The Assembly of the Saints Lesson 4

1
The Assembly of the SaintsLesson 4 Should
Woman Speak in the Assembly?
2
The plan of God does not change with worldly
culture.

• We serve a God who has a plan to make us like
  Him. (Rom 829)

3
The plan of God does not change with worldly
culture.

• Romans 829 - For whom He foreknew, He also
  predestined to be conformed to the image of His
  Son, that He might be the firstborn among many
  brethren.

4
The plan of God does not change with worldly
culture.

• Men who do not completely submit to God will
  rebel at His ways.
• The question we are considering will be a major
  test for this generation.
• The battleground is found in how we view and
  interpret the scriptures. We can learn how to do
  this from Jesus and the apostles. (Eph 220 1
  Cor 1437)

5
The plan of God does not change with worldly
culture.

• Ephesians 220 - having been built on the
  foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
  Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

6
The plan of God does not change with worldly
culture.

• 1 Corinthians 1437 - If anyone thinks himself to
  be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge
  that the things which I write to you are the
  commandments of the Lord.

7
The plan of God does not change with worldly
culture.

• The way we handle this question will determine
  how we handle all questions concerning the
  Bible.
• To the man who opens his Bible with the desire to
  find the doctrine that comes from God, I
  believe it is easy to understand. (Jn 717)

8
The plan of God does not change with worldly
culture.

• John 717 - "If anyone wants to do His will, he
  shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is
  from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

9
The plan of God does not change with worldly
culture.

• When you approach it from feeding on human wisdom
  and the desire to please men, then you enter
  a world of confusion, bitterness and dishonesty.
  (Gal 110)

10
The plan of God does not change with worldly
culture.

• Galatians 110 - For do I now persuade men, or
  God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still
  pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of
  Christ.

11
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• We have specific instructions delivered by the
  apostle Paul. (1 Cor 1433-38)

12
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• 1 Corinthians 1433-37 - For God is not the
  author of confusion but of peace, as in all the
  churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep
  silent in the churches, for they are not
  permitted to speak but they are to be
  submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they
  want to learn something, let them ask their own
  husbands at home for it is shameful for women to
  speak in church.

13
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• 36 Or did the word of God come originally from
  you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If
  anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or
  spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things
  which I write to you are the commandments of the
  Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be
  ignorant.

14
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• Pauls instruction concerning women comes in the
  midst of instructions about the
  overall conduct of the assembly. (1 Cor 1440)

15
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• 1 Corinthians 1440 - Let all things be done
  decently and in order.

16
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• Paul makes it very clear that what he is teaching
  is what is taught everywhere, in all the
  churches of the saints and in the churches. (1
  Cor 1433-34)
• These are unquestionably the commandments of the
  Lord for all time!
• How do we understand and apply this passage?

17
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• Women are not to address the assembly. The
  speaking is defined by the context. Men also were
  not to address the assembly and keep silent in
  certain circumstances. (1 Cor 1428, 30)

18
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• 1 Corinthians 1428 - But if there is no
  interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and
  let him speak to himself and to God.

19
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• 1 Corinthians 1430 - But if anything is revealed
  to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.

20
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• While spiritual gifts are practiced in this
  assembly, the principles would also
  apply when the same action is accomplished
  through a study of Gods word.
• This was for all women and not just married
  women. These are broad statements Let your
  women keep silent and it is shameful for women
  to speak in church.

21
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• The option of asking husbands at home shows the
  alternative to asking a question in the
  assembly.
• The path for the married woman would show ways
  how the unmarried woman could act. Every group
  need not have specific instructions.
• This is dealing with the assembly where the whole
  church comes together. (1 Cor 1423)

22
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• 1 Corinthians 1423 - Therefore if the whole
  church comes together in one place, and all speak
  with tongues, and there come in those who are
  uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that
  you are out of your mind?

23
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• There are other circumstances where woman can
  freely speak! (Acts 1826 219)

24
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• Acts 1826 - So he began to speak boldly in the
  synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him,
  they took him aside and explained to him the way
  of God more accurately.

25
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• Acts 219 - Now this man had four virgin
  daughters who prophesied.

