Lesson Six

The Bible gives us some very basic, yet fundamental reasons that a wife needs protection. First we must realize that women are more easily deceived than men. Before you get too upset at this statement, please look with me at I Timothy 2:11-14, emphasis added:

"But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman, being quite deceived, fell into transgression."

Mrs. Peace states on page 17, "It is not uncommon for women today to be upset by these verses. If they are, they may not have been taught what these verses mean, or they may be reacting from a prideful heart that has been influenced by the world's way of thinking. These verses in no way mean that a woman is less valuable or less intelligent than a man. In fact, the Bible assumes women's intelligence when it instructs the older women to teach the younger, less mature women (Titus 2:3-5). What these verses do mean, however, is that God, in His infinite wisdom, restricted the woman's role in the local church partially because she could be more easily deceived. There are simply some responsibilities and burdens that God does not intend for women to have. A truly wise woman will accept that, appreciate it, and submit graciously to God's plan of protection for her."

It is very important also for us to understand that we have two forces waging their war against us-our flesh which draws toward submitting to the world, and the devil. Do you realize and understand that the Christian life is an on-going battle and that we are called to be soldiers? Let's look at several verses that deal with this.

2 Timothy 2:3,4: "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life: that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."

I John 2:16: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world."

Romans 12:1-2: "I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Ephesians 6:10-11,13: " Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."

No matter how separated a life we live, none of us are exempt from the influence of the world's way of thinking. I see this over and over again in my own life and the life of my family. So much of the world's thinking, values and views have spilled over into even our churches today! As I have said before, we can lable the world's way as "humanism." The New Age movement and humanistic teachings are nothing new. They have been around since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. The underlying theme of this heretical thinking is, "I don't need a God or anyone to tell me how to live my life. I am a bright, intelligent human being with potential of my own. I will do things my way."

The most evident way that the world's view has seeped into the lives of God's daughters is the feminist teaching and belief that a woman's identity, joy, happiness and ultimate fulfillment come from having an education and a career. This is contrary to the Biblical teaching that being a "keeper" or "worker" at home is a virtue. It is sad, but true that the feminists have deceived, robbed and blinded Christian women in this area. I find that I must daily seek to cleanse my heart and mind of false teachings by the world. It is my earnest prayer that you will begin this week to prayerfully consider ways that your heart and mind have been influenced by the world and its views which are so contradictory to the ways of our Father.

Unfortunately, humanism is not our only enemy in this war against sin. We also have another enemy, the devil. Many today try to stamp out the truths of satan and hell, but I can assure you, dear sister, that if you believe that the Bible is the word of God Almighty, both satan and hell are very real. The devil, that old serpent himself, has been around since early in the beginning of time. Because of his rebellion and pride he was cast out of the presence of God. He doesn't like the fact that he is not and never will be God. Therefore, he sets about to destroy the kingdom of God and His people. He strikes within our homes in the area of role confusion and sometimes even role reversal. Please do not question this for one moment. God has very distinct roles for male and female, not only in the home but in the world in general. If you did not participate in our last study and would like to read more on this subject, please visit Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood:A Response to Evangelical Feminism.

It is our responsibility to learn what God teaches about our role as women. Once we know the truth we must stand firm in our faith! We cannot give place to the devil, not even for a minute. We stand firm not only by maintaining a close walk with God through Bible study and prayer, but also by being obedient women of God and acting upon what we have learned. Remember, the most important act of obedience for a Christian wife is that she humbly place herself under the authority of her husband. Until you are willing to do this, you are out of God's will for your life and are not standing firm.

Taken from "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace, pp 15-17. Copyright 1999, Focus Publishing, Bemidji, Minnesota. Used with permission for the purposes of this devotional series only. May not be reproduced or forwarded without the express consent of the publisher.