion. Help us to change our mindset. Help us to serve you fully and experience the joy that comes from being in agreement with your plan.