Worship by the Word

Sermon Title: “Worship by the Word”

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:8-15

Occasion: The Lord’s Day

Date: October 20, 2024

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts open to Your Word.

We acknowledge that You are the source of all wisdom and truth. As we gather to hear Your instructions on worship and the roles You have ordained, we ask for humility to submit to Your design.

What we know not, teach us. What we are not, make us. What we have not, give us.

May Your Spirit guide us into all truth, and may Christ be exalted in our hearts and in this church. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Ti 1:2.

Sermon Title:

“Worship by the Word”

Introduction: The church today faces tremendous pressure to conform to cultural trends.

Many are questioning long-held biblical teachings, particularly regarding the roles of men and women in worship.

As the world moves toward redefining gender roles and authority, the church is often tempted to follow suit.

However, as we’ll see today, God’s design for His church is not something we can alter to fit cultural preferences—it is rooted in His eternal wisdom and established from the very beginning of creation.

To illustrate the seriousness of this issue, let’s consider a moment in church history when a departure from biblical order led to disastrous consequences:

The decline of the Church of England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

During this period, the church began to embrace liberal theology, which questioned the authority and relevance of Scripture, especially regarding issues like gender roles and church leadership.

Many argued that certain biblical commands were outdated, particularly those related to the roles of men and women in the church.

As cultural values began to influence the church more than the Word of God, traditional roles were abandoned, and biblical authority was undermined. The result?

Confusion and division within the church.

Attendance plummeted as people became disillusioned with a church that no longer seemed to hold fast to its foundations.

In just one generation, the spiritual vitality of the Church of England was severely diminished. The danger today is no different.

We are facing a similar pressure to blur the lines between men and women in the church.

But history teaches us that when the church compromises on God’s Word, it quickly loses its strength and influence.

The decline of the Church of England is a sobering reminder of what happens when we abandon God’s design for worship and leadership.

As we turn to 1 Timothy 2:8-15, we see that Paul’s instructions regarding men and women in the church are not cultural preferences but divine commands, rooted in creation itself.

Today, we’ll explore four key points from this passage that outline God’s structure for worship:

In a Church that worships by the Word you will see…

Men, Lifting Holy Hands. (v. 8)

Women, Displaying God's Beauty. (vv. 9-10)

Women, Embracing God’s Design. (vv. 11-14)

Women, Finding Hope in God’s Promise. (v. 15)

Each point flows from God’s design, and as we walk through the text, we will see how Paul’s instructions are not only relevant but necessary for the health and vitality of the church.

Our challenge today is to remain faithful to God’s Word, even when the culture around us presses for change.

Transition:

With that in mind, let’s turn to the first point in verse 8, where Paul addresses men and their role in leading the church in prayer.

In a Church that worships by the word you will have always find…

I. Men, Lifting Holy Hands (v. 8)

1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

Paul begins by issuing a strong command to the men in the church: they are to lead in prayer.

The word he uses for “desire” isn’t just a casual suggestion but apostolic authoritative instruction.

This command extends beyond the church in Ephesus—it applies "in every place," meaning it’s a universal call for all churches to follow.

This command flows naturally from Paul's earlier instructions on prayer for all people (v.1-2), especially for those in authority.

Now, he shifts to the manner in which prayer should be conducted.

Wherever Christian men gather—whether in worship, homes, or public places—they are to pray, reflecting a life of holiness and purity before God.

When Paul instructs men to lift up "holy hands," he’s not merely concerned with the physical act of hand-raising, but with the heart behind it.

In the Bible, different postures of prayer are mentioned—standing, kneeling, bowing—yet what matters most is the condition of the heart.

The phrase "holy hands" symbolizes moral purity, pointing to a life that is clean before God.

Paul is calling for men whose hearts and lives reflect God’s holiness.

It’s not just about performing outward rituals, but ensuring that inward righteousness aligns with those outward actions.

But does this apply to women too?

While this particular verse is addressed to men, the principles of holiness, purity, and prayer apply to all believers, men and women alike.

However, the context of this passage places a specific responsibility on men to lead in public prayer within the gathered assembly, particularly in worship.

This is consistent with the biblical pattern of male leadership in the church, as seen throughout Scripture (1 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Timothy 3).

