Eph. 5: 22 – 6: 4

Spiritual Leadership In The Home

What does the Bible say? God has provided a structure for the home. –Eph. 5: 22-6: 4; Col. 3: –Wives submit to your husbands. –Husbands lead (love) your wives. –Children obey your parents. God has reasons for the assigned roles. –1 Cor. 11: 3, 8-9; 1 Tim. 2: 13-14; Gen. 3: 16

What does the Bible say? Father’s responsibility to train his children. –Eph. 6: 4; Col. 3: 21; Prov. 2: 1-2, 5 –“The buck stops here…” Gen. 18: 17, 19; 1 Sam. 3: Effects of family leadership extend beyond the family. –1 Tim. 3: 4-5, 12

Modern Society’s View The television family. –Husband/Father is either inept or too busy. –Wife/Mother either leading or nagging. –Children are disrespectful and rebellious. Biblical approach is old fashioned, out of date. Roles of headship/subjection are unfair.

Roles, Headship and Subjection “That the word ‘subjection’ or the role of subjection makes no statement regarding inferiority or superiority is evident in the business world. Employees, for example, are subject to their employers, but are often more intelligent and more talented than their bosses. And surely they are not sub-human or second-class citizens because someone rules them. Roles, whether of submission or dominion, say nothing of themselves about ability or value. They speak only of functions and responsibilities.” Family Life: A Biblical Perspective, pg. 38, L.A. Stauffer.

Roles, Headship and Subjection “Many wives are clearly superior to their husbands – intellectually, educationally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. Subjection is simply the role God assigned her in the home. All relationships need leaders and followers and in the family the husband is the “head” and the wife is to be in ‘subjection’.” Family Life: A Biblical Perspective, pg. 39, L.A. Stauffer.

Roles, Headship and Subjection Jesus, an example of accepting roles. –In subjection. Phil. 2: 5-8; Heb. 5: 8 –In leadership. Eph. 5: 23, 25, 28-29, Husbands and wives must fulfill their given roles. –1 Pet. 3: 1, 5-7

Successful Spiritual Leadership Decision: I will be a leader. –Dan. 1: 8; 3: 16-18; Josh. 24: 15; Acts 10: 24, 33 Prepare: Lead in the right direction. –Heb. 5: 12; Mt. 15: 13-14; 2 Tim. 2: 15; 3: 14-15; Josh. 1: 8-9

Successful Spiritual Leaders… …lead by example. –Mt. 23: 3; 1 Sam. 18: 5, 7; Eph. 5: 25, 32-33; 1 Cor. 11: 1; Mt. 5: …lead with love. –Eph. 5: 25, 28-29; 1 Pet. 3: 7; 1 Sam. 1: 8 …serve. –Mt. 20: 28; Jn. 13: 12-17

Successful Spiritual Leaders… …sacrifice. –Eph. 5: 25; Phil. 2: 5-7; 2 Cor. 8: 9 …are humble. –Phil. 2: 7-9; Num. 12: 3; 1 Kgs. 3: 6-8 …pray. –1 Sam. 23: 2, 4; 30: 8; 2 Sam. 2: 1; 5: 19, 23; 21: 1; 1 Kgs. 8: 22-53; Mk. 1: 35; Lk. 6: 12

Applications Husbands/Fathers –Get to work! –Be active! –Strengthen your weaknesses. –Train your children. Wives –Who’s the leader of your household? –Work behind the scenes.

Applications Young Men –Decide what kind of man you are going to be. –Prepare now to develop leadership qualities. Young Women –Choose your dates/prospective mates wisely.