26
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• There are some things a woman could never do
  because of additional passages. We need to look
  more deeply at the broader role of women as it
  relates to submission in both Old and New
  Testament.

27
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• Questions to consider
• 1. How can we know what the will of God is on the
  role of women?
• 2. What keeps people from an honest
  interpretation of the Bible?
• 3. Do the instructions Paul gives in 1 Cor
  1433-37 only deal with Cornith and not other
  churches? If other churches then which ones?

28
What instructions are given concerning the
assembly?

• 4. What does silence mean in this context? Does
  this mean one cannot sing?
• 5. Is this addressing just married women? If so,
  does that mean single women could address the
  assembly?
• 6. Do these restrictions apply outside the
  assembly?

29
Why is womens role different than men?

• Paul points back to the law and to creation. (1
  Cor 112-12)

30
Why is womens role different than men?

• 1 Corinthians 112-12 - Now I praise you,
  brethren, that you remember me in all things and
  keep the traditions just as I delivered them to
  you. 3 But I want you to know that the head of
  every man is Christ, the head of woman is man,
  and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man
  praying or prophesying, having his head covered,
  dishonors his head.

31
Why is womens role different than men?

• 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with
  her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that
  is one and the same as if her head were shaved.
  6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be
  shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be
  shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 7 For a man
  indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is
  the image and glory of God but woman is the
  glory of man.

32
Why is womens role different than men?

• 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man.
  9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman
  for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought
  to have a symbol of authority on her head,
  because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, neither
  is man independent of woman, nor woman
  independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman
  came from man, even so man also comes through
  woman but all things are from God.

33
Why is womens role different than men?

• The trust of Pauls teaching is about subjection.
• This covers all men and all women, not just those
  who are married.
• The reasons for this deal with creation and not
  with culture.

34
Why is womens role different than men?

• 1. The glory in creation. (1 Cor 117)
• 2. Woman was created from man. (1 Cor 118)
• 3. Woman was created for man. (1 Cor 119)
• 4. Angels from creation also had to learn
  subjection. (1 Cor 1110)

35
Why is womens role different than men?

• Women also were to be in subjection in all her
  teaching. (1 Tim 28-15)

36
Why is womens role different than men?

• 1 Timothy 28-15 - I desire therefore that the
  men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands,
  without wrath and doubting 9 in like manner
  also, that the women adorn themselves in modest
  apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with
  braided hair or gold or pearls or costly
  clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women
  professing godliness, with good works.

37
Why is womens role different than men?

• 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all
  submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to
  teach or to have authority over a man, but to be
  in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then
  Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman
  being deceived, fell into transgression. 15
  Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if
  they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with
  self-control.

38
Why is womens role different than men?

• We could add one more reason for subjection the
  first sin was committed by Eve. (1 Tim 214)

39
Why is womens role different than men?

• All submission denotes a broad application and
  not just to marriage.
• The silence here denotes a spirit and never is an
  absolute silence. hesuchia - AV - silent 3,
  quietness 1 4 - 1) quietness 1a) description
  of the life of one who stays at home doing his
  own work, and does not officiously meddle with
  the affairs of others 2) silence

40
Why is womens role different than men?

• In the Old Testament we also see womens role
  different than mens.

41
Why is womens role different than men?

• Questions to consider
• 1. Why does Pauls appeal to creation show that
  this was not just a cultural restriction based on
  1st century culture?
• 2. Give the events of creation and Adam and Eve
  that subjection is based on.3. Does 1 Cor 11
  only deal with wives or is broader to all women?

42
Why is womens role different than men?

• 4. What additional instructions concerning the
  role of women doe we find in 1 Tim 2?
• 5. How could a woman have authority over a man?
• 6. Was the New Testament a complete revelation?
  What are the implications of this truth?

43
God has made us with social needs.

• Proverbs 1319-20 - A desire accomplished is
  sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to
  fools to depart from evil. 20 He who walks with
  wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools
  will be destroyed.

44
God has made us with social needs.

• God has always provided times of assembly and
  collective assemblies for His people.
• Under the Old Covenant there was an exclusive
  nation (Israel in contrast with the Gentiles
  or nations), a common place of worship (the
  temple), and various collective events (feast
  days and called assemblies).

