A Proven Way to Have Joy

Understanding the Origin of Roles in Scripture

This evening, I want to discuss concepts that supplement what Pastor Tim has taught on roles within the church, marriage, society, and community. These roles are often gender-specific as outlined in Scripture. This is a broad overview to encourage deeper study into your particular role.

We will examine redeeming roles—role redemption—as a means of glorifying God in our own function and in encouraging others in theirs. Even if you are not in a particular role, knowing these biblical concepts is essential to encourage others. This is not only a marital discussion; roles apply to other relationships and circumstances.

To understand roles, we start at their origin in Scripture.

Genesis 2:15-17
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.'"

Here, roles begin with the creation of man, representing humanity. He is given three explicit roles: to work the garden, to keep (protect) it, and to obey God. Work was not a consequence of the fall; it was man's intended role, though the fall made it laborious.

Obedience means enjoying God's provision and blessing within His boundaries. The trees were pleasant to the eyes and good for food (Genesis 2:9). Man's role summarizes as a demonstration of the gospel, like Christ saving His church (Ephesians 5, interpreting Genesis 2:24).

Implicitly, man teaches God's command to the woman (who did not yet exist when it was given) and serves as federal headship, representing humanity (Romans 5).

The Role of Woman as Helper

Woman is introduced pre-fall, in a sinless state. Creation was declared "very good" (Genesis 1:31), except one thing: "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18). Man's solitude—incompleteness in his role—is not good.

God creates a helper suitable for him. "Helper" means to complement, complete, and provide strength. She strengthens the man himself, not just his work, solving his greatest pre-fall problem: solitude.

She represents the church in the gospel picture (Ephesians 5). Together, they demonstrate God's design: equal in nature and salvation, distinct in function—like the Trinity, equal yet different roles.

This is a pre-fall gospel (supralapsarian), preached in marriage roles before Genesis 3. Redeeming roles means living as gospel demonstrations.

The Role of Singleness

This raises questions about singleness. Is it wrong?

Matthew 19:10-12
"The disciples said to him, 'If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.' But he said to them, 'Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this, receive it.'"

"Eunuch" here means one abstaining from marriage for kingdom focus. Singleness is admirable, not inferior—equal and necessary for gospel advancement. Permanent singleness offers freedom for kingdom devotion.

There is also temporary singleness:

1 Corinthians 7:6-8
"But as a concession, not a command, I say this: I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am."

Paul paints singleness positively, even wishing it for others amid Corinth's fornication issues. It emphasizes self-control. Paul was eligible for marriage (1 Corinthians 9:5) but chose singleness for gospel mission.

Both permanent and temporary singleness advance the gospel when roles prioritize Christ.

Roles in Romantic Relationships Before Marriage

What about dating or courtship—a romantic relationship ending in marriage? Scripture recognizes only promised (betrothed), engaged, or married as romantic relationships, all aiming for lifelong covenant (Matthew 19).

Rather than just practicing marital roles, specific roles apply:

1 Corinthians 7:36-38 (ESV)
"If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better."

This addresses a man and his "virgin" (betrothed, marriageable woman abstaining from sex). Roles: self-control and purity. Marrying amid strong passions is no sin (if eligible), but better on a foundation of control. Avoid improper private acts; kindle no fire (1 Corinthians 7:1).

Stop "boyfriend/girlfriend"—be a man with "his virgin." Virginity is beautiful, not mocked. Purity secures undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35), avoiding worldly anxieties.

For those who lost virginity: redemption applies.

2 Corinthians 11:2
"I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God. For I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ."

Paul presents the fornicating church (Ezekiel 16) as a pure virgin to Christ. Let gospel redemption restore purity.

Commitments are serious: Joseph called betrothed Mary his "husband" and considered quiet divorce (Matthew 1:18-19) for fornication—the same grounds as marital divorce.

Encouraging Others in Their Roles

Knowing roles equips you to help in covenant community. Experience isn't required—Scripture is. Confront wandering lovingly (James 5:19). Men approach men, women approach women.

Whatever your role—singleness, romantic, marriage—study Scripture, glorify God, focus on holiness. Trust God for future roles; pray to become fit for them. ```