The Warfare of Faithful Godliness - 1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2:

Introduction: Emphasize the Inward Adorning

Ater his introduction, Paul lays a clear charge to Timothy in chapter 1 and verses 19-20 to "war a good warfare" and "hold on to faith and a good conscience":

1 Timothy 1:19 — This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Paul then gives keys to keeping this challenge framed two-fold:

The shared and unique weaknesses of the flesh of both men and women, and
Then tension those create with God's expectation of faithful Godliness.

Paul highlights without being permissive the carnality and weaknesses of the flesh. He leads with the challenge to faithful Godliness, he continues with both the challenges and keys to keeping this charge, and then concludes the letter repeating the challenge.

1 Timothy 4:16 — Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

In chapter 2, Paul hits the nail on the head. Despite it presenting in different ways sometimes, its the same root problem both the Godly man and the Godly womean are wise to war a good warfare on — pride. To reduce any section of this letter to just "how women should dress" is missing the universal and provocative message. Men and women have a common enemy and if we can identify it, we can call it out and overcome it. These passages are are not artillary for legalism, but are Holy Ghost precision strikes on what was and is causing so many to lose out. Godly men and Godly women have jobs to do if we can mange to get out our own ways and allow God to lead us.

I. Godly Men and their Prayer Life, vs. 1-8

1 Timothy 2:1 — ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

key phrases:

first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness
and honesty: faith and verity.
men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting.

Prayer and Life. Leading through living a life of prayer. Every man, everywhere should pray -- out of a life of holy hands and without wrath and without doubting.

II. The Adorning of Godly Woman, vs. 9-15

1 Timothy 2:9-14 — ¶ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

key phrases:

In like manner also,
that women adorn themselves in modest apparel,
with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

A. "In like manner, also.."

How much is what Paul directs toward the Godly men, indirectly also applicable to Godly women? A woman cannot be a man, but should she ...

Pray? Should she maintain a prayer life in good conscience — clean hands and a pure heart?
Would such a life of prayer provide leadership and direction?
value honesty, faithfulness, and peaceables as virtues of the Godly women's life?

The key here is not that men and women are the same, but despite men and women having different natural strengths the spirit or principle of what makes a man Godly and having favor with God and man is the same principle for women. Depending on the time, culture, education, preparation and mere opportunity, the Godly life for men and women may look or appear different, but the spiritual principles are shared.

Also, and perhaps more vividly in the particular way chapter 2 is divided, it highlights not just the strenghts, but also the weaknesses of men and women. How despite those different weaknesses, the life of Godliness is still enjoined to both men and women.

B. Women Adorn themselves ...

adorn: to make more beautiful or attractive.

"Godly ladies, you are more than a pretty face!"