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| Pastor Chris Oyakhilome |
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL
BEYOND GENDER—ONE IN CHRIST
Saturday, July 11th
Pastor Chris
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).
The Word of God reveals something profound about your identity in Christ: it transcends natural distinctions. When the Bible says, “there is neither male nor female,” it’s unveiling a spiritual reality. Your identity in Christ is not defined by your physical body but by your spirit.
In Romans 16:1, the Apostle Paul introduces Phebe and calls her “a servant of the church.” The word translated “servant” is from the Greek “diakonos,” the same word used for deacon. This means Phebe functioned as a deaconess in the church.
Yet, some have tried to reinterpret this, suggesting she was merely a helper, or perhaps the wife of a deacon, or even a widow supported by the church. But the Scripture doesn’t say that. They have found it difficult to accept that a woman can function in ministry, teaching or preaching. But the Scriptures are clear.
For example, we’re told that Philip the evangelist had four daughters who prophesied: “And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy” (Acts 21:9). The Word says, “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophecy is for the Church. It builds, strengthens and uplifts God’s people.
That means these women were ministers, speaking forth the Word by the Spirit. Thus, the distinction between male and female pertains to the body, not the spirit. In Christ, your spirit is what defines your identity and your capacity to function. The anointing and grace of the Spirit are not limited by gender.
There are, however, natural and relational structures, especially within marriage. The Bible teaches order in that context. But outside of that union, spiritual function is not restricted by gender. The same Spirit works in all and through all.
The question, therefore, is not whether one is male or female but whether one is yielded to the Spirit. God works through those who make themselves available to Him. So, refuse to interpret Scripture through tradition or human bias. Let the Word speak for itself. In Christ, we’re one. And in that oneness, each of us is empowered to function in the grace given to us by God. So, recognise who you are in the Spirit, and walk in the fullness of that calling.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the truth of your Word and the revelation of my identity in Christ. I function by your Spirit, unhindered by natural limitations, expressing the grace you’ve given me for your glory. I walk in boldness and clarity, fulfilling my calling in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Romans 16:1-5 NIV
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.
2] I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
3] Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4] They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
5] Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
Galatians 3:26-29 NIV
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,
27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
28] There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
*1-Year Bible Reading Plan Acts 21:1-16 & Job 25-28
*2-Year Bible Reading Plan Galatians 3:1-12 & Isaiah 31
