802.htm

(Cont. from Page 801).

802.

"LET WIVES BE IN SUBJECTION TO THEIR
HUSBANDS AS TO THE LORD". (Eph 5:22).

A wife whose husband is an unbeliever should still be in subjection to her husband, but her subjection should be "as to the Lord". In the case of a husband whose use of his headship conflicts with that of our Lord then 1 Peter 3:1,2 applies, and her chaste conduct should accord with 1 Corinthians 7:3-5. If their circumstances are not chaste according to the foregoing scriptural direction respecting the husband or the wife, then the unbelieving one has proceeded to depart ("putting self apart". 1 Cor 7:15 Greek Translation). But circumstances would have to have deteriorated to such an extent as to be considered servitude for the believing husband or wife before separation from one's spouse is contemplated, that one may maintain a good conscience and remain at peace with God. (1 Cor 7:15).

Women who teach from the Scriptures, and particularly to male heads of families, either within or outside a congregation, are disobeying our Lord and ignoring the headship arrangement of God. (1 Cor 11:3. 14:34,35). Faithful women may declare Jesus Christ as Lord to men or women when a defence or reason for their faith is required, and may begin by saying: "It is written", quoting directly from the Word of God. But they cannot teach scriptural doctrines by offering proofs or arguments. They must make it known that only spiritually qualified males with Jehovah's Spirit may teach the Word of God; for which arrangements can be made for a spiritually qualified baptized male to assist them as they seek accurate knowledge of the Will of God. 1 Timothy 2:12 says: "I do not permit a woman to teach, or to exercise authority over a man (any man, whether a believer or an unbeliever), but to be in silence." This of course means any man and the family over whom he is head. 'Adam and Eve'-type disobedience to God still exists in all congregations of Christendom today, and they are therefore sects. Hopefully the administration of the Spirit of truth among you will be realized in your obedience before the coming of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thess 1:6-10).

SECT:	From the Greek word *hai're.sis* from which is derived the English word 'heresy'. (See 2 Peter 2:1 Large Print NWT Footnote). Hence, a body of men separating themselves from others and following *their own* tenets.
TENET:	Principle, dogma, doctrine.

Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6). The only "Way" is through Jesus Christ and the teachings he gave us through his apostles. The apostle Paul said, "For there must also be sects among you, that the persons approved may also become manifest among you." (1 Cor 11:19). Those not approved are not favoured by God. Those who separate themselves to follow their own tenets are adding to, taking away from, or misinterpreting the true meaning of the Word of God. Sadly, in each case it promotes 'Adam and Eve'-type continuance in disobedience, and their father is the originator of the Lie, satan. (Gen 3:17-19 & 3:4,5. 2 Cor 11:3).

3/3/77.