Having considered the Biblical roles for women and the qualities of godliness and submission, the remaining question is: how should we apply this to our present situation? How do these descriptions and instructions fit within the framework of unity within the body of Christ? What follows are eight points of guidance for women in the church today.
Firstly, it is important to remember to submit to God’s leadership. This is the point that Adam and Eve failed to remember and it continues to be a stumbling block for people today. God placed order in both his creation and his church.[1] He provides a ‘blueprint’ for how his church should be run.[2] Following the example of Christ, we should humbly accept God’s rule and seek to obey his commands.
Secondly, both men and women are important to God. Men and women are made in the image of God.[3] They will both have an inheritance in the new creation.[4]
Thirdly, God places a hierarchy within humanity to ensure his creation is orderly, and prescribes how households and churches should operate.[5] This involves men and women taking on different complementary roles. Just as Jesus does not try to overthrow the Father but rather submits to his plans, so women are given positions that require submission to men.[6] Under Christ, male leadership is at the head of the church.[7]
Fourthly, sinfulness quickly disrupts the order of creation as God’s authority is ignored and humanity strives against one another for the upper hand.[8] Genesis 3:16b shows the effects of the fall with dominance destroying the order that God created.
Fifthly, our failure to accept the differences in roles of men and women is an effect of the fall. In the church and in the home, we should be striving to see God’s order reinstated. There will often be situations we find uncomfortable or difficult to handle, but in each case we need to strive for obedience.
Sixthly, women are expected to learn and be active participants in the church. Paul reminds his audience of this in his teaching about maintaining order and peace in church meetings. Women are instructed to carry out these tasks with due humility and submission to God.[9]
Seventhly, spiritual gifts are given for the benefit of the church and receipt of a particular spiritual gift does not necessarily imply a right to a leadership role. A church member with gifts of leadership might consider whether they have been given other gifts that could be more beneficial for the church at the present time. Too often human beings are preoccupied with what they cannot do and fail to do properly the things they are allowed to do. As part of God’s church, women need to discern how to use God’s gifts for the within the structure he has set.
Eighthly, submission and humility are central features in the Bible’s description of a godly woman. Submission, like love, requires a choice and a determination to persevere. Godly behaviour and attitude are often just as important as the roles women undertake. Deborah was a ‘strong, independent woman who is a person of integrity and faithfulness’.[10] Deborah maintained her status as a woman and submits to the male leadership over her, trusting that God has everything under his control. As Grudem states,
‘For all generations, Deborah will serve as an example of faith, courage, worship, love for God, and godly wisdom. We must be careful not to let the disputes over Deborah cloud our appreciation for her or diminish the honour that Scripture accords to her.’[11]
[1] Genesis 1:26-30, and the covenant structure of Leviticus. Grudem, Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth, 109. Also, Knox, D.B, Selected Works, Volume II: Church and Ministry (Kingsford: Matthias Media, 2003) 201-203
[2] Milne, B., Know the Truth, 346
[3] Genesis 1:27
[4] Galatians 3:28
[6] Mark 14:36, Philippians 2:6, Ephesians 5:22.
[7] Ephesians 5:23, Titus 1:5
[8] Goldsworthy, G., According to Plan, 133
[9] 1 Timothy 2:11
[10] Idestrom, R.G.S., ‘Deborah: A Role Model for Christian Public Ministry’. Women, Ministry and the Gospel (M. Husbands and T. Larson [Eds.], Illinois: IVP, 2007) 18
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