A Woman After God's Heart

A Woman after God’s Heart
1 Timothy 2:9-15
May 10, 2026

We’re continuing in the letter that Paul wrote to Timothy who was the leader of the church in Ephesus. He was giving him instruction on how to keep the church on the right course.

First, Paul was reiterating and grounding them in the right doctrine of the gospel, and then last week we saw him specifically focusing on prayer, in other words, communication with God and setting their focus on the spiritual world and what Christ has done, instead of being focused on the things of this world.

Paul ended off that section telling the men that he wants them all in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

We dealt with this last week but I believe that as we are going into this next section, there is something alluded to that we should not miss.

The fallen nature of man was birthed in Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve sinned against God. Since then, men would use power to control and conquer. The word Paul uses in Greek for wrath, speaks off the natural disposition of temper, violent emotion, anger, indignation, punishment.

So, Paul was exhorting them again that this is not how you grow a church, this is not the characteristics of the advancement of the Kingdom of God in the body of Christ. This is not how men should operate.

The character of the men of God is different. In other words, don’t be ignorant of the devices of the devil who would want to draw you back into your fleshly nature, even in church.

Now if wrath and dissension are addressed when talking about men, what needs to be addressed in the church when talking to women?

This is what we will be looking at tonight. This section, in this day and age, can be a very sensitive polarizing piece of scripture if it is not understood with the right spirit and from a spiritual perspective.

Paul takes us back and links this to Genesis 3, the fall of man, and we see something hidden in this section that is very powerful. If we understand this and see that this section is part of God’s order and plan for restoration, it becomes a beautiful instruction that has a profound impact in the life of a woman, the life of a man, the life of the children, and by extension, then also the church and society.

The men here might say that this sermon is all about women and for women, but it is important for men also to understand the powerful role and function women have, especially for the young men still trusting God for a godly wife.

I. Pursue Godly Beauty

• Paul references the fall of man in Genesis. The great deception by the deceiver, Satan, was that they would be better off after eating the forbidden fruit. The shocking reality was, that they were cut off from God’s presence, became mortal, stripped from the immortal privileges, and confined to the realm of the natural world.
• The core motive of the fall was, “I want to be like God”. The woman made that choice first! I want to be wise as God. I don’t want to submit to God. I want to be God’s equal. It speaks of selfishness, pride, control, and desire for power.
• Adam then followed Eve into his choice.
• Immediately, they saw that they were naked and they were ashamed. They tried to cover up their fallen, broken state with leaves. The act of rebellion which made them acutely aware of the natural world, also had the effect that they were now extremely aware of their physical bodies.
• Where before, spirit in the spiritual realm was the primary focus, the body now became the primary focus.
• After the fall, many women, as the fairer sex, now are tempted to use their physical bodies to their advantage, and the whole world has become geared towards this. We have all heard the saying, sex sells, and the business world uses this to their advantage.
• Although women are weaker physically, they can yield enormous power and influence. Just think of all the mightiest empires that were greatly impacted by women, for good, but also some with horrendous consequences.

A. Outer beauty is fleeting

• But there are two sides to the coin. If women try to use their outer beauty and sensuality to manipulate, or even catch a man, they are also then judged by their outer beauty and it becomes what determines their intrinsic value.

Illus – Just look, for example, at women in Hollywood. Many actresses bemoan the fact that they are cast aside after 50, especially those who were cast mostly for their looks. Interestingly enough, those with great acting skills with depth of experience  are cast in more complex roles till their old age.

• Verse 1- adorn yourself. To adorn yourself means to make yourself beautiful and attractive.
• Paul then uses some examples of what women did to make themselves beautiful on the outside.

Illus – Philo, a 1^st century Jewish philosopher, echoed what Paul wrote, describing in his writing the prostitutes of the day, wearing “gold chains, bracelets, hair done in elaborate and gaudy (tasteless extravagance) braids, eyes marked with pencil lines, eyebrows smothered in paint, wearing expensive clothes that is lavishly embroided.”

Illus – Emperor Caligula’s fourth wife, Caesonia was exceptionally lavish and expensive, especially with her wardrobe. She was known for having her wardrobe dyed with Tyrian purple. It was extremely expensive and very difficult to produce. 1000 Murex Sea snails were needed for a very small amount. One gram of purple dye was worth 20 times its weight in gold. One dress would be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in today’s currency.

• It is from this perspective that Paul encourages that a woman’s beauty must be more than this. Is your value only found in that which covers you? Is your beauty just skin deep, or even more so, powder-and-make-up-deep?
• Many women, or young girls, are broken and hurting inside, but hides it away, trying to cover up the inner hurt, by, ironically, uncovering their bodies, so that others will be distracted by what they see, the illusion of fleeting beauty.
• God sees you as more than just your outer beauty. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look beautiful on the outside, but if it is all that defines you, it is a very sad state.
• A man that only sees or values you for your outer beauty is a shallow man, and you are worth more than that. If you don’t respect yourself and your own body, the men will also not respect you.
• As a sidenote: Dad’s, build godly identity and worth into your daughters. If they receive love, respect and guidance from you, they will settle for nothing less from a young man.
• If you don’t have a father, God is the Father to the fatherless. Focus on your identity and worth found in Him.

B. See your worth 

• So Paul is not restricting women, breaking down their “rights” by these remarks. He is giving great advice, urging women to open their eyes to their great worth in Christ, seeing themselves predominantly from a spiritual perspective.

1 Peter 3:3-4, Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 

• Dress in proper clothing, modestly. Men might lust after a woman who dresses immodestly, but a man will respect a woman who dresses modestly. And modesty doesn’t mean boring. In fact, modestly can and is most of the time more beautiful and elegant. What woman doesn’t want to be seen as elegant, opposed to looking like a hussy?
• The word modesty in the Greek means “ good behavior, well arranged, bring order out of chaos”. That is where we get the word cosmetics from. Order out of chaos…
• Bringing outside chaos into order does not change the primary problem. You can dress modestly, but still be broken on the inside.
• Doing the right good works doesn’t make you whole and righteous, putting your faith in Jesus does. Come to Jesus, let Him restore your soul bring beauty out of ashes, create order out of chaos.
• Then your inner worth and beauty will impact your outer works. Be known for your actions, your character, your “good works” which flows from who you are in Christ.

II. Be Submissive

• This is a loaded statement in our time. With the feminism movement, perspectives concerning roles and positions have been radically shifting with devastating impacts on society. Every time people rebel and step out of sync with God’s design and order in any context, it has horrific consequences.
• If we understand the context of this letter though, it is a very liberating section.
• In that time and culture, women had none or very little rights. They were second class citizens, and had restrictions in many areas, especially in religious arenas. Depending on the gods they served, they could do service, but for many it meant being a temple virgin, or temple prostitute, but never in value on equal footing as men.
• The Gospel of Christ changed it all.

Galatians 3:28, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

A. God designed order

• With the gospel, everything changed. The women were part of the gatherings and worship. Many of them, though, still sat separated from the men and many of the women were not trained in the scriptures. So, to get clarification about teachings they would call out to their husbands across the aisle. This is why Paul gives directions on this.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35, The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.

• This has to do with the function of the church.
• In Christ, all are now equal in WORTH. We must remember that office and rank have nothing to do with worth and value, but it has to do with function and structural order, for example, the army.
• God asks every daughter of His to return to the order He established.
• V12 – Women should not exercise authority over a man. This speaks of the office of a teacher/ pastor, signifying leadership, standing under godly authority with authority over the flock.
• Remember that priority does not mean superiority. It has to do with chain of command and responsibility. Jesus gladly submits to the Father. The church submits to Christ. The husband submits to Christ and the wife submits to the husband. The husband takes responsibility for the wife, as Christ takes responsibility for the church.
• We will see when we get to the next chapter, that just like in the marriage, God puts a higher level of responsibility, accountability and expectation on the men who are leaders in the church.

B. Godly women can have great impact

• There is a chain of command, but also an upward chain of council.
• Not standing in the office of church leader does not mean that women cannot teach others.
• We must never underestimate the incredible roles godly women played in history.
• The older ladies are encouraged to teach the younger women. Men were instructed by women in private, for example the mother of Apollos who taught him of Christ. Acts also mentions prophetesses.
• It has been said that the husband is the head of the household, but the wife is the neck that turns the head.

Illus – we can see the impact of ungodly women and the disastrous effects. Jezebel, Delilah…

• Don’t use your girl-power as weapon for evil, but use your girl power as an instrument for good, for example Esther.

Luke 8:1b-3The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.

Illus – I thank God for my wife…

III. Childbearing Saves

• This is also an interesting verse and can easily be misunderstood. This word ‘saved’ is ‘sozo’,and is sometimes used in the context of being saved from calamity, and other times in connection with salvation.
• In this context, it does not mean eternal salvation through personal childbearing, because we know salvation comes only through faith in Christ. And what about women that cannot bear children? Does this mean they are damned for eternity? So clearly this has to do with something else.

A. Be saved from your old nature

• Let’s look at this from two perspectives. The curse of the fall was for women to bring forth children in pain. I have heard women say that childbirth is the most awfully amazing thing. It is the worst excruciating pain, but it brings the greatest joy. In a moment, everything shifts.
• The fall in sin was something that was born out of selfishness and pride. It is the condition of man, and woman. But the moment that little one comes into world, you will die for that baby. Your whole perspective shifts.
• Childbearing, and rearing, saves one from a selfish existence. There is nothing that makes one ‘grow up’ so quickly as having children. Now, there are exceptions, but that is exactly what it is: exceptions, not the norm.
• Women are preserved through childbirth, or having children. It speaks to function. A mother has an incredible impact on a child.

Illus – A 2025 APA study found that affectionate mothering between ages 5–10 predicted higher levels of openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness in young adulthood . These traits are linked to better academic performance, career success, and health. Results suggest that nurturing, positive interactions can foster traits that contribute to long-term well-being.

• This does not mean that women should only bear children and stay at home, although if you do, it is a worthy focus and great responsibility. There are many families who have made the tough call to home-school or be stay at home moms if they have the means to do it.
• But the Bible does reference women who work. Lydia in Acts was as a purple merchant, the Proverbs 31 woman buys fields, do trading, create and sell products.
• Whatever the case, a mother has a wonderful responsibility and privilege of impacting the next generation greatly. Don’t let societies corporate pressures and expectations be your primary ambition and where you find your worth. Be led by God in your purpose, whether it means stay at home mom or hybrid working mom situation.
• But there is also another perspective concerning childbearing highlighted in the Amplified translation.

1 Timothy 2:15, Nevertheless [the sentence put upon women of pain in motherhood does not hinder their souls’ salvation, and] they will be saved [eternally] if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control, [saved indeed] through the Childbearing or by the birth of the divine Child.

• Bearing children through painful labor was the curse; a reminder of fallen state. Yet, it brought hope, because one day One would be born of a woman who would redeem from the curse of death those who believe in His name. Through childbearing there would come salvation through Jesus Christ.

B. The second Adam redeems

• Paul uses creation, and the fall as a template of rank-order. But he alludes to something amazing here. The woman was deceived, but Adam was not.
• Adam saw the result of the fall, but he loved Eve so much that he did not leave her in her fallen state alone. He sacrificed himself to join her in her state.
• I am not condoning Adam’s sin, but it paints a beautiful picture of love, which becomes a foreshadowing of Christ.
• Paul refers to Christ as the second Adam. The second Adam came to restore and save from the fallen state. He loved His bride so much, that He would not leave her in her fallen state, but became as a man to give Himself up for His bride, became sin for her, so that she might be redeemed from her fallen state and live.
• Jesus became sin for all of us.
• In the end, when we see this from a spiritual perspective, we see that God is restoring into order that which sin destroyed back in the garden.
• Jesus made a choice to redeem us. Jesus wants to restore also every woman to His beautiful design.