45
God has made us with social needs.

• There were priests and elders who were to
  instruct the people. Staying true to the covenant
  was imperative. (Deut 279-10)

46
God has made us with social needs.

• Deuteronomy 279-10 - Then Moses and the priests,
  the Levites, spoke to all Israel, saying, "Take
  heed and listen, O Israel This day you have
  become the people of the LORD your God. 10
  "Therefore you shall obey the voice of the LORD
  your God, and observe His commandments and His
  statutes which I command you today."

47
God has made us with social needs.

• These provisions provided needed teaching and
  association for Gods people.
• What provisions does God give His people in the
  new covenant?

48
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• The people of God are called the body of Christ
  which is also called the church. (Eph
  122-23)

49
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• Ephesians 122-23 - And He put all things under
  His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things
  to the church, 23 which is His body, the
  fullness of Him who fills all in all.

50
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• The submission to the direction (authority) of
  the Lord is so complete that the
  relationship is likened to the head of a man that
  controls every part.
• What is the meaning of the word church in the
  New Testament?

51
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• Church - (1) in a general sense, as a gathering
  of citizens assembly, meeting (AC 19.32) .(3)
  as the assembled Christian community church,
  congregation, meeting (RO 16.5) (4) as the
  totality of Christians living in one place church
  (AC 8.1) (5) as the universal body of believers
  church (EP 1.22)

52
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• It is important to let the context of a passage
  determine the meaning of the word in that
  passage! When you hear the word church you
  should think of people. It can mean a
  gathering of unbelievers! (Acts 1932)

53
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• Acts 1932 - Some therefore cried one thing and
  some another, for the assembly was confused, and
  most of them did not know why they had come
  together.

54
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• There are three primary meanings of church when
  speaking of Gods people.
• The relationship of every Christian to the Lord.
  (Mt 1618 Eph 44)

55
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• Matthew 1618 - "And I also say to you that you
  are Peter, and on this rock I will build My
  church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail
  against it.

56
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• Ephesians 44 - There is one body and one Spirit,
  just as you were called in one hope of your
  calling

57
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• Christians in a specific location that are
  described as an identifiable flock under
  identifiable shepherds. We commonly call this a
  local church. (1 Pt 51-3 Phil 11 Acts
  1423)

58
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• 1 Peter 51-3 - The elders who are among you I
  exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of
  the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of
  the glory that will be revealed 2 Shepherd the
  flock of God which is among you, serving as
  overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not
  for dishonest gain but eagerly 3 nor as being
  lords over those entrusted to you, but being
  examples to the flock

59
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• Philippians 11 - Paul and Timothy, bondservants
  of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ
  Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and
  deacons

60
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• Acts 1423 - So when they had appointed elders in
  every church, and prayed with fasting, they
  commended them to the Lord in whom they had
  believed.

61
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• It can men an assembly of the local church. (1
  Cor 1423, 34-35)

62
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• 1 Corinthians 1423 - Therefore if the whole
  church comes together in one place, and all speak
  with tongues, and there come in those who are
  uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that
  you are out of your mind?

63
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• 1 Corinthians 1433-35 - For God is not the
  author of confusion but of peace, as in all the
  churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep
  silent in the churches, for they are not
  permitted to speak but they are to be
  submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they
  want to learn something, let them ask their own
  husbands at home for it is shameful for women to
  speak in church

64
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• Questions
• 1. Why do we need to have relationships with
  other Christians?
• 2. What is the root meaning of the word church?
• 3. Should local churches exist? Prove it from
  scripture.
• 4. What are the three primary meanings of the
  word church in the N.T.?

65
God makes provisions for His people, the church

• 5. May a Christian chose not to be a part of a
  local church and still please God? Explain your
  answer!

66
What does a local church do?

• What did God provide for the 1st Christians in
  Jerusalem? (Acts 242)

67
What does a local church do?

• Acts 242 - And they continued steadfastly in the
  apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the
  breaking of bread, and in prayers.

