THE CASE FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN THE CHURCH

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.'

    

  









The theology that says that women are inferior to men is illogical and not scriptural given that we came from the womb of a woman. 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 is not saying it is a sin for a women to teach a man , if that was the case then female lecturers in universities and teachers should quit teaching , female medical 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 give  instructions to men on traffic patrols also female bankers should not give instructions to men on banking procedures, the teaching that says women are inferior leads to underdevelopment , marital failure and poverty in a nation: it is equal to saying  the tree that bore the fruit is inferior to its fruit. The teaching that a woman is inferior to men is the major reason behind the under development of the African continent where such teachings are popular. 

        The word ‘teach’ as used by Jews in Paul's era is the 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) teaching being 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 is not well defined in a home, it leads to chaos and the destruction of the family unit. 1Tim.2:11-13 was written 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.
      Despite his office as leader, when Moses was afflicted with a deadly illness it was the quick priestly  intervention of his African wife Zipporah  that saved him from death( Exodus 4:24-26): a proof that there is no such thing as a husband being more anointed than his wife; this type of thinking leads to the oppression and marginalization of women in the church .We are equally anointed in Christ (John15:16,1John 2:27) however, our roles differ administratively and should be treated with dignity and respect .
       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 through  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 prophet 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 over 735  years earlier (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.
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins against you, I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation, I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace to overcome oppression in Jesus name .
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