While men are called to take this leadership role, women are equally called to pray and pursue holiness, though in different roles as outlined in verses 9-15, which we will address shortly.

Paul's call for men to lift "holy hands" also emphasizes the need for purity in prayer, but he doesn’t stop there.

He stresses that men should pray "without anger or quarreling."

Anger and disputes are antithetical to the kind of holy prayer God desires.

Historical Example: Consider the early 1700s when the Moravian church experienced a significant spiritual revival under the leadership of Count Zinzendorf.

However, before this revival, the church was plagued by internal conflict, with men who were supposed to be praying for unity often fighting with one another over theological disputes.

Their prayers became empty rituals because their hearts were filled with strife, causing division within the church. It wasn’t until they repented, laid aside their quarrels, and sought true holiness in prayer that the Spirit moved powerfully among them, leading to one of the greatest missionary movements in history.

This example shows how quarreling and anger disrupt not only our prayers but the entire church.

Paul’s warning is clear: Prayer is the work of holy hands, not clenched fists.

We cannot lift our hands to God in prayer if our hearts are at war with others.

Holiness is a prerequisite for effective leadership in prayer.

Men are to examine their hearts, ensuring they are walking in purity before leading others in worship.

A life marked by moral purity and peace is essential for prayer that pleases God and builds up His church.

Illustration: Consider a surgeon about to perform a life-saving operation. Before the procedure, it’s vital for the surgeon to scrub his hands thoroughly. If he doesn’t, no matter how skilled he is, the risk of infection is high, and the patient could suffer. Similarly, when we come before God in prayer with hearts that are unclean—full of anger, sin, or unresolved conflict—it’s as if we are trying to perform spiritual surgery with dirty hands. No matter how sincere our intentions may be, our prayers can do more harm than good if our hearts are not right with God.

Application: This call to lift "holy hands" in prayer is a reminder that God deeply cares about the condition of our hearts as we approach Him.

It’s not just about physical posture, but about the purity of our lives.

Men are called to lead in prayer with hearts that reflect God’s holiness, and this requires serious self-examination.

So, ask yourself: How am I preparing my heart before I come to God in prayer?

Do I have unresolved anger or conflicts that need to be addressed?

Am I harboring sin that hasn’t been confessed?

This verse challenges us to take personal holiness seriously before we lead others in worship.

Here are some practical steps to apply this:

Self-Examination:

Before coming to God in prayer, take time to examine your heart.

Are there any areas of sin or conflict that need to be addressed?

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:23-24 that if we know someone has something against us, we should go and reconcile with them before offering our gift to God.

Confession and Repentance:

If you discover sin or unresolved conflict in your heart, confess it to God and seek repentance.

Repentance clears the way for you to lift up holy hands in prayer.

Pursue Reconciliation:

If you’re harboring anger or resentment toward someone, don’t delay in seeking peace.

Ephesians 4:31-32 calls us to put away bitterness and wrath and to be kind and forgiving to one another.

Cultivate Personal Holiness:

Make holiness a daily pursuit by spending time in God’s Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with others.

Holiness is not a one-time event, but a daily walk of becoming more like Christ (1 Peter 1:15-16).

When men lead in prayer from a place of holiness, God is honored, and the church is strengthened.

Holiness in our lives empowers our prayers, as James 5:16 reminds us: "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Transition: After addressing the role of men in leading prayer, Paul now turns to women and their conduct in the assembly.

Just as men are called to reflect purity and peace in their prayer lives, women are similarly called to display God’s beauty through godliness in their behavior and appearance.

Holiness, therefore, is a call for both men and women in the body of Christ.

In a Church that worships by the Word, you will find…

II. Women, Displaying God's Beauty (vv. 9-10)

1 Timothy 2:9–10 ESV

likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

Paul's instruction to women here is about much more than clothing.

Paul instructs women to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects their faith, with a clear focus on modesty and godliness.

His instruction is not limited to outward appearance but extends to their overall demeanor in worship and in life.

The word "adorn" here means "to arrange" or "to put in order," suggesting that women should present themselves in a way that is appropriate for worship, emphasizing both their external appearance and internal character.

