Online Sermons
Lesson #5 - Christ-Centered Male Headship
Series: Home-BuildersLESSON #5 – CHRIST-CENTERED MALE HEADSHIP
INTRODUCTION
The cross of Christ revolutionizes headship. It is not about being demanding, dictatorial, domineering and/or demeaning.
As demonstrated in the life of Christ, true headship is exhibited by possessing the mind and heart of a servant (Mt.20:25-28). This is understood clearly by the apostle Paul, who is not at all misogynistic (quite the contrary) - - calling for husbands
to love their wives in a self-sacrificial way: just as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for her (Eph.5:25).
HOW DOES HUSBAND HEADSHIP DISPLAY ITSELF IN THE HOME?
Husbands loving their wives the way Christ loved the church in a self-surrendering manner (Eph.5:25).
Husbands recognizing the inter-dependence of the husband-wife relationship (1Cor.11:11 and Eph.5:21).
Husband treating their wives with genuine consideration and granting her honor (1Pet.3:7).
Husbands who love their wives and are not embittered against them (Col.3:18).
Fathers bringing their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph.6:4 & Col.3:21).
TRUE HEADSHIP REQUIRES A SERVANT HEART AND CHRIST-LIKE SPIRIT.
It is not being dictatorial. It is not ruling with an iron fist. It is not my way or the highway.
It is not abdicating responsibilities regarding child-rearing and and the honoring one's wife.
TEN WAYS BY WHICH GODLY HUSBANDS CAN PRACTICE CHRISTLIKE HEADSHIP
10. Christ-like male headship means that you see the spiritual nourishment of your wife as your primary duty (Eph.5:28-29).
9. Christ-like male headship means that you love just one wife.
8. Christ-like male headship means that you train yourself to know the Word in a vibrant way.
7. Christ-like male headship means on date night/vacations, you think first,
“What would she like to do?” not, “What would I like to do?”
6. Christ-like male headship means that at dinner, after along day at work,
you hold the baby so your wife, frazzled from kids and home, can eat first.
5. Christ-like male headship means, when conflict happens (as it will), you lead in apologizing.
4. Christi-like male headship means that you show strength whenever you can (1Kgs.2:2).
3. Christ-like male headship mean that you put yourself in harm's way,
gladly taking a hit to protect your family (and the weak).
2. Christ-like male headship means that like the best of generals, presidents, coaches, and so on - -
you solicit gobs of wisdom from wise counselors (namely your wife). cf. Eph.5:21/be subject to one another
1. In these and 1,000 other ways, Christ-like male headship means you die daily to yourself.
“You may never have witnessed this kind of leadership. It might only be theoretical. Men in your past might have abused their authority
and strength and doubly damned themselves by justifying their abuses as part of manhood and leadership. If this is your experience,
I invite you to consider the cross, which makes all things new. Christian leadership does not mean everyone bowing down to you
because you're so great. It means, like Jesus, that you become a courageous servant, dying to yourself for the benefit of others...
Our culture may reject male headship; it may undermine men. None of that matters to you. None of it bogs you down. Whether
trained by a godly dad from birth or newly learning about headship as a young believer, you face is set like flint to pursue the glory of
God as the Christ-like head of a home. That's your goal; that, like a distant trumpet summoning you to sacrificial leadership, is your call.”
(The above list and quote are offered by Dr. Owen Strachan)
