The Watford Church of Christ Podcast

Men and Women in Christ | Jesus and Martha | Stefan Wolmarans

Stefan brings us the latest in our series on men and women in Christ. Today the focus is Jesus and Martha.

Men and Women in Christ | David and Abigail Malcolm Cox

A sermon for the Watford church of Christ
Dates: 11thC BC - 'a festive time'
Geography: Maon and Perez - Wilderness
David's situation in context
Samuel dead - his key supporter - King-in-waiting - like Charles
Chased by Saul - Wife given away. - Could have killed him (has another opportunity later) - Remaining priest
Opening scenes
David's men and Nabal, vv4-13
Nabal's servant and Abigail, vv14-19
Abigail's Actions, vv20-31
Abigail
Her courage: An armed militia - in a ravine
Humility (vulnerable)
Straight-talking explanation: Nabal is a fool, I have a plan
Generous
Savvy: Up on politics; sling ref; appeals to his conscience; appeals to his godliness
God-focus; Prophetic; trust God
2. David's Repentance, vv32-35QUESTION: What do you see in his character?
Recognises God at work
Decisive - Instant change in his perspective
Humble - it is a woman! Accepts her instruction/teaching and offer.
Affirming -- Praises her - credit where due; blesses her;
Closing scenes
Abigail and Nabal, vv36-38
Abigail and David, vv39-42
David and his wives, vv43-44
Conclusion
Summarise
Vulnerability is no barrier to effectiveness
Women vulnerable; courage needed -- not permission; she used her intelligence and resources, not flirting;
Jesus: “he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:7 NIV11)
He is our inspiration when we are vulnerable
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21 NIV11)
Pressure reveals character: Nabal gets uglier, Abigail more beautiful and David more spiritual - eventually.
“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:8–11 NIV11)
We need challenging to see things from God's perspective
What do we learn about God?
vv 22, 26, 28, 31, 32, 34, 38, 39
“When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the LORD, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.”” (1 Samuel 25:39 NIV11)
Upheld - God actively working for David
Kept from doing wrong - protection
Brought on own head - God sorts things out
Is the writer drawing our attention to the fact that David was not godly-minded until Abigail came on to the scene and talked sense into him?
“David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me.” (1 Samuel 25:32 NIV11)
Abigail taught him a more excellent way - Priscilla?
Apply
We do well to welcome anyone (man or woman) who challenges us to see things from God's perspective, to behave more like God, to trust him.
Be grateful for the mediators
We do well to avoid stereotypes about what men and women can do. A warrior can be humble, a subjugated woman can act courageously, save people, and a change history.
Mediation
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:5–6 NIV11)
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm

Men and Women in Christ | ”1 Corinthians 11 and 14” | Malcolm Cox

IntroductionThe series so far....Tonight: 1 Cor 11 & 14Some parts are hard to understand“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:15–16 NIV11)Some of this material can be triggering because of abuses that happened in our past. This can be the case for both men and for women. ContextRoman Empire: The 'new Roman woman' (feminist)Corinth: Entrepreneurial; Progressive; Cult of Aphrodite (Goddess of war and fertility); Port city (vice and visitors); Honour/shame; Diverse; Patron/client system. Las Vegas/New York.Aristophanes (c. 450–385 BC.) coined the term korinthiazesthai (“to act like a Corinthian,” i.e., “to commit fornication”) in view of the city’s reputation. Plato used the term “Corinthian girl” as an euphemism for a prostitute (Murphy-O’Connor, 56).The church: Divided (rich/poor); disorderly - Patron house churches - Chapters 12 and 13 between these instructions- Emphasis on everyone needing one another. The church needs all the gifts we have. - Honour the weaker and suffering parts of the church.- Get priorities straight. Some gifts are more important than others (12:27-31)- Love one another — be like God. The way we use our gifts is more important than the gifts themselves. The gifts are temporary. Love is permanent.- Gifts are things from God. Love is God’s character.
 1 Cor 11 Summary‘Head’: Kephale — ‘source’, ‘leader’, or, ‘authority’.Paul does not criticise women praying and prophesying. On the contrary he lays down the way women should be dressed when engaging in it. Therefore he accepted it.Wealthy women tended to be less strict about head coverings. If they were in their own home, they may have not been wearing a head covering, while the poorer visiting Christians would do so. This would lead to tension between the groups. Tension between the rich and poor is also seen in the selfish behaviour of the rich around the Lord’s supper (1 Corinthians 11:20-22).Everyone who prays and prophesies needs some 'authority' over their head. For women is it a covered head (hair tied up) and/or a veil. For men it is short hair.His main point is that in worship men should follow the dress codes (including hair styles) which proclaim them to be male, and women the codes which proclaim them to be female. The headship/glory issueMarried women are exclusively dedicated to their husbands. A veil (head covering) communicates this. They thus enable men’s glory to become ‘visible’. Or, at least, they do not obscure it.Men are exclusively dedicated to Christ. Short hair (lack of covering) communicates this. They thus enable God’s glory to become ‘visible’. Or, at least, they do not obscure it.The angels are in attendance at times of collective worship (similar to ‘where two or three are gathered’?). Via decorum appropriate to their culture (veil for women, short hair for men), men and women show respect to the presence of beings inhabiting the heavenlies.“You Corinthian Christians are having a hard time understanding the significance of following social etiquette while praying and prophesying. You think your freedom in Christ allows you to disregard cultural customs. The trouble with that is that it is dividing you, and bringing the gospel into disrepute. You are right that wearing a veil or not, and the length of your hair is not something significant to God, but you are wrong if you think it is immaterial to healthy worship and revealing God’s glory to people. In your culture women are subordinate to men. You are just going to have to accept that. Men are subordinate to Christ, in any case, and Christ is subordinate to God as Father. That works well, and so can your (women’s) subordination to men. It might not be God’s ideal (like slavery, 1 Corinthians 7.21-24), but it is no barrier to harmonious and meaningful worship.”
1 Cor 14 SummaryTongues needed interpretation. i.e. were not in a language the locals understood. Whether angelic language or human foreign languages, interpretation was needed.
Prophecy needed to be 'weighed', v29.No New Testament nor Apostle left early churches with a vacuum of instruction filled by the Spirit working through prophets.False prophets existed (Matthew 7.15; 2 Corinthians 11.13; 1 John 4.1) meaning prophecies had to be 'tested' (Revelation 2.2).Perhaps the Women were less educated, and thus had more questions than the men. This would lead them to ask more questions, which might, in a packed room, prevent the prophets from communicating their message and/or those able to weigh the message from doing so.Silent can mean in effect - 'wait your turn'. Either at the meeting, or at home.To speak up in a way that causes disorder (which is presumably what is happening) is disgraceful. But it cannot be disgraceful for women to speak as such, because how else will they prophesy (1 Corinthians 11.5. See also Acts 2.17-18; Acts 21.9)?The Corinthian women must be in submission - in this context.
ConclusionsDecorum in worship is important because we want God to shine (his glory), and visitors to see his glory.Decorum is not the same as ’controlled’ (early Christian worship has spontaneity built-in — “each of you has a...” 1 Corinthians 14.26).Decorum is culturally conditioned.Decorum looks different for men and womenThere is something significant about the differences between men and women that connect to headship and authority, but this headship and authority does not compromise the interdependence of men and women.

