DCLM Daily Manna 25 February 2025 — The Prescribed Authority

Topic: The Prescribed Authority

Text: 1 Timothy 2:12-15

12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

13For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Key Verse: “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:12).

Message

Teaching is an indispensable tool for shaping the future of society. The Bible also places a high premium on the teaching ministry, alongside those of apostles, pastors, prophets, and evangelists. The primary aim of biblical teaching is to unveil the mystery of the word of God for the edification of the Church. Teaching makes the results of preaching more enduring. Hence, during His earthly ministry, Christ backed His preaching with teaching and told His disciples to do the same.

Also Read: Open Heaven 25 February 2025 – The Stony Ground

Today’s key verse states that women should not teach in the church. Many interpretations have been given to this Scripture. Some people argue that the restriction was meant to apply only to the Ephesian church. Others explain that it is in the context of the patriarchal nature of the Jewish society of the period. In practice, some churches allow women to teach while others do not. What then is the biblical pattern? When can a woman teach in the Church and how far can she go?

The appeal to the story of Adam and Eve shows that the restriction is universal. Apostle Paul anchors the restriction on the headship and leadership of man in the home and the family. From this, we can deduce that the teaching of God’s word in the church is an expression of authority within the church. Consequently, a woman who teaches in a congregation that includes men usurps the authority of the man and violates the biblical principle. This neither demeans women nor makes them inferior to men. It is a matter of divinely assigned roles. There are other occasions where women are encouraged to teach. For instance, mothers are expected to teach their children and young women (Proverbs 31:1-3; Titus 2:4). Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside and explained to him the word of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). This was a private setting. Miriam led the women in singing after God overthrew the Egyptian army in the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20,21).

Also Read: DCLM Daily Manna 24 February 2024 – Godly Adornment

The role of women in the church cannot be overemphasised. However, such roles are not to be played in violation of the divinely ordained principle of male headship of the church. This also teaches believers godly attitude to prescribed authority which we must honour and obey.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
In God’s economy, man and woman are equal in value and dignity but differ in biology and function.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Luke 22

Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2025 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

GOSPEL REALM: STEPS TO SALVATION
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)