𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬

THE NATURAL ORDER OF THE FAMILY

(Christ-Centered Authority — Rightly Divided)
Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV)
“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”

INTRODUCTION

God is not the author of confusion—but of order.
When families reject God’s design, they suffer instability; when they follow it, they experience protection, peace, and purpose.

From a Pauline perspective, family order is not cultural, legalistic, or oppressive—it is grace-based authority under Christ. Authority flows downward, protection flows outward, and responsibility flows upward.

Today we will examine 9 DISPENSATIONAL TRUTHS that establish the biblical order of the family.

PREEMINENT CHRIST
1 Corinthians 11:3; Colossians 1:18
Truth: Christ is the supreme Head over all.
A. Sovereign Authority – Christ rules over man
B. Spiritual Covering – All authority begins in Him
C. Supreme Example – Leadership through sacrifice
Insight:
Christ is Head of the Body, not an earthly household system.

POSITIONAL HEADSHIP
Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 11:3
Truth: God appoints the husband as head under Christ.

A. Assigned Authority – Given by God, not self
B. Accountable Leadership – Answers to Christ
C. Ordered Structure – Prevents confusion
Dispensational Balance:
Headship is responsibility, not tyranny.

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP AT HOME
1 Corinthians 11:3; Joshua 24:15
Truth: The husband leads spiritually.

A. Teaching Truth – Leads family in doctrine
B. Training Children – Models godliness
C. Testifying Faith – Lives Christ before them
Pauline Emphasis:
A man cannot abdicate spiritual leadership without consequence.

PROVIDENTIAL RESPONSIBILITY
1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Truth: The husband is responsible to provide.

A. Material Provision – Meets family needs
B. Moral Obligation – Failure denies the faith
C. Motivated Diligence – Works as unto the Lord
Warning:
Provision is not optional—it is commanded.

PASSIONATE LOVE
Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19
Truth: The husband must love sacrificially.

A. Christlike Love – Willing to suffer
B. Caring Leadership – Not harsh or bitter
C. Covenant Faithfulness – Love that endures
Dispensational Clarity:
Authority without love becomes abuse.

PURPOSEFUL HELPMEET
Genesis 2:18; Proverbs 31:11–12
Truth: The wife is God’s designed helper.

A. Complementary Role – Not inferior, but fitted
B. Cooperative Strength – Builds the household
C. Courageous Support – Stands with her husband
Right Division:
Helpership is divine design, not cultural invention.

PARENTAL NURTURE
Titus 2:4–5; Proverbs 22:6
Truth: The wife plays a vital role in raising children.

A. Nurturing Love – Trains with tenderness
B. Moral Instruction – Teaches godliness
C. Modeling Modesty – Lives example before children
Pauline Application:
Home discipleship shapes future generations.

PROPER SUBMISSION
Ephesians 5:22; Colossians 3:18
Truth: Submission is alignment, not inferiority.

A. Willing Order – Not forced obedience
B. Respectful Spirit – Honors God’s design
C. Reflective Picture – Mirrors Church to Christ
Dispensational Balance:
Submission flows from trust, not fear.

PROTECTIVE COVERING
1 Corinthians 11:3; Psalm 127:1
Truth: God’s order provides protection.

A. Christ Covers the Man – Spiritual authority
B. Man Covers the Wife – Loving leadership
C. Family Stands Secure – Under God’s design
Conclusion:
Order brings stability; rebellion brings ruin.

CONCLUSION

God’s family order is not outdated—it is timeless.
When Christ is first, the husband leads rightly, and the wife fulfills her God-given role, the family functions under grace, not confusion.

CALL TO ACTION

Put Christ first
Restore biblical order
Teach your household
Reject worldly confusion
Live under God’s covering
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40 (KJV)

FINAL THOUGHTS

Order is protection.
Authority is responsibility.
Grace thrives in God’s design.
Christ above all.
Man under Christ.
Woman under loving headship.
Children raised in truth.