HERmeneutics

Churches have always been influenced by the values of the cultures that surround them. For instance, the city of Corinth was known for its immorality, and it’s no surprise that immorality had also crept into the church (1 Corinthians 5). Today, our culture highly values the equality of men and women, and thus the message of “male spiritual leadership” in the church is being challenged and jettisoned in many congregations.
One of the most frequently used proof texts to expunge gender-based role distinctions from the church is Galatians 3:28 which reads, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This passage is used to suggest that since there is no male or female in Christ, then there should be no gender-based role distinctions within the church. In other words, women can preach and teach over men in our assemblies, and they can even serve as bishops among us.
However, the “HERmeneutical” mistake being made by some is a failure to distinguish between “value” and “role.” It’s the same hermeneutical mistake made by Korah many years ago (Numbers 16:1-10). Korah and his companions argued that Moses and Aaron were lording over them and had too much authority. They reasoned this way, “Since all of God’s people are holy, we all ought to be allowed to do what you do” (Number. 16:3).
While it was true that the people of God were holy, it was not true that they should all be allowed to do the same thing. God confirmed that their reasoning was flawed when he defended Moses and destroyed them (Numbers 16:31-33).
Brethren, what we are hearing today about women preachers and women overseers in the Lord’s church is the same fallacious “HERmeneutic” employed by Korah long ago. The fact that all of God’s people are holy and valued equally by God, does not mean that men and women have been authorized to function in the same role.
Give care not to make the same ancient “HERmeneutical” mistake made by Korah and his companions. Equal value? “Yes,” equal roles? “No.”