The Family and the Home Part 2: The Role of the Man in the Family

Introduction Last lesson: Strong homes depend on godly marriages. Husband has greatest responsibility. Many families fail because men do not properly fulfill their role. God teaches men how to fulfill their role in the family as a…  Leader,  Husband,  Father.

The Man as a Leader Lead like Christ: Eph. 5:23  Lead by example: John 13:15; 1 Pet. 2:1  Loving leadership: Eph. 5:28  Tender, caring leadership: Eph. 5:29  Sacrificial leadership: Eph. 5:25 Take the initiative: Josh. 24:15 b.  Should not need to be coaxed or “hen-pecked” into fulfilling responsibility.  Take leadership seriously as Joshua did, “As for me and my house…”

The Man as a Husband He is the head: Eph. 5:23 The Head nourishes cherishes own body: Eph. 5:28-29.

Eph. 5:29 “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.” Nourish: “To nourish up to maturity” (Vincent). Cherish: “To keep warm, as of birds covering their young, to foster with tender care” (Vine’s).

The Man as a Husband He is the head: Eph. 5:23 The Head nourishes cherishes own body: Eph. 5: Gives honor: 1 Pet. 3:7  As a weaker vessel – not an insult.  Descriptive of fine china, antique vase that is held in greater esteem than the clock. Submit to her needs: Eph. 5:21ff

The Man as a Father Training of children largely placed on father’s shoulders:  Mothers do teach, they spend the most time. But Fathers must take an active role in training children as well!  Eph. 6:4: “…fathers…bring them up…”  Heb. 12:7-10: “…fathers who corrected us…”  1 Tim. 3:4: Qualification of elder which all men must aspire to: “..rule house well…children in submission.”

The Man as a Father Men in the world are often afraid of being good fathers.  Too busy working to actually train children.  Locked up at home, inaccessible during time off.  Help other people, but never take children along to teach them.  Some just don’t know what to do with children. Offer correction, but never nurturing and training.

The Man as a Father Be men no mice:  Wives need to know they have a leader that takes responsibility seriously.  Likewise, children need to know what sound leadership looks like.  God commands, “Children, obey…”, but men need to give their children a reason to obey.  Teach children how to respect, but also give them a reason to respect. Do not be like Eli: 1 Sam. 2:22-25; 3:13. Give an example of love as well as stability, like Christ.

Conclusion Great responsibility placed on shoulders of men.  Wives, remember this when considering Eph. 5:23.  Saddest thing when a man does not lead as he should.  But when he does others can see it in the beauty and quality of his family. If men are not willing to fill this role then they should not start a family. If you are already there then it is time to step up and accept your responsibility.