Wives are not the glory of God: Grooming Your Bride P/2

Read Part One HERE
 

 In this post I will continue to share from the article "7 Steps To Groom Your Young Bride" by Larry Solomon. This article can be found on his website Biblical Gender Roles.

Step #2a You must learn and embrace Biblical gender roles.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) 

Larry Solomon: "An understanding and full acceptance of the doctrines of the Bible concerning gender roles is a critical step for you as a husband to begin the grooming process with your wife."

According to Larry Solomon the doctrines of the Bible concerning gender roles include the following:

Larry Solomon: "In Genesis 9:6 we read that man, as in mankind, men and women, are made in the "image of God." However, the Bible tells us that male human beings are just made in the image of God, but it tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:7 of the male human being that "he is the image and glory of God." What this means is that while men and women equally reflect God's nature in their common human traits they diverge in equally reflecting God in their distinct male and feminine traits. In other words, God's nature is most accurately reflected by the masculine human nature, not the feminine human nature...."

My Comment

In Genesis 1:26 we read                                                                                                                         "Then God said, "Let U make man in Our image, in Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

In Genesis 5:2 we read                                                                                                                              "He created them male and female and blessed them. And when they were created He called them "man".

From the above we know that God called both the man and the woman "man" or "Adam". Moreover, we know that the male "man" and the female "man" were both made in the image and likeness of God according to Genesis 1:26.                                                                                                                           As for only the male human being the image and glory of God in 1 Corinthians 11:7, these words are not Paul's words but are words from some of the religious leaders in the Church in Corinth. These words are clearly contradictory to the Genesis account.                                                                                      As for God's nature being most accurately reflected by the masculine human nature, God is neither male nor female for He is Spirit (John 4:24).

P.S. I will continue to look in my next three posts at Step #2 You must learn and embrace Biblical gender roles. 

Read Part Three HERE

Husbands are in charge: Grooming Your Bride P/1

                               

 Today I will begin to share a series of blog posts on a subject you very likely have never heard of, namely Christian Domestic Disciple, of which wife spanking is a part. In case you do not believe that it is happening, let me assure you that it is!

I will start by quoting from a website Biblical Gender Roles. The host Larry Solomon has written an article "7 Steps To Grooming Your Young Bride." He brings up 7 points. In this post I will focus on the first point.

Step #1 Un-learn what you culture has taught you 

"And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good , and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."  Romans 12:2 (KJV)

Larry Solomon:"God calls us to un-learn the false teaching of this world that we have been conditioned with our entire lives. This will require a radical world view change for  both you and your wife. One of the hardest changes to make for many couples is the rejection of the adult/child paradigm. Our modern culture teaches us that there are only two primary social classes, adults and children. Children have limited rights until they reach adulthood and then they have full autonomy. The Bible does not recognise that adult/child paradigm but rather it specifies three primary classes of people within society and those are men, women and children. Under God's law the social class of men are the only ones who have full autonomy. Women are to be under authority of men in the home, the church and society at large. And children are to honour and obey their fathers and mothers."

My Comment                                                                                                                                                  In Genesis 1:26-28 we read of the creation of the first man and the first woman by God. At that time He gave the man authority over creation. Likewise, He gave the woman authority over creation. We see this confirmed in Genesis 2:18 when God formed the woman from the man's side as his "ezer kenegdo" or as his "equal partner." Sadly, at the time of the Fall the man began to rule over the woman (Genesis 3:16d). However, this has been reversed in Christ (Galatians 3:13). Consequently, men and women who are in Christ are now new creations in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17) and have been given authority to serve each other whether in the home., the church or in society (Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 20:25-28).       As for children, they are to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20).

Read Part Two HERE

The woman is to assist the man to fulfill his purpose: Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth P/14

                                                      Read Part One HERE

In this post I continue to focus on Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth. She is a member of the Board of Reference of The Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. 

She has written a bible study called True Woman 101. Divine Design. Some of her statements in that material is as follows

1.Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth :"Being a "helper" is a fundamental aspect of our design as women. This calling certainly applies to a woman's relationship with her husband. But we believe it also extends beyond the marriage relationship. There are many ways we as women can help, rather than hinder, the men around us. We can help them glorify God."

2. Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth: "The male was created to bring glory to God - and to serve Him (rather than himself). This is man's ultimate purpose.... God created a helper to assist the man in fulfilling his ultimate purpose. Woman helps man glorify God in a way he could not do if she did not exist." (P.76)

 My Comment

1. Nancy has an unbiblical understanding of the term "helper". She refers to Genesis 2:18 which states                                                                                                                                                           "It is not good the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

The Hebrew term for the word "helper" is "ezer" and mean  "strengthener." The Hebrew term for "suitable" is "kenegdo" and means "suitable," "fitting," "face to face," "opposite".                                   The woman was formed as the man's "equal strengthener" or "equal partner" which is in line with Genesis 1:26-28 where God gave both the man and the woman the task of ruling over creation.           As for women "helping" men, whoever they may be, they are to partner together whether at home or outside the home. That partnership is to be a mutual partnership where both parties support each other, be it in the home or outside the home.

2. Both the man and the woman were created in the image and likeness of God to bring glory to God. Nancy may be referring to 1 Corinthians 11:7                                                                                          "A man ought not to cover his head since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man."                                                                                                                                          However, these words are not Paul's words but are part of a statement by some of the religious leaders in Corinth who tried to "keep women in their place."                                                                                As new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and as sons of God (Galatians 4:6) male and female believers are still called to bring glory to God in whatever they do as we know from 1 Corinthians 10:31                                                                                                                                                              So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

P.S. This is my last post on Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth.

A woman must be led by a man: Nancy Leigh DeMoss WolgemuthP/13

                                                      Read Part One HERE

In this post I will continue to focus on Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth. She is a member of the Board of Reference of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

She has written a bible study called True Woman 101. Divine Design. Some of the statements on women are as follows

1. Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth: "Having a receptive, responsive spirit is at the core of what it means to be a woman. A godly woman is an amenable women -  an agreeable woman. She says "Yes." She has a disposition that responds positively to others, and particularly to the initiative of godly men. She is "soft" and not obstinate about receiving direction. She is "leadable" (P.69)

2, Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth:  "Whether married or single, an amenable woman affirms and encourages godly qualities and initiatives by men being responsive rather than resistant in her interaction with them. Of course, we are not talking about being amenable to sin or responsive to sin, But even while saying no to sin, we can have a spirit that is inclined to be responsive, yielding and deferential." (p.153)

My Comment

1.As for as Nancy's words that a woman is to be "leadable," one who responds particularly to the initiative of godly men, cannot be supported from Scripture. When God created the first man and woman He gave them both the responsibility to rule over creation together as an team (Genesis 1:26-28). At that time God formed the woman from the man's side as his equal partner or "ezer kenegdo" (Genesis 2:18). This design was lost at the time of the Fall when the man began to rule over the woman (Genesis 3:16d) but this design has been restored in Christ when men and women who are in Christ have been given authority in Him. However, that authority is to serve others and not to rule others (Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 20:25-28).

2. As for Nancy's words that an amenable woman affirms and encourages godly qualities and initiatives by men, Scripture is silent on that subject but calls believing women to be Christlike in their behaviour towards anyone while taking initiatives whenever that is required of them. It would be sinful of them not to take action if they sensed they should as we can know from the following examples:    

Queen Esther who approached her husband knowing it could cost her her life (Esther 4:15,16).        Abigail who approached David in defiance of her husband 1 Samuel 25).                                           Yeal who killed Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army with a tent peg without her husband's knowledge (Judges 4:21)                                                                                                                             Mary who was willing to give birth to the Lord Jesus without any approval of her parents or her fiance Joseph (Luke 1:26-38).                                                                                                                      Joanna, a woman disciple of Jesus who left home to follow Him independent of her husband Chuza (Luke 8:1-3)                                                                                                                                          Lydia who opened her home to Paul and his companions independent of any male approval (Acts 16:13-15).                                                                                                                                                     All these women took action because they sensed they should do so regardless whether any man/husband did approve of their actions or not.

Read Part Fourteen HERE

The husband is to guide all the women in his life: Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth P/12

 

                                                      Read Part One HERE

In this post I continue to focus on bible teacher and author Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth. She is a member of the Board of Reference of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

She has written a bible study called True Woman 101. Divine Design. Some of the statements on men in that material are as follows.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth: "Man is accountable to God to nourish (provide) and cherish (protect) those in his sphere of responsibility. His primary responsibility is towards his wife. But the charge also extends, in a general way, to the attitude men ought to have toward all women. It is part and parcel of their distinctive, God-created make-up." (pp. 48-49)

Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth: "In other words, the way a man relates to a wife, sister, daughter, colleague or friend will differ, but all those relationships are informed and influenced  who he is as a man. Masculinity means that he accepts a chivalrous responsibility to offer appropriate guidance, provision and protection to the women in his life." (p.57).

