This week's sermon at Riverwood Church challenged us to look beyond the surface-level debates and controversies often surrounding scripture, focusing instead on the core message of love, prayer, and pursuit of God. Erin, our teaching pastor, used a relatable anecdote about a flower delivery manager's intense reaction to a minor detail to illustrate how easily we can get bogged down in insignificant issues and miss the bigger picture. This perfectly set the stage for our exploration of 1 Timothy 2, a chapter often sparking heated discussions.
Before diving into the sermon, Erin shared some exciting news from the Riverwood family. Sunny's safe arrival, Jake and Grace's new baby born on Super Mario Day, and the Wartburg wrestling team's national championship tie brought joy and celebration to our community. He also highlighted the church's continued support of Compassion International, providing aid to children in poverty, and our recent Christmas Impact gift to Northside Neighborhood Church, strengthening their children's ministry. A special thanks was extended to the Riverwood family for their generous giving and unwavering commitment to our mission of inviting spiritually disconnected individuals to find and follow Jesus. Erin also announced a serving opportunity at Pine Lake Camp for men and women 18 and older, with details available on the church website. First-time guests received a $5 donation to Compassion International for completing a connection card.
Erin acknowledged the complexities and often contentious nature of 1 Timothy 2, a chapter frequently debated regarding the roles of men and women in church leadership. Instead of delving into the controversy itself, he focused on four key principles, each beginning with the letter "P," to guide our understanding: Prayer, Pursuit, Peacefulness, and Properness.
Prayer: A Practice of Inclusion
The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer for all people, as highlighted in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a call to action, urging us to pray for everyone – rich or poor, Jew or Gentile, regardless of background or status. This inclusive approach to prayer reflects God's desire for the salvation of all, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:4. Erin encouraged us to pray specifically for leaders in all aspects of our lives – from presidents and governors to our bosses and coaches – asking for wisdom, faith, and Godly decisions in their roles.
Pursuit: A Life of Learning
The concept of "pursuit" was linked to the verse in 1 Timothy 2:11, "Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness." Erin clarified that this "quietness" refers to a gentle and respectful demeanor, not enforced silence. He used the example of Priscilla, a woman who actively taught and spoke in the early church, to demonstrate that women have always played vital roles in spreading the Gospel. This verse, Erin explained, is not a restriction but a radical command in its historical context, where women were often denied education. The pursuit of Christ through learning is a call for both men and women, reflecting Paul's own relentless pursuit of God even in his old age, as evidenced in 2 Timothy 4:13.
Peacefulness: A Posture of Influence
Peacefulness, Erin argued, is essential for both men and women. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 instructs women to be quiet, but this principle extends to men as well (1 Timothy 2:8-9). Men are called to set a tone of peace in their families and workplaces, fostering an environment of understanding and respect rather than anger or apathy. This peaceful posture allows us to be more aware of those around us and to influence them positively.
Properness: A Life of Dignity
Properness, or living a life of dignity and in accordance with sound doctrine, is crucial. Erin referenced Titus 2:1 and Ephesians 5, highlighting Paul's call for proper behavior, avoiding immorality and greed. This properness is reflected in men's prayerful demeanor and women's modest attire. He contextualized Paul's instructions on attire within the cultural context of Ephesus, where the Temple of Artemis and its association with prostitution influenced the understanding of immodest dress. Erin emphasized that the response to immodesty should be prayerful, assuming a lack of knowledge rather than judgment. The Holy Spirit, he explained, guides our choices, including our clothing choices. Properness applies to both men and women; it's about living a life that reflects the glory of God.
The sermon concluded with a powerful invitation to surrender to Jesus, acknowledging his sacrifice and resurrection. Erin reminded us that Jesus, having risen from the dead, holds all authority and invites us into a relationship with Him as the ultimate, sinless King. He encouraged us to reflect on 1 Timothy 2, to pray for spiritual health, and to participate in communion as a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice and God's unwavering grace. The service ended with a heartfelt invitation for those who haven't yet surrendered to Jesus to accept Him and make that day their spiritual birthday.
