Discerning the Roles of Men and Women
Our Blueprint for a New Testament Church • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
We took a small break last week as we celebrated the end of Vacation Bible School having a little fun with our service. However, today, we are right back on task as we learn about God’s Blueprint for the Local Church. Today, we are back to 1 Corinthians.
We ended with a study of 1 Corinthians 11:4-10
4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
If you recall the message, the main point was this. God created us for relationships. He made us so that we might have a personal relationship with Him. That is the vertical relationship we often speak of here at Calvary Baptist. Additionally, God created us to have relationships with others. He made us both male and female, proclaiming that they should become one flesh, reproduce, and fill the earth. As He did so, He designed these relationships to teach us some important facts pertinent to relationships. One of the most essential things we learn from proper relationships is submission. Note again verses 8 and 9, which are crucial.
8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
Genesis records how God created man (Adam) first. He formed him from the dust of the ground and breathed into him, making him a living soul.
7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
After creating man and not finding proper help for him, God made a woman from man.
21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
God created woman for men. Thus, indeed, man is not of the woman, but the woman is of the man. This leaves us with this principle.
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
Women are the image of God and the glory of men. Men are the image and glory of God. Consequently, men are to submit to God. Women are to submit to men (their husbands). When both do what God designed them to do, relationships work and glorify God.
Today, the Holy Spirit moves this forward even more in our text. He distinguishes the roles of men and women, demonstrating what happens when both live in obedience to God’s design. Here is the first point, and we will read our text.
The Byproduct of Divine Order
The Byproduct of Divine Order
11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
One of the most bizarre thoughts to emanate from today’s evil society is that men don’t need women, and women don’t need men. Biologically impossible for babies to be conceived and born without male and female cooperation. It is beyond insanity to think or believe anything else. It is the way God created us.
In these two verses, the Holy Spirit states the obvious. Men need women. Women need men.
God does amazing things, does He not? Take the relationship between men and women. God created us with inequality. I mentioned this in my last message. There is no doubt about the hierarchy God has established. We will get to an excellent reason for it in a minute. However, for now, I want you to see how amazing God does things. Not only is there inequality, but there is also equality. Now, I know what you are thinking. How can there be inequality and equality at the same time? It has to be one or the other. With God, anything is possible. Note again that God states the man is not without the woman or the woman without the man; note carefully, IN THE LORD. Look again at verse 12 and the last clause there.
12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
You see, men and women are on equal footing before the Lord. In other words, both are born separated from God because of their inherent sinful nature. We are born sinners. Both men and women require a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Consequently, women are to submit to men (inequality), but men and women are to submit to Christ as their Lord and Savior (equality).
Note also that men and women are designed for mutual dependence. God created us in ways by which we complement one another. This is especially true when both a husband and wife are believers. I find it interesting when I am dealing with couples how much they are different from each other. Yet, God uses that positively as He makes them one flesh working together. The husband’s strengths offset the wife’s weaknesses and vice versa. As believers, it makes for a powerful dynamic that God can use in a mighty way. Not only do they learn to serve each other, but they serve alongside each other serving others.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Men and women are to use their talents and abilities for the Lord. We see this often in Scripture by the many men and women who served the Lord. A great example of this is found in the New Testament. Over in Acts 18, we read this.
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
This couple, Aquila and Priscilla, were great servants of the Lord. In this particular account, they helped Apollos by taking him into their home and expounding the things of God to him. Later, we know that Apollos was extensively used by the Lord. In fact, if you recall, early in our study of 1 Corinthians, how Apollos was named as a spiritual leader who influenced many for Christ. Apollos became such an outstanding gospel preacher that many came to know the Lord through him. Additionally, these excellent servants of the Lord became faithful companions to Paul. Paul noted in Romans 16:3
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Over in 1 Corinthians 16:19 we read.
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
This couple helped guide a young Apollos, assisted the apostle Paul, and even started a church in their own house.
Here is my point!
When a husband and wife follow God’s ordained design of submission and unity, they can accomplish amazing things for Him. There is harmony and production in that relationship.
By the way, if you fill a church with people who understand this basic principle, you will have a dynamic church strategically positioned for God’s use.
The concept of two people becoming “one flesh” goes way beyond sex and reproduction. It is about mutual dependence upon God and each other working in harmony to accomplish all that God desires.
It is the same concept God expects in local churches. Later, as we get into the coming chapters, we will see how God has uniquely designed each local church using people with different abilities and talents. As they submit to Him and each other following God’s Divine order, each local church becomes a finely tuned machine operating just as He intended. Yet, the only way that happens is when we empty ourselves of our desires and seek only to follow His will. Following His will begins with acknowledging and obeying the His determined order.
What then is the byproduct? The byproduct is a harmonious relationship resulting in God’s will being accomplished as He uses those relationships for Him.
Look at our text and note one important thing before moving to the next point.
12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
Remember when God created man and then woman? The only time a woman came from a man was at creation. Since then, it has been through the woman that men are created. That is the essence of verse 12.
Why did the Holy Spirit give us this verse? Primarily, it is for the male chauvinist. Some men would take these verses and use them as unscriptural means to lord over women. That is not the right attitude, nor is it something promoted in Scripture. All of us are of God. Note the phrase “but all things of God.” Yes, men and women have different roles. God is quite clear about that. However, both are equally important to God. When both men and women live according to God’s direction, that relationship has great harmony and balance. There may be differences in roles and responsibilities, but there is equality in nature, personhood, work, and spirit. Both men and women are created for God’s glorious purposes.
Men are to lead. Women help men in leading. Men are to teach. Women are to influence. In fact, women have the most significant impact when it comes to bearing and nurturing their children. Most men become the men they are because of the effect of their mothers. A woman can shape her son’s life uniquely and marvelously. Women are limited because they are not to usurp a man’s authority within a local church. Do not for a moment discount a woman’s role in developing men! Men are dependent upon women from the moment they are conceived. Married or single, men depend upon either their mothers or their wives. Even within the confines of the local church, men need women. They are the perfect complement to us men. God gave men the responsibility to direct, lead, and provide. For women, He gave them the responsibilities to help, support, and be faithful companions.
Here is the second point, and we are done.
This next point is about proof of God’s Divine order. An order that He ordained and established when He created us.
Nature’s Proof of Divine Order
Nature’s Proof of Divine Order
13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
Now the Holy Spirit puts us to the test. He says, “Judge in yourselves.” You be the judge. In other words, think about it with some common sense. He then places several questions before us to consider.
The first is this. “Is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?”
Now, remember the cultural context. It was a commonly accepted practice for a woman to cover her head as a symbol of subordination to her husband. Thus, the answer is yes. During that time, it was NOT “comely” or proper for a woman to pray with her head uncovered. Such an act was an act of rebellion.
Here is the second question. “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?”
This seems like an odd question to ask at first glance. However, we know that men and women have distinctive physiology even though there are idiots today who would argue against that. One of the distinctions between men and women is the process of hair growth. Hair, as scientifically proven, develops in three stages. There is the formation and growth stage. Next is the resting stage. Then, there is the fallout stage. Women produce estrogen, which causes the cycle to remain in stage one for longer than men. Thus, women’s hair tends to grow quicker and more prolonged than men’s. It is scarce to find a naturally bald woman. Few women reach the “fallout” stage, where all their hair falls out. However, if you dare to look around the room, you may find quite a few men in the beginning stage of “fallout” or have already completed that stage.
Nature then teaches us a very important fact.
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
By the way, you visit any culture around the world and you will find women cherish their hair.
Nature is a wonderful teacher.
14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
The word “nature” has the idea of instinct, an innate sense of what is normal and right. Thus, the Holy Spirit says to us, “Look around. What do you see? What is the natural process of hair growth for both men and women? Judge for yourself. It is the way I created you.” What does nature teach us? It is normal and proper for women to have long hair. A woman’s hair is God’s gift to her. It shows the softness and tenderness of a woman. God gave it to her as a “covering.” The word “covering” is the same word for veil. Thus it is her natural veil from God reminding her of the role He designed her. Ultimately, a woman’s hair and dress should be feminine, demonstrating her loveliness and submissiveness.
One of the things that society is seeking to distort today is the distinction between men and women. The transgender movement is designed to blur the lines between men and women. God, however, makes it clear that there must be no confusion about male and female identities. God made both males and females. There are very distinct sexes, both physiologically and relationally. God expects men to be men. However, as men, we must be responsible and loving as we lead our wives, children, and communities. God desires women to be women (feminine). By the same token, women must be responsible and loving in their submission to their husbands and church leaders.
Today, there is a big push to negate the Holy Spirit’s teaching in this area, not just in society but within so-called “religious” organizations/churches. Like in the days of Corinth, many are unsatisfied with God’s way and seek to disregard or modify it to suit themselves. Thus, the Holy Spirit states.
16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
Essentially, the Holy Spirit is saying that He has the last word. All that He is going to say on this matter has been said and it is enough. Here is the summation of His teaching from verse 3 to verse 15.
God designed relationships so that we might learn submission (verse 3). Men submit to God. Women submit to men.
3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
God divinely designed both men and women (verse 7). Men are the image and glory of God. Women are the image of God and the glory of men.
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
God definitively produced order at creation (verse 8). He created man first, then woman.
8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
God distinguishes the role of women (verse 9).
9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
God’s created natural world proves His design for men and women according to 1 Corinthians 11:13-15.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Let me wrap this up by reading verse 16 once again.
16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
All that God has stated in this chapter up to this point is final with God. Not that we are not to contend with God’s directives. The statement here that “we have no such custom, neither the churches of God” meant no other principle or pattern of behavior is to be accepted. Each believer and local church must be firmly committed to the fact that God made both males and females. Any teaching or ideology outside God’s divine design is to be rejected. Men are men, and God designed them to lead and provide for their families. Women are women, and God created them to support and submit to their fathers, their husbands, and the duly ordained church leadership. Additionally, men need to be masculine, and women need to be feminine. It is the way God ordained it. His Word is final.