Behavior in Church as Women of Christ

May we use our words for action? Or our silence for so, as well? Many things can be used to glorify God, as they can be an act, blessing, sacrifice, conviction, or more, for Him. For this reason, we can make meals not only for nourishment, but for celebration and as a way to show love. We can mend things not merely for the purpose of fixing them, but to show love to another, and to use such as a gift. So, things may be used for Godly outcomes and reasonings, like an expression of love, thankfulness, and so on; even if one is without God, as God is recognized through the conviction and belief of using things for good.

So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them (Romans 2:15 Berean Study Bible)

Now, how come when we are commanded to not speak in church, such gives room to great disagreement? Are our words merely so, and not able to be used for singing, fellowship, prayer, or the like? Of course not, so, let us not be troubled as we are instructed to not speak in church, but rather to remain quiet.

11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. (1 Timothy 2:11 - 12 English Standard Version)

33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. (1 Corinthians 14:33 - 35 English Standard Version)

Why, our words and silence, along with many other subjects, can be used greatly by our Lord, if we adhere to His guidance for when to use and act with such.

"I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”" (Psalm 122:1 ESV)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 English Standard Version)

What may Quietness Lead to?

A lack of words, or a quietness, leads to opportunity; for the word says, “If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church” (1 Corinthians 14:35 English Standard Version). By being quiet in church, a wife gives her husband an opportunity to answer the question for her spiritual growth, and see her respect for not only him, but more importantly her reverence for Jesus Christ. Also, a question to the husband may give him a chance to search the Scriptures for deeper meaning, and therefore reward, as he is responsible for her spiritual learning in great manners, as she is well, yet he is to present her without blemishes, or any such thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:15 – 27 English Standard Version)

Now, there may be some who are still weary of asking the husband a question, as he in particular may be known not to have an answer; yet, the faithful following of seeking to learn, through him, removes the wife of any blame for a lack of leading on his part. So, may encouragement be found as the Lord blesses the blameless.

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! (Psalm 119:1 English Standard Version)

The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; (Psalm 37:18 English Standard Version)

From the Lord, our quietness in church does not only bless the husband and ourselves, but it gives a sense of respect to another, as we are listening.

21 “Men listened to me and waited and kept silence for my counsel. 22 After I spoke they did not speak again, and my word dropped upon them. 23 They waited for me as for the rain, and they opened their mouths as for the spring rain. 24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence, and the light of my face they did not cast down. (Job 29:21 - 24 English Standard Version)

Silence was given to other saints, and it was expressed as a former blessing of Job, as men were attentive to his counsel. So, by quietness in church, we may show the same respect and attentiveness to God's order. As God blesses those who follow His ways, may encouragement also be found in understanding such.

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! (Psalm 128:1 English Standard Version)

Why, are we not thankful when one listens to us? Is it not respectful to be silent, and not interrupt, when authority is teaching or giving instruction? Consider the authority of students being their teachers, and how they ought to remain quiet when one is speaking, yet talk when given the time to. Likewise, an employee remains quiet when his head at work is speaking or giving a presentation, and chimes in when appropriate. So, as it may be recognized, may we know that it is good wait quietly for the Lord, and act when He tells us to.

It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Lamentations 3:26 English Standard Version)

Still, how often is it that we can be found front at the front of church, speaking of something, whether that may be an announcement, update, or the like, or leading the church into prayer? For what reason is there to speak many words through announcements and the like, when we may let His leaders do so? Inasmuch, we may give our church leaders an opportunity to share the announcement, lead the prayer, and to show their shepherding of the body, for their eternal benefit, and for ours.

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35 New King James Version)

Words for Actions

As it may be gleaned, that quietness can give opportunity, may such be asked: As a woman uses her words in church, is it to merely speak? Or is it to praise the Lord in His house? Sing songs for Him? Join in prayer? Or to fellowship with another, after the service of learning? Thanks be to the Lord for His word showing us how our words are so influential, that they need limits and guidance. As if our words are not for God in His house, when His church leaders give the time to sing, pray, and so on, by His Instruction, then they ought to be held.

A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; (Ecclesiastes 3:7 English Standard Version)

For much can be learned from being quiet and watching, along with fostering humility, from God. If we are not quiet in Him, then we may find it harder to be guided by the Holy Spirit. After all, we want to see if we are being led by the Holy Spirit in His house, so that we do not begin to speak out of turn or deviate, knowingly or not. Now, I hope that we do not look to use our words very often and all the time in church, as there are times to sing, pray, and to only listen.

17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. 18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. (2 Peter 2:17-18 English Standard Version)

Likewise, may encouragement be found in understanding that God finds the gentle and quiet spirit very precious, and it would be a great blessing to be viewed of such in His gathering.

but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. (1 Peter 3:4 English Standard Version)

So, as we are not simply speaking in church, but rather being quiet, we carry great influence for order, opportunity, and peace, in Him. Moreover, God favors our silence and the like. He uses us greatly when we are quiet in Him, and therefore we may bring glory to Him. Let us be mindful of our valuable words, as there may be many of us in church who follow this instruction unknowingly.

Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! (Psalm 150:1 English Standard Version)

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. (Proverbs 10:19 English Standard Version)

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'What if I am not married and I have a question?'