In verse 9, Paul begins with a positive command: women are to "adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty," using their wisdom and discretion.

The term modesty carries a broader sense than mere sexual propriety, encompassing a mindset of humility and restraint.

This modesty is linked with "self-control," which Paul frequently highlights as an important Christian virtue (cf. Titus 2:3, 2 Timothy 1:7).

Here, it refers to a self-mastery over desires and passions, reflecting wisdom and a heart governed by God rather than by worldly temptations.

Paul then provides a negative command: women are not to focus on extravagant hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing.

These outward displays of wealth and vanity were common in the Greco-Roman world and served as symbols of status and materialism.

In the culture of Paul’s day, elaborate hairstyles and luxurious clothing were often associated with immodesty and flaunting wealth, which the moral philosophers of that time also condemned.

The mention of "braided hair" and "gold" points to this cultural practice of displaying vanity and social rank. (still happening today!)

But Paul’s concern is not merely cultural conformity—he directs attention to a more lasting and substantial beauty.

The contrast is clear: instead of outward adornment, women should "dress" themselves with good works.

This is the positive counterbalance to the negative command.

As women who publicly profess faith in Christ, they are called to live in a way that aligns with their confession.

True adornment comes from a life marked by godliness, humility, and service to others, not by external luxuries.

Paul elaborates on these "good works" in this letter (1 Timothy 5:10),

1 Timothy 5:10 (ESV)

… having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

So, what are the true markers of a godly women?

Raising Children.

Showing Hospitality.

Caring for the saints.

Caring for those in need.

The call here is to focus on the internal beauty that pleases God rather than external appearances that seek human approval.

Martin Luther wisely observed,

“A woman’s beauty should not be in braided hair or gold, but in her heart, where God alone sees.”-Martin Luther

Luther’s point is simple: true beauty is not in outward appearance but in the character and good works that flow from a heart transformed by Christ.

Paul's deeper concern here in verses 9-10 is that Christian women should reflect the glory of God through their good works, not through fleeting displays of wealth and status.

Transition:Paul now shifts from external conduct to the issue of authority within worship, explaining the roles of men and women in the church and why God has structured it in this way. Illustration:

In our modern context, social media often pressures women (and men) to find their worth in how they look or what they wear.

However, Scripture reminds us that true worth comes not from appearance but from a character shaped by Christ.

Like a tree rooted in good soil, a life grounded in the gospel will bear the fruit of good works, reflecting God’s glory rather than our own.

Point Summary:

Paul’s concern is that women in the church should not seek to draw attention to themselves through outward adornment but should instead be marked by inward godliness, which is displayed through good works.

Transition:

Paul now moves from external conduct to the issue of authority in worship, explaining the proper roles of men and women in the church and why God has structured it this way.

In a Church that truly worships by the Word of God you will find…

III. Women, Embracing God’s Design. (vv. 11-14)

1 Timothy 2:11–14 ESV

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

Paul addresses the roles of women in the gathered church, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order as rooted in the creation narrative.

In verse 11 (put your eyes on it!), Paul instructs,

1 Timothy 2:11 ESV

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.

This was radical for Paul’s time (not for the reason you might think!), as women were often excluded from formal education.

Paul, however, affirms the dignity of women as learners within the church.

The Greek term ἡσυχία (translated "quietly") does not imply complete silence but rather a peaceful and respectful demeanor.

This aligns with 1 Peter 3:4, where Peter says…

1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)

…let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

Paul’s directive here is not about limiting women’s participation in the life of the church but about cultivating a heart of submission and learning in alignment with God’s established order, and in so doing women reflect God’s beauty.

In verse 12, Paul continues,

1 Timothy 2:12 ESV

I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.

Here, the Greek word αὐθεντεῖν (translated as "exercise authority") refers to having leadership authority, particularly in authoritative doctrinal teaching within the church.

Paul restricts women from assuming the role of authoritative teaching over men in the gathered assembly, a role assigned, by God, to qualified men, especially elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7).

However, this does not mean women cannot teach at all; they are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3-4) and children, and to engage in mutual instruction with believers (Colossians 3:16).

The limitation is specifically in the context of teaching and exercising authority over men in the church setting.

Paul’s rationale for this instruction is grounded not in cultural concerns but in the Word, more specifically, the creation order, as seen in verse 13:

1 Timothy 2:13 ESV

For Adam was formed first, then Eve;

Paul appeals to Genesis, where Adam was created first, followed by Eve, establishing an order of leadership in both the home and the church.

This appeal to creation shows that Paul’s teaching is not bound to a particular culture but reflects a universal principle rooted in God’s original design.

In verse 14, Paul adds,

1 Timothy 2:14 ESV

and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

Paul reflects on the fall narrative, where Eve, deceived by the serpent, sinned first.

While both Adam and Eve transgressed, Paul emphasizes that Eve’s deception highlights the dangers of stepping outside of God’s created order.

This does not imply that women are inherently more prone to deception; rather, Paul points out that when God’s order is reversed, it leads to devastating consequences, as seen in the fall.

Adam failed to lead, and Eve, acting independently, engaged with the serpent, resulting in sin entering the world.

Really, the emphasis here is more on the Adam falling to lead than Eve being deceived.

Paul uses this example to reinforce his instruction that men are to take on the role of authoritative teaching in the church, in alignment with God's original design.

The heart of Paul’s teaching here is not to diminish women but to preserve the order God established for His glory and the good of the church.

Illustration:

Just as a sports team functions best when each player remains in their assigned position, the church thrives when men and women honor the roles God has given them.

These roles are not about value or worth, but about fulfilling and embracing God’s design.

When men and women embrace their God-given roles, the church functions in harmony, and Christ is glorified.

The proper functioning of the church, just like a team, requires each person to work within the framework established by God, leading to the flourishing of the body of Christ.

Transition:

As we come to the final verse in our passage, Paul offers an encouraging word to women, showing that their role in God’s plan is essential and carries great hope.

In a Church that worships by the Word you are sure to find…

V. Women, Finding Hope in God’s Promise. (v. 15)

1 Timothy 2:15 ESV

Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

At first glance, this verse may seem confusing, but it is important to interpret it within the broader context of Paul's writings and the redemptive narrative of Scripture.

Paul is not teaching that women earn salvation by having children, as that would contradict the core gospel message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Instead, Paul is pointing to the unique role women have in God's design, particularly in the fulfillment of the creation mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28).

This role is not limited to physical childbearing but serves as a symbol of the broader role women play in nurturing and cultivating life—both physically and spiritually.

The reference to childbearing can be seen as representing the larger calling of women to embrace their God-given roles in the family, church, and society with faithfulness and dignity.

Real-Life Example: Take, for instance, the story of Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley.

Susanna had 19 children, though only 10 survived into adulthood.

Despite the hardships she faced, including the loss of children, financial struggles, and the frequent absence of her husband, she remained committed to nurturing her children in the ways of the Lord.

Susanna wasn’t a public figure or a church leader, but she deeply influenced the spiritual lives of her children through her faith, love, holiness, and self-control.

Even with the demands of a large family, Susanna made time each day to teach her children the Bible and lead them in prayer.

Her faithfulness in her role as a mother had a profound impact on her sons, John and Charles, who would go on to lead the Methodist revival in England and bring the gospel to thousands.

Through her commitment to her God-given role, Susanna played a vital part in advancing the kingdom of God, even though she wasn’t in the public eye.

In this way, Susanna Wesley’s life is a beautiful illustration of what Paul is speaking about in 1 Timothy 2:15.

Her story shows us how a woman’s faithfulness in her calling—whether through motherhood, service in the church, or other roles—has far-reaching and eternal significance.

Furthermore, Paul may be alluding to Genesis 3:15, where God promises that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head.

This promise was ultimately fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to redeem humanity from sin and restore what was lost in the Fall.

In this way, women, like men, find their salvation not through their own works but through the saving work of Christ, who entered the world through a woman (Galatians 4:4).

What Paul emphasizes here is that women are called to live out their salvation in faith, love, holiness, and self-control—key virtues that reflect a life transformed by the gospel.

These characteristics, especially "self-control" (σωφροσύνης), are critical in fulfilling God's calling, and they align with Paul's earlier exhortation for women to be adorned with good works (1 Timothy 2:10).

