Dr Paul Allen

WHEN WILL WE STOP ARGUING ABOUT THIS LOCAL NON-UNIVERSAL ISSUE? I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. —1 Timothy 2:8–14 An Exhortation for Men It is significant that Paul addresses men in verse 8 before addressing women in verse 9. Paul views men as leaders of their homes—and some of them as leaders of the church. He is making clear that they have a particular role to play “in every place” where the church gathers...

“Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.” ( Psalm 119:33 )   This eight-verse section (vv. 33-40) closely parallels a similar passage in Proverbs 2:1-5. Both focus on being taught, gaining understanding, and keeping “the way” of God’s Word.   Certainly worth noting is the manner in which the psalmist asked to “go in the path of thy commandments” (v. 35). In every case, the request is for God’s hand to control the process. There is no indication that the psalmist assumed the capability of finding these truths on his own. “Teach me, O LORD” (v. 33). “Give me understanding” (v. 34). “Make me to go” (v. 35). “Incline my heart” (v. 36). “Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity” (v. 37). “Stablish thy word” (v. 38). “Turn away my reproach” (v. 39). “Quicken me in thy righteousness” (v. 40). However, having prayed for God’s intervention and oversight in his life, the psalmist promised to act on the given insight and order his ...