Men and Women in Christ | Esther and Mordecai | Malcolm Cox

Esther and Mordecai Introduction 1. What do we learn about Esther’s relationship with Mordecai? Obedient to him B. Concerned for him C. Protective of him D. Generous to him 
2. What do we learn about Mordecai’s relationship with Esther? B. By challenging her to accept responsibility C. Obedient - Accepts her instructions D. Cooperative - Worked with her 
3. What do we learn about men and women working together? A. Different circumstances, same devotion to God, each doing their part B. Accept their VulnerabilityC. Summary
ConclusionWhat do we learn about their work together?Gifts — They bring different gifts to the table.Opportunity — They have different opportunities because of the circumstances, and take responsibility for doing what they can.Necessary — They are necessary to each other fulfilling God's will, for their life and blessings that come to others through themInfluence — Neither is dominant, both have an influence on one anotherAuthority — Both ‘command’ the other
What do we learn about God?He rewards faith — expressed in sacrifice and courageEsther depends on God, not her beauty in declaring a fast - 4:16Esther asks Mordecai to gather all of God's people in Susa for three days of fasting and prayer. She refuses to try to achieve this mission based on her beauty and her cleverness and her influence, though they are great. John Ortberg, Overcoming your shadow missionDeclaring a fast indicates a dependency on God 4:16Mordechai has mentioned that rescue may come from another place, indicates his faith in God 4:14
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

Men and Women in Christ | ”Deborah and Barak” | Stefan Wolmarans

We hope you enjoy this exciting and thorough treatment of the relationship between Deborah and the Barak. Stefan Wolmarans gives us a fascinating insight into Israel's history, and the relevance for our own times -- as revealed in Judges chapters 4 and 5.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