68
What does a local church do?

• From the very beginning God had a plan to build
  His people up.
• The zeal and faith of men converted to the Lord
  made it natural that they seek one anothers
  company in their everyday lives. (Acts 244-47)

69
What does a local church do?

• Acts 244-47 - Now all who believed were
  together, and had all things in common, 45 and
  sold their possessions and goods, and divided
  them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So
  continuing daily with one accord in the temple,
  and breaking bread from house to house, they ate
  their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
  47 praising God and having favor with all the
  people. And the Lord added to the church daily
  those who were being saved.

70
What does a local church do?

• There is a collective work and responsibility in
  a local church and an individual responsibility.
  (1 Tim 516)

71
What does a local church do?

• 1 Timothy 516 - If any believing man or woman
  has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let
  the church be burdened, that it may relieve those
  who are really widows.

72
What does a local church do?

• What instructions did God give the elders of
  local churches? (Acts 2028-32)

73
What does a local church do?

• Acts 2028-32 - "Therefore take heed to
  yourselves and to all the flock, among which the
  Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd
  the church of God which He purchased with His own
  blood. 29 "For I know this, that after my
  departure savage wolves will come in among you,
  not sparing the flock.

74
What does a local church do?

• 30 "Also from among yourselves men will rise up,
  speaking perverse things, to draw away the
  disciples after themselves. 31 "Therefore watch,
  and remember that for three years I did not cease
  to warn everyone night and day with tears. 32
  "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to
  the word of His grace, which is able to build you
  up and give you an inheritance among all those
  who are sanctified.

75
What does a local church do?

• The elders were to be careful to feed the flock
  the pure word of God.
• They were also to watch for dangers that would
  come!
• Elders were to ultimately submit to the Chief
  Shepherd. They were to do this
  through teaching the apostles doctrine! (1 Cor
  1437 112 Jn 1613)

76
What does a local church do?

• 1 Corinthians 1437 - If anyone thinks himself
  to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge
  that the things which I write to you are the
  commandments of the Lord.

77
What does a local church do?

• The elders taught the members in various ways.
• The elders did call some together to give
  instruction. (Acts 2118-19)

78
What does a local church do?

• Acts 2118-19 - On the following day Paul went in
  with us to James, and all the elders were
  present. 19 When he had greeted them, he told in
  detail those things which God had done among the
  Gentiles through his ministry.

79
What does a local church do?

• The general instruction to teach could include
  various arrangements such as Bible classes.
• There was a required assembly where the whole
  church was to assemble. (1 Cor 1117-18, 33
  1423 161-2)

80
What does a local church do?

• 1 Corinthians 1117-18 - Now in giving these
  instructions I do not praise you, since you come
  together not for the better but for the worse.
  18 For first of all, when you come together as a
  church, I hear that there are divisions among
  you, and in part I believe it.

81
What does a local church do?

• 1 Corinthians 1133 - Therefore, my brethren,
  when you come together to eat, wait for one
  another.

82
What does a local church do?

• 1 Corinthians 1423 - Therefore if the whole
  church comes together in one place, and all speak
  with tongues, and there come in those who are
  uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that
  you are out of your mind?

83
What does a local church do?

• 1 Corinthians 161-2 - Now concerning the
  collection for the saints, as I have given orders
  to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also
  2 On the first day of the week let each one of
  you lay something aside, storing up as he may
  prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

84
What does a local church do?

• Questions
• 1. What did the Apostles instill in every
  Christian after their baptism in Acts 242?
  What do each of these things mean?

85
What does a local church do?

• Acts 242 - And they continued steadfastly in
  the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the
  breaking of bread, and in prayers.

86
What does a local church do?

• 2. What things did the Lord command that require
  the participation of other Christians?
• 3. Is the work of the Lord exclusively
  accomplished through the collective actions of
  Christians? What responsibilities does a
  Christian have that a local church does not?
• 4. What is the primary function of a local
  church? How do we know this?

87
What does a local church do?

• 5. How is a local church to carry out the work of
  building up its members? What things fall under
  general authority (expediency) and what things
  are specified?
• 6. May a church arrange Bible classes for its
  members in addition to the single assembly of the
  whole church?