Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
“Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.” 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
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We prefer freedom to self-restraint, and yet self-restraint is the message of today’s Scripture.
Some may quickly and simply rebel.
“Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!” Psalm 2:3.
Others may be more crafty and careful and try to lead others into their desires.
“We need more teachers in church.”
But, both groups are wise in their own eyes.
The purpose of this devotion is to present only three things to consider and some concluding Scriptures.
First, let us remember the theme of this chapter: “… so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:2-3. Notice the “Likewise” to start the paragraph. If modest and submissive self-restraint helps by being a part of that tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity which leads to salvation, then let us do it.
Second, but even if it is a random and unconnected and odd teaching, these goals of modesty, submission, and self-restraint are not foreign concepts to Scripture. We see them enough elsewhere in Scripture and understand their value. We may not understand the Adam-Eve reason for this requirement, but we should at least recognize its existence; that this teaching was important enough to include a reason for it. Let us trust God and obey His Word.
Third, God is sovereign and has the authority to regulate our worship and conduct. We may think it is unfair, but what is fair about salvation? We do not deserve mercy and cannot demand it. Punishment is what we deserve for our sins. Such modesty, submission, and self-restraint is a small price for us to pay.
“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 26:12.
“But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” Luke 12:5.
“But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.” Luke 19:27.
“Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:25.
“11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:11-12.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 