Leadership and the Fall of Mankind

After explaining that male leadership was established in creation (1 Timothy 2:13), Paul explains that it's further illustrated in the Fall (Genesis 3). 

“Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.” 1 Timothy 2:14

The Fall illustrates important truths:

1. God designed women with powerful influence.

In the Fall, Eve used that influence to lead Adam into sin.

Women can/should use our influence for good (Proverbs 31;1 Peter 3:1-2), but history is replete with bad examples, starting at the Fall. Men are not the only ones who abuse creation design.

2. Leadership bears a responsibility no one envies.

Eve was held responsible for her sin, but Adam was held responsible for the Fall because of his position as leader. Romans 5:12-14 says sin entered the world “through one man.” And 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 says, “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”

3. Men are not given leadership because they're superior.  

Adam's sin was worse than Eve's. She was deceived; he wasn't (see Luke 12:47-48). God sees men and women as equals (Galatians 3:28). If you want to read about the superiority of men, you'll have to read the Quran (see Top ten rules in the Quran that oppress women).  

Even if we don't fully understand God's design of male leadership in the home and church, we can rely on His love and wisdom (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 4:16). When we fight against biblical truths, we never make things better.

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For more insights, read:

Things That Make Me Sad: Adam

On the Eve of Destruction – a poem and short Bible study

If you are interested in better understanding 1 Timothy 2:15, see I Don't Know Exactly What This Verse Means.

 

Note: Some believe that one reason men are called to be leaders is because women are more easily deceived. We'll discuss that in an upcoming devotion.

To read the rest of the series:

Part 1: Think God Needs "Updating"? Think Again!

Part 2: Women in Church Leadership: Complementarian or Egalitarian? 

Part 3: When Male Leadership in the Church Is Misused   

Part 4: My Response to Male Leadership in the Church 

Part 5: Egalitarians Actually Hold a Low View of Women and Scripture. Answering a reader's questions from Part 4.

Part 6: Examining a False Claim regarding Female Leadership

Part 7: Women's Roles: The Message of 1 Timothy 2

Part 8: What Do Adam and Eve Have to Do with Male Leadership?

Part 9: Leadership and the Fall of Mankind 

 

BLN