My Comment

Scripture does not mention the term "masculinity" for that is a cultural term. Moreover, Scripture does not teach a gospel message specifically for men, how men are to behave towards women. Neither does Scripture specifically teach a gospel message specifically for women, how women are to behave towards men. Jesus died for the world, men and women alike, for all are sinners and in need of a Saviour (Romans 5:12). The remedy is the same for all people, which is faith in the Lord Jesus (Ephesians 2:8). Likewise, the responsibility is the same for all believers, male and female, to be kind and compassionate towards others as Christ taught us (Colossians 3:12). Therefore, how men act in this world towards others, be they male or female, believers or unbelievers, is not based on their gender but on the fact that they are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), sons of God (Romans 8:14), heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Moreover, woman are to act in the same way as men towards others, be they male or female, believers or unbelievers, because they are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), sons of God (Romans 8:14), heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

Read Part Thirteen HERE

The wife is to display God's glory in a femine way: Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth P/11

                                                      Read Part One HERE

In this post I continue to focus on bible teacher and author Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth. She is a member of the Board of Reference of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

 She has written a bible study called True Woman 101: Divine Design. Some of the statements in that material are as follows:

1. Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth: "The discussion about creating man and woman took place among members of the Godhead. It may have been among all three: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But at the very least, it involved the Father and His Son, as Scripture draws parallels between that relationship and the relationship of the man and the woman (see I Corinthians 11:13).... When God created male and female, He had the dynamic of His own relationship in mind. The Lord created the two sexes to reflect something about God. He patterned the male-female relationship (them) after the "us/our" relationship that exists within God." (pp 24-25)

2. Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth: "Males display the glory of God in a uniquely masculine way. Females display the glory of God in a uniquely feminine way. Each sex bears the image of God; but together, they display deep important truths about God in relationship - God the Father in relationship with the Son of God, and the Son of God in relationship with His Bride." (p.33)

3. Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth: "But it does mean that leadership, provision, protection, and responsible initiative are central and indispensable to what God created man to be." (p.57)

 My Comment

 1. Nancy clearly implies here that there is an authority structure in place within the Trinity with God the Father in authority. As we have already discussed this is unbiblical teaching for, though, there are different functions within the Trinity, there is no superiority/inferiority structure in place. But as I already mentioned in my previous post, Christ in His humanity was obedient to the Father. Likewise, there is no superiority/inferiority structure in place between the man and the woman as Nancy tries to imply since they were created as equal partners, as seen from Genesis 1:26-28 which is confirmed in Genesis 2:18.

2. Scripture does not mention that males are to display the glory of God in a uniquely masculine way. Neither does Scripture teach that females are to display the glory of God in a uniquely feminine way. That is cultural language. All believers, male and female alike, are to display the glory of the Cross (Galatians 6:14) but it does not state that this is to be done in a masculine or feminine way....  

 2 (cont). As for her statement that the sexes together display deep important truths about God in relationship, her reasoning is very confusing though it very likely somehow refers to her viewpoint that God the Father is in authority over God the Son in His Divinity and that, likewise, the man is in authority over the woman. As for her reference to God the Father being in relationship with the Son of God, she would see the man in authority comparing his role to that of  God the Father and the woman in submission (in obedience) comparing her role to that of God the Son. As for her reference to God the Son in His relationship to the Bride, she would see the man in authority comparing his role to that of the Son of God or Christ and the woman in submission (obedience) in a sense comparing her role to that of the Bride. She, most likely refers here to Ephesians 5:25-27, indicating that it is the husband's role as "Christ" to cleanse his wife with the word of God. As I already said, Nancy's reasoning is VERY CONFUSING to say the least!! Particularly, in light of the fact that all believers, including all female believers, are to be like Christ, and that all believers, including all male believers, are part of the Bride of Christ.

3. As for Nancy's statement that leadership, provision, protection and responsible initiative etc are indispensable to what God created man to be, God created the man AND the woman to rule over creation together (Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 2:18).                                                                                   In the New Testament we see Jesus having female disciples who travelled with Him providing for His needs (Luke 8:1-3). Furthermore, we see  Paul partnering with women in the Church as co-workers (Romans 16:12, Romans 16:12; Philippians 4:2-3), we learn of women overseers (Romans 16:3-5;1 Corinthians 1:11; Colossians 4:15), women apostles (Romans 16:7), women deacons (Romans 16:1-2), women teachers (Romans 16:18-24). These women were clearly in leadership positions in their churches as called by God and equipped by Him.

 P.S. In my next post I will continue to quote Nancy's statements in relation to men 

Read Part Twelve HERE

 

The husband is to act like God the Father: Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth P/10

 Read Part One HERE

In this post I continue to focus on bible teacher and author Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth. She is a member of the Board of Reference of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

She has written a bible study called True Woman 101: Divine Design. One of the statements in that material is as follows:

Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth: "God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit teach us something important about the differences between men and women. Each member of the Trinity is co-equal, yet the members of the Trinity have different roles and functions. For example, when He was on earth, Jesus often said things like, "The Son of Man can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing." Jesus embraced His role, obeying the Father, without His value as God being lessened. The same is true in the relationship between men and women. Each has equal value, yet each is called to embrace their unique God-given role. The distinctions between male and female roles in the home and in the church are noble because they reflect the beauty of God's purpose and order. Do you want to be like Jesus? Accept with joy the role you've been designed to fill."

 My Comment 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth's teaching on an authority/submission structure within the Godhead and connecting that structure to the roles of men and women as based on teaching by Professor Wayne A. Grudem who has stated the following:                                                                                              "When did the idea of headship (authority) and submission begin? The idea of headship (authority) and submission never began. It has existed eternally in the relationship between the Father and the Son in the Trinity. It exists in the eternal nature of God Himself. And in this most basic of all relationships authority is not based on gifts or ability. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equal in all attributes and perfections, but authority is just there. Authority belongs to the Father, not because He is wiser or a more skillful leader; but just because He is Father. Authority and submission is the fundamental difference between the persons of the Trinity."

My Comment

Please understand that the above statement by Professor Wayne A. Grudem is a more recent teaching that has been developed by Presbyterian Pastor George W. Knight III in the 1970's which is unbiblical and not in line with the teaching of the Church throughout the centuries on the Trinity.

Nancy's teaching that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit teach us something important about the difference between men and women, is based on Professor Wayne A. Grudem's teaching and is, therefore, unbiblical. Within the Trinity, there is co-equality in being but, likewise, there is co-equality in function even though there are different functions for each one of the Godhead. However, Jesus is Divine and He is human and in His humanity, He obeyed/submitted to God the Father.

As for men and women, we find God's design for men and women in Genesis 1:26-28. From that passage we learn that God told both the man and the woman to rule over creation together. And in Genesis 2:18 we learn that God made the woman specifically as an equal partner or "ezer kenegdo" for the man to work together with him. At the time of the Fall, things changed in that the man began to rule over the woman as we know from Genesis 3:16d. However, in Christ, that has been reversed through His death on the Cross as we know from Galatians 3:13. Therefore, in the church, male and female believers, submit to each other as we know from Ephesians 5:21 by serving each other in accordance with their spiritual gifts as we know from 1 Corinthians 12:7. At home, as believers,  they likewise, submit to each other as we know from Ephesians 5:21-22, serving each other just as Christ came to serve and not to be served as we know from Matthew 20:25-28.

P.S. In my next post I will continue this post by focusing more specifically on the roles of men and women as understood by Nancy Leigh Demoss Wolgemuth.

Read Part Eleven HERE

The wife is to be feminine: Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth P/9

                                                     Read Part One HERE

In this post I continue to focus on bible teacher and author Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth. She is a member of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

She has written a True Woman Manifesto. One of the statements of that Manifesto is as follows:

Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth: "God 's plan for gender is wider than marriage; all women, whether married or single, are to model femininity in their various relationships, by exhibiting a distinctive modesty, responsiveness and gentleness of spirit."

My Comment

Scripture does not teach on the subject of femininity. That is a cultural issue. All female as well as male believers are called to be Christlike in their behaviour towards others, loving others, serving others as we can read in

Ephesians 4:32                                                                                                                                               Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Philippians 2:3                                                                                                                                              Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Colossians 3:12                                                                                                                                   Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Read Part Ten HERE