JESUS, CHAMPION FOR WOMEN Romans 16:1-7

7.15.18 SUMMARY For centuries, committed Christians have disagreed on the role of men and women in the church. Regarding women specifically, those on the egalitarian side of the discussion believe that women are free to pursue any avenue of leadership and service as men—including the roles of and elder. Those on the complementarian side believe, in varying degrees, that women are equal to men, but that there are certain roles in the church that are reserved only for men. In extreme versions of , women are expected to fill domestic roles only—cooking, cleaning, caring for the children, and quietly supporting their husbands and can be met with suspicion if they have other interests also. There are also forms of complementarianism that open all avenues of leadership and service to women except for the unique roles of preaching, governing, and guarding, which belong to elders who, based on Scriptures like 1 Timothy 2:11-13 and Paul’s appeal to creation. Being a church that abides by the second, latter form of complementarianism, we believe that Scriptures like 1 Timothy mustn’t be dismissed as if they were mere cultural artifacts. At the same time, we believe that Scripture mandates a climate in which women are having influence on the same level as men. For this reason, Paul glowingly speaks of women like Mary, Prisca, Junia, and Phoebe—none of whom was in the background of the early church, and all of whom were at the forefront playing prominent roles. Prisca taught theology to Apollos, a leading preacher of the first century (Acts 18:18-28). Junia was a kindred spirit to Paul, and was “well known to the apostles.” Phoebe was a servant (Greek, diakonon or deacon) of her local church body. We also learn of Miriam and Anna who were prophets, Deborah and Esther who held powerful public positions, Tabitha who did works of mercy and charity, Lydia and the Proverbs 31 woman who ran successful businesses, and more. Under God, male and female are made to work together and alongside one another to accomplish God’s calling in the world. While roles may in some ways be different, both are major contributors and neither is superior to the other.

QUOTES & THOUGHTS FROM THE SERMON

“The justice behind God’s creation of male and female and his arrangement of the different roles he chose for them may not always be apparent to us. Why one and not the other? But should we expect our finitude to understand the infinite, omnipotent, wise, good, lovely, gracious justice of God? Perhaps some inkling resides in the dance of the sexes, by which we reveal truth about the inner life of the triune God. The rest is clothed in mystery, to which we yield, with full confidence that it is meant for our good.” - Kathy Keller, Jesus, Justice, and Gender Roles “I do not share Tim [Keller’s] complementarian views, [and yet] Tim and many others have come to their position about the roles of women in the church…based on Biblical study and deep reflection. I chose to submit to that view during my many years at Redeemer…I use the term “submit” intentionally. There are many things I have and will “submit” to in order to live out the life to which God has called me…I have worked at a church [that’s not complementarian] in which women, even when ordained, were marginalized more than those at Redeemer…Tim has lived out for me, and many others, how to live with Biblical integrity, humility, and generosity, even on—especially on—issues where we disagree.” - Katherine Alsdorf

“Human nature is like a drunk peasant. Lift him into the saddle on one side, over he topples on the other side.” -

“Deaconesses were appointed...to perform a public ministry of the Church toward the poor, and to labour with all zeal, assiduity, and diligence, in offices of charity.” -

GROUP QUESTIONS

From the sermon or your direct reading of Romans 16:1-7, share something that surprises, encourages, or challenges you.

Which of the ‘Quotes and Thoughts from the Sermon’ (see above) surprises, encourages, or challenges you the most, and why?

What is your initial reaction to things like the “egalitarian / complementarian” discussion referenced in the summary above? How are these things playing out (or not appearing to play out) in your own local context? What new insight, if any, have you gained from this discussion?

Read aloud the excerpt above from Katherine Alsdorf. In what ways does her statement impact you as you read it? What new thought or belief or action does it stir in you?

How might the following Scriptures, taken together with Romans 16:1-7, help us further understand the teaching of Scripture?

Genesis 1:26-27 Proverbs 31:10-31 Luke 10:38-39 Acts 2:15-18

CLOSE IN PRAYER

Consider using Acts 2:15-18 as the basis of your prayer.