Men and Women in Christ | ”Adam & Eve” | Malcolm Cox

Our world fractured on many lines: wealth, class, race and ethnicity, religion, age, education
1. It Was Very Good! Gen 1:31A. Good CreationHumankind made good - not a mistakeWe have a role
B. RoleResponsible - jointlyFruitfulRule togetherNo hierarchy
C. Generosity of GodCreation Fruitfulness/stewardshipPurpose
After the ‘big picture’ view of Gen 1, now let’s zoom in on the detail
2. It Was Not Good, Gen 2:18For Adam to be without a companion
A. Helper‘Eve’ - ‘life’, 3:20ezer - other references including to GodFor the work - good work God has in mind for us
“…’ezer is a generic term that refers to someone who contributes to completing a task or accomplishing a goal. The objective here is for the ‘ezer to partner in tending the Eden garden. Genesis does not comment one way or another on whether woman is a minor partner (contributing less than Adam), a major partner (contributing more), or an equal partner. Gupta, Nijay K.. Tell Her Story (p. 24). IVP.
He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. (Deut 33:29) You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your helper. (Hos 13:9) But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer. (Ps 70:5) I lift my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps 121:1)
B. Need one anotherNot about marriage per se, although most often expressed in that wayCreated for community - their fruitfulness will see to thatTheir partnership will enable them to serve the creation loaned to them by GodGod’s vision: men and women working together harmoniously to bless each other, their children, creation, the worldPlan was to be together enjoying intimacy with God
"Eve wasn't created from Adam's head to dominate him, nor from his feet to be trampled on, but from his side to stand beside him as an equal, from under his arm to be protected, and from close to his heart to be loved."
C. Generosity of GodHuman companionshipBeautiful place to livePurpose/workCompanionship with God
3. It Was Bad, Gen 3Consequences of rebellion/sin
A. Blame shiftingCould argue man more responsible because she was deceived, but he rebelled. He received direct command, 2:16-17
B. Broken trust and dreamWith each other, the creation and GodPreviously worked together for creation’s benefit - now fear 3:10‘desire for husband’ - can mean dominate 3:16‘rule over you’ - descriptive or prescriptive? 3:16Evidence of sin connected with hierarchy? 
C. Generosity of GodGraceNo eternal evil: Hitler etc.Clothing (better than Adam’s, 3:7/21)Not killed/destroyed - protected
Conclusion, Gen 3:15 - There is hope….What do we learn about God?Creative GenerousKindProtectivePatientProviderSensitivePowerfulVisionaryJust
What is our aim?Pre-fall relationship?Accept post-fall situation of struggle for dominance?
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.  The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans 16:20 NIV11)
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

Men and Women in Christ | ”The Bravery of the Loved - Resurrection Witnesses” | Malcolm Cox

John 20:1-18QUESTION: Tell me something you have witnessed that no one else here has seen. Something you would like other people to know, or wished that they had witnessed with you.1. Daring Discipleship
A. CrossDangerousLove - loyaltyMary M - Luke 8.1-3Only women in all four accountsMary mother of JesusDid not believe - came to faith“When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”” (Mark 3:21 NIV11)“Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” (Acts 1:12–14 NIV11)“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”” (Luke 2:34–35 NIV11)“But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” (John 19:33–34 NIV11)
B. BurialJoseph and NicodemusJoseph only man in all four accounts‘marginal’ disciplesLike the ‘marginal’ women
C. Resurrection Afraid - human!“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”” (Matthew 28:1–10 NIV11)Non-sensical messageUnexpected eventInvalid witnesses
Point: The courage to be a loyal disciple is available to all people, no matter your status. You can be a ‘marginalised’ person, but a wonderful witness. You can be the most vulnerable person, but the most loving and loyal.
At all three locations, they were there at a location of ‘failure’. But that did not diminish their loyalty and love for him. 
2. Gentle Jesus
A. QuestionsWhy? Who?
B. Personal‘Mary’He caredFelt specialHe treated women in a way they were not used to
C. Mission‘Go tell…’First ‘apostle’Infectious bravery - Apostles become braveActs 2 - unstoppable church
ConclusionParallels with Eden. New Adam; Garden - abundant life; Reverse the curse; Woman brings fruit of death, now the fruit of lifeGod emphasising the value of the ‘marginalised’ - especially womenWe can be this brave
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

Men and Women in Christ | ”Exegesis and Hermeneutics” | Malcolm Cox

Men and Women in Christ: A Divine Harmony
I am excited to announce that we are embarking on a new teaching series exploring the stories of men and women in the Bible. Through this series, we will delve into the lives, roles, and contributions of these Biblical figures and examine the relationships between men and women as portrayed in the Scriptures.
Throughout the series, we will explore a wide range of topics, including leadership, family dynamics, cultural contexts, and gender roles. We will examine the lives of both well-known figures and lesser-known characters, and consider how their stories can inspire and inform our own lives.
As we explore these topics, I hope that we will gain new insights into the nature of God, the complexities of human relationships, and the power of faith and redemption. My hope is that this series will help us to better understand and appreciate the rich diversity of experiences and perspectives represented in the Bible.
I encourage you to join us in this journey of exploration and discovery. Whether you are a long-time member of our congregation or new to the community, there will be something for everyone in this series. I look forward to learning and growing together as we explore the stories of men and women in the Bible.
One note of caution and explanation. This issue can be controversial and has caused division in Christendom. Our goal for is not to find a 'position' as such. Instead, we want to explore together, understand God and each other better. If that means at the end of this project that we need to change some of our beliefs and ways we practice our faith then that will be all well and good. But it is not our goal. The goal is to learn from our heavenly father, and one another, and then honour our Lord.
God bless, Malcolm

”Spirit God in us” | 1 John 3.24 | Epistles of John Series | Stefan Wolmarans

Stefan leads us in the latest in his series on the first epistle of John.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm

”Faith, Love, Hope” | 1 Thessalonians Summary | Malcolm Cox

This Sunday, we concluded the series on the 1 Thessalonians by summarising its major themes. We began by sharing with one another lessons that God has taught us through the book. I have done my best to turn up the volume, and I hope you can hear the inspiring and insightful comments by members of the Watford church.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org). 
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). 
Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. 
“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) 
God bless, Malcolm