We do not want to burden the pastor with our questions when we can give another the opportunity to be a light to us, and therefore have the please the Lord by their helping of us, and when we can find a different perspective from another member, or empathy.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10 English Standard Version)

If we are not married, then we may look for other appropriate resources for answers. Would it be quiet time? A family member? Commentary? Friend? Or an older woman? Preferably, may the older women teach us the things that are greatly pertaining to us, as the Bible instructs, and as it is good for both of our eternal standings, having asked a question, and therefore giving an opportunity for the older woman to work out the Scriptures.

3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (Titus 2:3-5 English Standard Version)

Now, may we still be considerate of the relationship(s) of the person/subject we learn from. There may be a number of resources available before asking someone who is an elder in church, or alike; and the look of us asking an elder a question, especially one-on-one and privately, may not be good when there are other subjects that could answer our question already. So, may we not fall to temptation or be too eager to learn from a new source, that may not be appropriate for us, as Eve was tempted to gain from a new and inappropriate one as well. For our Lord would not forsake us to the look that is not of Him, but instead, our repentance and a way to Him is always available, so may His rescue be sought and accepted.

Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22 King James Version)

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 English Standard Version)

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. (James 1:13 English Standard Version)

then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, (2 Peter 2:9 English Standard Version)

The notion does not only include men as elders, but women as well. Seeking to glean from an elder, and not by his preaching or sermons, may give way to jealousy by his wife. As the wife is to ask her husband questions regarding what she desires to learn, other women should do the same, as the Bible expresses so, and as we would not like our husbands teaching specifically women, instead of the body.

The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31 English Standard Version)

Also, may older women be kept in mind too. Sometimes, we may grow close to an older woman who serves as a mentor, yet let her continue to be a mentor, and let us continue to treat her like a mother, as well being mindful of her other children if she has them, especially her daughter(s).

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3 English Standard Version)

older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. (1 Timothy 5:2 English Standard Version)

We do not want to give any room for jealousy, to the daughters who are struggling spiritually, or not. Also, a mother and father will answer for their child rearing and the like, so may there be room given for such to improve, as we may find mentors, but a relationship like so cannot be replaced, yet restored. Nonetheless, this is not to cause sadness, but thankfulness as we can have a mentor for a season, serving as a blessing for the both of us, before moving on from needing a mentor or being sharpened by that specific one. From such, we now may recall the Lord and His kind deeds from giving us so in the season.

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. (Psalm 77:11 English Standard Version)

“You do not have to follow this Instruction; it was a different time.”

Now then, we may hear that our Holy Instruction is only useful for certain time periods, or that some parts are to be done away with, yet such is not true. As the law was not done away with, but used for grace, by it being fulfilled by Jesus Christ, why would our new commands be disregarded? Likewise, a new command, if followed, allows us to be Sarah’s daughters, showing that such instruction is consistent, continual, and previously practiced. (1 Peter 3:1-6).

So, if it were the case, that we are no longer to apply God's Instruction today, then what else may we disregard from the Bible, as the time that He created is continually progressing forward? God forbid.

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that,15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:14 - 15 English Standard Version)

For our God is alive, and He is the Word, so may we not suggest that we should leave parts of Him behind. In any case, it is important to understand that as the time changes, we should still adopt the commands that we are to hold, regardless of if the surrounding cultures that do not coincide with the Bible. Such oppositions have been withstanding since the beginning, and they are not new. By great oppositions, comes great, Godly reward, and proof of His good word.

10“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10 – 12 English Standard Version)

Thereby, we should still apply His Instruction, so that we may glorify Him in showing that His Word is true and useful all the time. We are to be peculiar, the salt of the earth, and set apart, and following his Word makes us become such.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; (1 Peter 2:9 King James Version)

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 English Standard Version)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16 English Standard Version)

May a great working of Him take place in His house, as when we are silent and still in Him, and as such gave goodness to other, fellow saints.

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (Exodus 14:14 English Standard Version)

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! (Psalm 37:7 English Standard Version)

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3 English Standard Version)

Takeaway

"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Luke 12:27 ESV

There is a difference between praise, worship, prophecy, prayer, and speaking; and there are times for all. As for mere speaking, the time for such is not during a church service. For church service is for serving, and using our songs and actions for the Lord, as we enter His House.

So then, may Sunday schools, women’s Bible studies, functions, and ministries not be confused with the formal assembly or gathering. Nonetheless, we ought to practice going without speaking in church so that we may humble ourselves, learn, be attentive, and helpful in not quenching the Holy Spirit for others, and for ourselves.

Withal, the variations in behavior and convictions of women in different churches should align with Scripture. If a church has convictions of wearing a veil, skirts, or going without makeup for women, may we then not come without a quiet spirit by not adhering to such, if it is known beforehand. Let us not cause stumbling or deviation of attention from God, but instead remain submitting out of reverence, mindful, or cautious towards the conviction or standard.

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-21 English Standard Version)

May we not argue against their convictions, as how we all may give up objects to the Lord, from our hearts, is good. So, may there be self-control in varying convictions, hopefully all coming from genuine faith, as we have freedom for such.

22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:22 – 23 English Standard Version)

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (Romans 12:9 English Standard Version)

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16 English Standard Version)

May our actions not be vain, and let us have discretion if we use our words in service for the Lord.

As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. (Proverbs 11:22 English Standard Version)

God bless, you!

Claire Belle