Role Of Women In The Church
By Ron Boatwright
The Bible speaks of how women are to conduct themselves in worship. In 1 Timothy 2:11-13 we read, "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve." God’s word says it is not permitted which means it is forbidden. When we do things that are forbidden by God it is sin. It is sin, which separates man from God and sin will cause people to be eternally lost. In Genesis 3 we see what happened when Eve took the spiritual leadership over her husband and what happened when Adam failed to exercise spiritual leadership over his wife. Because of this Satan was able to introduce sin into the world.
During the worship of the church, women are not permitted by the Lord to preach, lead prayer, lead singing, or take a leading role over man. 1 Corinthians 14:34 says, "Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but they are to be submissive." Women are not to teach Bible classes where men are present, because they are not "to teach or to have authority over man". This does not preclude women from singing in the worship service or teaching children or lady's Bible classes. Many people do not approve of what God has said, but this is still God’s business. Who are we to question God?
God intends for women to be subordinate to men in worship. When a woman gets up before the church with men present to teach, preach, lead prayer or singing, or wait on the Lord's table, she is in violation of what God has commanded. She is perverting the worship of God. As a result of this rebellion, God is not worshipped in spirit and in truth. Worship becomes vain or useless when we follow the desires of men instead of what God has specified (Mark 7:7). For us to ignore what God has said, on this matter or any other, is spiritual anarchy and will result in horrible consequences. Let’s always follow what God says in the Bible. Going to Heaven must be our number one priority in this life.