Male Manipulation

by Steve Hale

One of the genuine tragedies in a lot of homes is the misinterpretation of the role of the husband. Angry statements like: "I'm the head of this house," or "you'd better do what I say," are commonly authenticated (mistakenly so) with "wives submit yourselves to your own husband as unto the Lord" ( Ephesians 5:22).
In the name of the Lord, some men abuse the precious position God has given them. While it is true God made the husband the head of the wife, he did not make him the ultimate head of the family! Note the following biblical facts:

(1) The real head of the house is God: "But I would have you know that head of every man is Christ: and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God" ( 1 Corinthians 11:3). Fellows, be careful when you say "I run this house." I hope not. I hope I don't run mine. I hope God does.

(2) The position of authority means responsibility, not abuse: "But if any provide not for his own., and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (I Tim. 5:8). It is positively sinful for a man to be shiftless, lazy, and sponge off of his wife or children. Paul warned: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat" ( 1 Thessalonians 3: 1 0).

(3) The husband is over the wife just like Christ is over the church: "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body" ( Ephesians 5:23). Our Lord never abused His authority! He always taught and commanded in the best interest of his followers, because he loved them ( Ephesians 5:24-25). In like manner, husbands should love their wives!

(4) The husband should never give his wife a reason for bitterness, nor should he be bitter toward her: "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them" ( Colossians 3:19). In the first century world, there was no N.O.W. or A.C.L.U. And yet, even in the context of a much more authoritarian license for a husband, the gospel called him to treat her with dignity and respect.
A real man is committed to His Lord, wife, and family. Forget those flings during the foolish forties! Forget the world's concept of manhood! Be God's man (I Tim. 6:11).

December 1, 1991

Related Articles:

Veto Power -Nov 06, 1996
Beware of the Foolish Forties! -Dec 03, 1995
So You Want to Get Married -Sep 05, 1993
Marriage, Divorce, and Marrying Again -May 20, 1992
A Word About Weddings -Apr 14, 1991

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Male Manipulation by Steve Hale One of the genuine tragedies in a lot of homes is the misinterpretation of the role of the husband. Angry statements like: "I'm the head of this house," or "you'd better do what I say," are commonly authenticated (mistakenly so) with "wives submit yourselves to your own husband as unto the Lord" ( Ephesians 5:22). In the name of the Lord, some men abuse the precious position God has given them. While it is true God made the husband the head of the wife, he did not make him the ultimate head of the family! Note the following biblical facts: (1) The real head of the house is God: "But I would have you know that head of every man is Christ: and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God" ( 1 Corinthians 11:3). Fellows, be careful when you say "I run this house." I hope not. I hope I don't run mine. I hope God does. (2) The position of authority means responsibility, not abuse: "But if any provide not for his own., and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (I Tim. 5:8). It is positively sinful for a man to be shiftless, lazy, and sponge off of his wife or children. Paul warned: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat" ( 1 Thessalonians 3: 1 0). (3) The husband is over the wife just like Christ is over the church: "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body" ( Ephesians 5:23). Our Lord never abused His authority! He always taught and commanded in the best interest of his followers, because he loved them ( Ephesians 5:24-25). In like manner, husbands should love their wives! (4) The husband should never give his wife a reason for bitterness, nor should he be bitter toward her: "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them" ( Colossians 3:19). In the first century world, there was no N.O.W. or A.C.L.U. And yet, even in the context of a much more authoritarian license for a husband, the gospel called him to treat her with dignity and respect. A real man is committed to His Lord, wife, and family. Forget those flings during the foolish forties! Forget the world's concept of manhood! Be God's man (I Tim. 6:11). December 1, 1991 Related Articles: Veto Power -Nov 06, 1996 Beware of the Foolish Forties! -Dec 03, 1995 So You Want to Get Married -Sep 05, 1993 Marriage, Divorce, and Marrying Again -May 20, 1992 A Word About Weddings -Apr 14, 1991 Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM