Redeemer Equips: Roles and Responsibilities in Marriage

Objective: Examine complementary roles in marriage as expressions of God's ordered creation, rooted in Christ's example and Reformed understandings of authority and equality.

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Recap Session 1: Build on foundations—marriage as covenantal and creation-based.

• Thesis: Biblical roles are not cultural relics but gospel-driven patterns for mutual flourishing, reflecting Christ's headship over the Church.

• Address Sensitivity: Acknowledge debates; emphasize Reformed balance of complementarity without inferiority.

Biblical Headship: The Husband's Role (15 minutes)

• Key Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 3:19

• Define headship: Authority as sacrificial service, modeled on Christ's love for the Church (Eph 5:25—"gave himself up"). Reformed view: This counters authoritarianism; it's stewardship under God's sovereignty.

• Responsibilities: Nourish, cherish, and lead toward holiness (Eph 5:26-27). Discuss practicals like decision-making with input, providing security, and spiritual leadership.

• Reformed Insight: Draw from Puritan writers like Richard Baxter, who saw husbands as "under-kings" accountable to Christ, promoting sanctification through gentle rule.

Biblical Submission: The Wife's Role (15 minutes)

• Key Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Peter 3:1-6; Colossians 3:18

• Define submission: Voluntary respect and support, as the Church to Christ—not passivity or inequality (Eph 5:22). Reformed perspective: Rooted in creation order (1 Tim 2:13), but equal in value (Gal 3:28).

• Responsibilities: Honor leadership, offer wisdom, and pursue godliness. Address misconceptions: Not blind obedience; allows for appeal (e.g., Esther's boldness).

• Reformed Nuance: Reference the Heidelberg Catechism (Lord's Day 39) on honoring authority as part of the Fifth Commandment, applied to marriage.

Mutual Responsibilities and Gospel Fruits (7 minutes)

• Key Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7; Titus 2:3-5

• Shared duties: Mutual respect, understanding, and love (1 Pet 3:7—"heirs together"). Emphasize how roles combat sin's distortions through the Spirit's work.

• Community Role: Encourage mentoring (Titus 2) in Reformed church life for accountability.

Conclusion and Transition (3 minutes)

• Summarize: Roles are Christ-centered, promoting order and growth amid depravity.

• Practical Application: Discuss with spouse one strength and one growth area in roles.

• Tease Session 3: We'll address sustaining these through challenges and grace.