Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

On Being the Head of the Household

I. Doctrine

A. Background

1. Why the scant Scriptural treatment of this subject? Strong patriarchy of Jews and Romans assumed. Rabbinical degrading of women. Jesus.

2. Patriarchy assailed. Feminism. Role Confusion. Female spiritual leadership by default.

B. Examining the Evidence

1. General Verses on Headship

a. 1 Corinthians 11:3-16

b. 1 Timothy 2:9-15

2. Verses that treat the Husband's headship over the wife.

a. 1 Corinthians 14:34-38

b. Ephesians 5:22-33

c. Colossians 3:18-19

d. Titus 2:3-5

e. 1 Peter 3:1-7

3. Verses that treat the Father's headship over children and household

a. Ephesians 6:4

b. Colossians 3:21

c. 1 Timothy 3:4-5

d. 1 Timothy 3:12

e. Hebrews 12:9-10

C. Drawing Some Conclusions About Headship

1. The Apostles do not merely condone what was present in 1st Century culture(s); they root the headship of man over woman in creation and the Fall (see 1 Cor. 11:3-12; 1 Tim. 2:12-13).

2. Headship Has to do with Function Not Worth; It has to do with Order Not Superiority.

3. Headship Comes from Love and in Love (see Eph. 5:25-33; Col. 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7).

4. The husband/father as head of the family represents Christ to the family.

5. Fathers exercise this headship by training their children "in the fear and admonition of the Lord." This is also called "ruling the household."

II. Practice (What Should a Christian Man Do to be the Head of the Household?)

A. Strive to be the Spiritual Leader

1. Intercede for them in prayer

2. Lead them to regular use of Word and Sacrament

3. Strive to be a little Christ to them

4. Don't hide the fact that you are saint AND sinner; remind them of how much you need the Gospel.

B. This can only come about by God's grace

1. You will not become "Head" by promises or resolutions.

2. It comes by regular trips to the water supply of grace (the Gospel and Sacraments).

3. It comes by prayer.

4. It does not come alone (a wife can intentionally or unintentionally sabotage your attempts).

5. It comes gradually, patiently, and never perfectly. Remember: sanctification means growing in our understanding of just how much we've been forgiven! Sanctification means growing in our dependence on Jesus Christ and His righteousness.