GENDER EQUALITY IN THE HOUSE OF GOD

Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi

Gal 3:28 "There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither bond nor
free, there is neither male nor female, For ye are all one in Christ Jesus.'
     There is no man that did not come out of the womb of a woman .Therefore the theology that says that women are inferior to men is illogical and un-scriptural. These teachers often misrepresent the scriptures in 1 Tim 2:11-13 which says “ Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve”.KJV . this scripture does not mean that it’s a sin for a man to be taught by a woman, if that was the case then female doctors and nurses should not instruct  male patients on drug usage and mothers should not instruct their grown sons on life’s issues, and female police traffic wardens should not instruct men on traffic patrols also female bankers should not instruct men on banking procedures, the teaching that women are inferior leads to underdevelopment and poverty.
        The word ‘teach’ as used by Jews  is a Hebrew  word ‘lamadh’ which means to discipline ,to beat with a rod of correction , it is a term which describes the process of disciplining and training men in war, religion and life (Isa 2:3; Hos 10:11; Mic 4:2). As teaching is both a condition and an accompaniment of disciplining (2 Chron 17:7; Ps 71:17; Prov 5:13). The glory of teaching was its harmony with the will of God, its source in God's authority, and its purpose to secure spiritual obedience (Deut 4:5,14; 31:12-13) (ISBE). What Paul meant was that women should not usurp the divine authority of their husbands; this is to ensure order and peace in the society. Whenever authority isn’t defined in a home, it leads to chaos and the destruction of the family. 1Tim.2:11-13 is an instruction to the married only.   
     The role of women in society building cannot be overemphasized. In the Old Testament, Miriam -  Moses’ older sister, was a primary participant in the deliverance of Israel from their oppressors. She saved Moses’ life in a perilous time through her courage. Exo.2:3-4, Exo. 2:7-8. She was also a worship leader and prophetess. Exo. 15:20-21. Music ministry is most effective when led by a person with a prophetic anointing such as Miriam.She was a leader with Moses and Aaron( Mic 6:4.) and was as important to the Jews just as Moses and Aaron.
     She was afflicted when she attempted to usurp  Moses’ authority. Acting beyond one’s spiritual office and anointing always spells doom. When our confidence is based on something that’s unproven, it leads to disaster.(Num. 12:1, Num 12:10, Num. 12:13-15 exercising leading authority can lead to arrogance and pride which can destroy.
       Another woman of honour is Deborah: a married woman who held two offices ( political leadership and a prophetess) Under Deborah's leadership, the Israelites were delivered from a twenty-years long occupation by a woman- led army. She was the chief judge of the supreme court of her time ( Judges 4:4-5)she fulfilled God’s purpose of co-regency of the sexes (Judges5:13). Another example of a woman who was able to balance the pendulum of divine authority was Isaiah's wife, she was a mother and Prophetess.( Isaiah 8:3) her presence in Isaiah's life gave him a distinct advantage over other Prophets. This explains why Isaiah so accurately foretold the sufferings of Jesus Christ (Isaiah53:2-9)
Women should be given equal rights and privileges just as their male counterpart for this is the will of God for humanity.
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