Chapter 28 - OF THE GOD-ORDAINED ROLES IN FAMILY AND SOCIETY
1 From the dawn of creation, God bestowed upon humanity a dominion mandate, enjoining them to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth" (Genesis 1:28). Crucially, this mandate was initially given to Adam, the man, who was formed first and tasked with the responsibility of "working and keeping" the Garden of Eden before the creation of Eve (Genesis 2:15). This chronological and vocational precedence establishes a foundational pattern of responsible headship, wherein man is entrusted with primary leadership and stewardship under God's ultimate authority.
2 Within the covenant of marriage, God has instituted a divine order wherein the husband is called to exercise loving and self-sacrificial headship over his wife, mirroring the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:23). This headship is not to be construed as tyrannical or domineering, but rather as a humble, servant-hearted leadership, characterized by profound love, spiritual direction, diligent provision, and steadfast protection of the family unit (Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:7). The husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the Church, even to the point of laying down his life for her.
3 The father bears the profound responsibility of being the spiritual leader within his home, exercising what may be termed the "priesthood of the home." This sacred duty encompasses the consistent practice of family worship, diligent instruction of his household in the tenets of the Christian faith, and fervent prayer for and with his family (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Joshua 24:15; Ephesians 6:4). A father who neglects this divine charge is unequivocally accountable to God and will, by divine principle, experience the adverse consequences of his dereliction of this most vital God-given task.
4 Men are divinely enjoined to be diligent and responsible providers for their households, laboring with integrity and a strong work ethic (1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). The Apostle Paul unequivocally states, "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8). This underscores the gravity of a man's responsibility to provide materially for his family.
5 Scripture unequivocally condemns the sin of male passivity, notably exemplified by Adam's failure to protect Eve from the deceptive machinations of the Serpent in the Garden of Eden. Adam, being present, did not intervene to shield his wife from the Tempter's lies nor did he confront the Serpent with the authoritative Word of God (Genesis 3:6). Therefore, men are exhorted to courageously and humbly embrace their God-given responsibilities with active love, ensuring the spiritual and physical well-being and protection of their households from all forms of danger and spiritual compromise (1 Corinthians
16:13; Ephesians 6:10-13).
6 The Holy Scriptures consistently uphold the vital and complementary role of women within the family, the church, and society at large (Proverbs 31:10-31; Titus 2:3-5). Women, as equally created in the image of God, possess inherent dignity and worth (Genesis 1:27). Their contributions are indispensable, encompassing roles such as nurturing and raising children, managing the household, and contributing to the spiritual and social fabric of the community in ways that are distinct yet equally valuable to those of men (Proverbs 31:26-27; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; Titus 2:5). The complementary nature of these roles is essential for the harmonious functioning of God's created order.
7 Children are unequivocally commanded by God to honor their parents "in the Lord" at all times (Ephesians 6:1-3; Exodus 20:12). This divine injunction remains binding despite the inherent imperfections and residual sins that may at times lead to parental shortcomings or perceived injustices in their upbringing. Children are not thereby licensed to respond with argumentative disrespect or dishonorable speech. Rather, they are to present their concerns respectfully and with earnest supplication, recognizing that their parents exercise God-given authority (Colossians 3:20). To harbor resentment towards parental authority is, at its root, to ultimately reject the authority of God Himself, for it is God who has delegated this authority to parents over their children. Under no circumstances are children permitted to reverse the established order of authority by addressing their parents with imperative commands or disrespectful demeanor.
8 All members of the household are called to cultivate and maintain active, consistent, and open communication. This communication, characterized by an attitude of love, mutual respect, and a profound dependence upon the God who established their family unit (Ephesians 4:15, 29; Colossians 4:6), is paramount. Crucially, the gospel must be a frequent topic of family conversations, ensuring that the foundational truths of faith are regularly discussed and understood. Furthermore, transparency with one another is essential to preserve family unity, fostering an environment where gentleness and love guide every interaction. This commitment to healthy, gospel-centered communication is to be pursued with the ultimate aim of nurturing future generations who fear the Lord and know His ways. Failure to do so risks replicating the tragic historical fate of the Israelites, whose successive generation "did not know the Lord or
the work that he had done for Israel" after Joshua and his contemporaries had passed away (Judges 2:10). Thus, intentional and godly communication is vital for the spiritual heritage and lasting unity of the family.