(1 Timothy 2:10 “but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” )

The role of women, particularly in bearing and raising children, should be seen as dignified and central to God's redemptive plan.

It is a high calling that, while distinct from men's roles in church leadership, carries immense value in advancing the gospel and nurturing the next generation of believers. Charles Spurgeon once said,

“A woman’s role is not to be diminished, for through her came the Savior of the world. Let her walk in holiness, and she shall be a blessing to the church.”-Charles Spurgeon

Paul's encouragement to women here is simple:

Continue in faith, love, holiness, and self-control, trusting that your God-given roles—whether in motherhood or in other areas—are part of God's beautiful design and are crucial for the flourishing of the church and the proclamation of the gospel.

The salvation spoken of in this verse is eschatological, pointing to the ultimate deliverance from the curse of sin and death, as Christian women live out their faith in the unique roles God has entrusted to them.

Application: For the mothers and women here today, you may not always see the immediate results of your faithfulness, whether in raising children or in other areas of service.

But just like Susanna Wesley, who likely never imagined the widespread influence her children would have, God is using your faith, love, holiness, and self-control to plant seeds that will bear fruit for His kingdom.

Your role, though sometimes quiet or unseen, is crucial to God’s redemptive plan.

You are part of a long line of women who, like Susanna and many others before her, contribute to the advancement of the gospel and the growth of the church.

Paul’s encouragement in this passage is that your faithfulness, like that of Susanna Wesley and many other godly women, is not in vain.

Whether you are raising children, serving others, or faithfully following God’s call in another area, your role is a high and holy calling, full of dignity and purpose in God’s plan. Conclusion: God’s design for His church is wise, good, and perfect.

And, it’s for our flourishing, the flourishing of society, and for the flourishing of the Church!

In today’s passage, Paul provides clear instructions for men and women who worship by the Word.

These roles are not based on cultural trends but on God’s eternal inspired Word.

In a Church that worships by the Word you will always see…

Men, Lifting Holy Hands. (v. 8)

Women, Displaying God's Beauty. (vv. 9-10)

Women, Embracing God’s Design. (vv. 11-14)

Women, Finding Hope in God’s Promise. (v. 15)

How will you respond today?

Are you willing to embrace God’s design for worship, even when it challenges cultural norms or personal preferences, trusting that His ways are wiser than our own?

How will you, as a man or a woman in Christ, live out your God-given role within the church, displaying holiness, purity, and godliness in both conduct and worship, to glorify Him?

For those who do not yet know Christ, this passage points you to the peace and order that only Christ can bring.

You want order? You want Peace? Turn away from your sin, and turn to Jesus.

Jesus Christ is the Head of the church and the Savior of the world. John Owen said it best:

“The church of Christ is not to be ordered by the will of man, but by the will of God as revealed in His Word.”-John Owen

I pray that RCS will always be a Church that Worships by the Word.

PRAY

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, grateful for Your Word that guides and instructs us.

Thank You for the truth revealed today, reminding us of Your good and perfect design for worship, for men and women, and for Your church.

We confess that Your ways are higher than ours, and we ask for grace to submit to Your order, knowing it is for our flourishing and Your glory.

Lord, we pray for the men of this church, that they would lead in prayer and worship with holy hands lifted high, living lives of purity and peace.

May their hearts be aligned with Your holiness, seeking to honor You in all they do.

For the women, we ask that they would display the beauty of godliness through modesty, good works, and a spirit of humility.

Help them embrace the roles You have ordained with joy, reflecting Your glory in their homes, in the church, and in the world.

Lord, for all of us, we pray that we would faithfully live out our God-given roles, recognizing the dignity and purpose in each.

Let us not conform to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, grounded in Your eternal truth.

And now, as we respond to this Word, let those who do not know Christ find in Him the peace and order their hearts long for.

Call them, O Lord, to turn from sin and come to Jesus, the Head of the church and Savior of the world.

May Your Spirit empower us to live lives marked by faith, love, holiness, and self-control.

May this church, Restoration Church of Sanford, always worship You according to Your Word, for the glory of Christ and the advancement of Your Kingdom.

In Jesus’ mighty and holy name we pray, Amen.