First Timothy 2:9-12 is a passage of Scripture most “modern thinkers” do not like. The very idea that God would limit what women can do in the church is a real turn-off to many people. What people need to realize, however, is that the Almighty God, who created us, knows what works best in human relationships, whether in the home or in the church! Concerning leading worship where both men and women are present, God wills that “men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8). The word translated “men” (from aner) is gender specific for males (same word in Acts 8:12; 17:12; 1 Timothy 2:12). In contrast to men who are to worship by providing holy leadership, women are to worship by allowing the men to lead. This is not easy to those of a worldly mind. However, when Christian women correctly “dress” their hearts, God’s “commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3), and His will is done!
Internal Wardrobe
Paul, through the Holy Spirit, addressed the proper, spiritual clothing when he wrote, “in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9-10). In these verses, Paul gave three pieces of the character-outfit Christian women are to wear for their God-given role in the church.
First, Christian women are to dress modestly. The term “modest apparel” [proper clothing, NAS; respectable apparel, ESV] is from a word (kosmios) that means respectable, honorable, in good taste. The Greek word occurs again only one other time where it is used of an elder’s qualification to be “of good behavior” [orderly, ASV; respectable, NAS] (1 Timothy 3:2). A person’s outward appearance is a mere reflection of her heart (1 Peter 3:3-4). What do Christian women reflect when they wear clothes that attract undo attention to them, whether it is too much or not enough? A woman who wants all the attention will not easily be submissive to men in matters of leading worship.
Second, Christian women are to dress their hearts respectfully. The word “propriety” [shamefacedness, KJV; modestly, NAS; with modesty, ESV] is translated from a word (aidos) that means modesty, reverence, respect. The word occurs again in some manuscripts only in Hebrews 12:28 where it is translated “reverence.” Respect or reverence for God is necessary for a woman to fulfill her role of submission to a man leading in worship. Respect for God’s Word will allow her to submit and to follow God’s instruction on any matter, including worshiping God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
Third, Christian women are to dress in sound judgment. The word translated “moderation” [sobriety, KJV; discretely, NAS; self-control, ESV] (from sophrosune) means reasonableness, rationality, mental soundness, good judgment, moderation, self-control (1 Timothy 2:9, 15). When a Christian woman’s heart is dressed in this spiritual garment, she will be able to discern the boundaries that God has set and what actions, even those of a particular culture, would transgress those boundaries (1 Corinthians 11:2-16; 14:34-35). A heart that is not clothed in these three traits will promote the opposite of a submissive spirit!
External Fashion
Rather than dressing to receive excessive attention given to physical adornment, Christian women are to dress themselves outwardly with good works (1 Timothy 2:10). Good works are to be her attraction and proof of a life given to God (1 Timothy 5:10). Jesus told all Christians, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). As male prayers are to come from holy lives, so female dress is to come from godly hearts that translate into submissive lives. Women who claim to be followers of God ought to internally dress and externally act as such, but that can only happen when their hearts are clothed with modesty, respect and sound judgment! Indeed, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).
