DCLM Daily Manna 22 June 2021 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Meaning Of Freedom In Christ
TOPIC: Meaning Of Freedom In Christ
TEXT: 1 Timothy 2:9-15
KEY VERSE: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.” – (1 Timothy 2:9)
There are believers who take liberty in Christ to mean license to indulge themselves in all kinds of practices. To them, ‘grace’ is sufficient to cover all their careless words, wicked actions and evil deeds.
Paul the apostle encountered such people in the church in Ephesus, especially women. They lived in a culture that did not permit women to lead others. But then, the gospel came to them and they were saved. Some began flaunting their new-found freedom in Christ in extravagant appearances. But Paul would rather stress the power of godliness in a woman which expresses itself in inner beauty and transparent character. At a time when the Ephesian church had issues with false prophets, some of the women wanted to start teaching in the church, even though they were new converts and novices, not fully grounded in the things of God. This was essentially why Paul did not allow them to teach or usurp authority over the more knowledgeable men. He illustrated his position with what inexperience did to Eve, and recommended that believers, including women, continue growing in faith, love, holiness and sobriety, for therein lies the blessings promised by God.
There is a place in the Kingdom for Christian men and women. The mature women leaders are admonished to “be in behaviour as becometh holiness …teach the young women to be sober… to love their children… to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good [and] obedient to their own… husbands…” (Titus 2:3-5). While there is nothing wrong with looking good, we should seek to please God in all things.
Worldliness or dressing to attract people’s attention is ungodly and unacceptable to God. Modesty must be the guiding principle for the Christian man or woman.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Let modesty guide your conduct in all things.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Kings 5-7
DCLM Daily Manna 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.