Topic: Worship
Once again the focus is on First Timothy. In Chapter 1 we learned the focus of the message of the church is Jesus. Chapter 2 teaches us that we should properly “worship” the one from whom the message comes. Let me remind you that worship is not about the audience but about the Almighty. Worship is not so much about us but about Him. It’s not for us but for Him. You can argue all you want about style, performance, music and length, but the bottom line is that worship is encountering, experiencing, enjoying and exalting God. What did Paul have to say about worship?
The Priority of Prayer (1-7) - Prayer should be our first resolve not our last resort. Worship comes first, and in worship prayer comes first. Paul’s request that all believers pray in all kinds of prayers from intercessions to thanksgivings. In verse 1 he says, “I urge, then, first of all.” That means first in importance; the most important thing. We combat errors and heresies by getting on our knees in prayer. We must pray about disharmony on the inside and any obstacles on the outside. Prayer is good for those praying and the ones being prayed for.
The Participation of People (8-15) - There were people in the church who loved controversy and promoted strife. Some were doctrinally confused. Paul addresses men in verse 8 to “…pray and lift up holy hands without wrath and dissension.” Raising their palms upward and open to heaven was to symbolize their inner openness to God and their desire to offer praise to God and to obtain a gift from Him. It is not to be considered a commandment but it was a common practice of that day to pray with their hands raised. Posture in prayer does not render the prayer more or less effective, but it often reflects the inner attitude of the person praying.
Paul’s Address to Women (9-15) - He teaches on how to dress and “what to discern.” Dress modestly. Use some common sense. Be sensible. There’s nothing wrong with fashion but don’t be a show-off. Paul is not demeaning women in verses 11-15. The focus in worship should be God—not about what you are wearing. It is easy to get distracted in worship when we focus on the wrong things. While their dress was an issue, their attitude was Paul's true concern. He instructed them to “dress modestly and discreetly” and worship God. The contrast is between works and wardrobe. It is not unscriptural for a woman to want to be attractive. Today, however, to what degree should women take this advice about fixing their hair or wearing gold, pearls or expensive clothes? Paul was not prohibiting these things; he was simply saying that women should not be drawing attention to themselves through these things in worship.
Paul is saying that women should have a teachable spirit, and should understand her role as God prescribed. Paul was banning disruptive behavior rather than enforcing complete silence on women in a worship setting. The normative principle is that a woman should not carry out the role of a senior pastor.
Understanding our role in God’s kingdom will bring a filling of satisfaction. Let’s all make it our aim to worship the one who is worthy—Jesus is his name.
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem