Holy Hands

Text: 1 Timothy 2:8

In the previous lesson, we studied about a modest heart – particularly as it pertains to women. This lesson is a counterpart to that one. There are lessons for men that relate to what we discussed. The expression about “lifting up holy hands” is not about a particular prayer posture; instead, it signifies one approaching God without being defiled by sin (cf. Psalm 24:3-4). In this lesson, we’re going to see what holiness looks like in men as it complements the modesty we saw for women.

What Does Holiness Look Like in Relation to the Modesty We Noticed About the Women?

Valuing Spiritual Things Over Carnal

  • Women were told to wear “proper clothing” (1 Timothy 2:9) – not to accentuate what should not be flaunted (body, wealth, status)
  • Men, do not focus on carnal things – lust (Matthew 5:27-31), wealth (Matthew 6:19-21), status (Matthew 6:1-4); the mind set on the flesh is death (Romans 8:6)
  • We need to focus on what is spiritually and eternally important (Colossians 3:2)

Good Works

  • As women were told to “adorn themselves” with “good works” (1 Timothy 2:9-10), men must do the same – this is what we have been created for (Ephesians 2:10); equipped for this by God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16-17); we should be an example of good deeds (1 Peter 2:12)
  • Our lives must reflect godliness (1 Timothy 2:2; 4:7-8) – we live how we live because we respect God

Spiritual Leadership

  • Women were instructed to be submissive (1 Timothy 2:11-12) – this is not permission for men to be demanding, demeaning, or domineering; instead, this is a great responsibility (cf. Hebrews 13:17)
  • Men are to provide leadership – in the home (Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 3:4-5); in the church (1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35)

Providing for One’s Own

  • God gave different roles to men and women – women are to focus on the home (1 Timothy 2:15; Titus 2:5); men have the responsibility to provide for the family (1 Timothy 5:8; cf. Genesis 3:17-19)
  • This means a man must be willing to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10) – could include hard work and long hours (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; Colossians 3:23; Ecclesiastes 9:10)
  • Also means more than just barely getting by (1 Timothy 5:4; 2 Corinthians 12:14; Proverbs 13:22)

Sacrificial Love

  • As women were told to exercise self-restraint (1 Timothy 2:15), men must be willing to make sacrifices
  • Leadership does not mean insisting on your own way to the detriment of others – leadership is to be modeled after Christ (Ephesians 5:25) who was willing to give up His life (Matthew 20:26-28)
  • Men are to treat women as a “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7, KJV) – this illustration describes something that is finer and more valuable; she is to be honored/valued

Conclusion

  • Men are to lift up holy hands in every place – present themselves to God without being defiled by sin
  • Why is this important? – “Therefore…“; God wants all to be saved and Christ gave Himself for us; this is the proper response to Christ’s sacrifice and will help lead others to the truth