Gods Order of Headship

Articles

Derek Long
03/15/20 - Biblical Authority

God’s Order of Headship By Derek Long
God has a order of headship or authority laid out in 1 Corinthians 11:3. The text says, “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” Let’s see what we can learn from examining God’s order of headship described in this verse.
It has been proposed by some that the word “head” means something like “source” or “origin” in a passage like 1 Corinthians 11:3. The defining of the word “head” to mean something like “source” does not fit though. For example, God is not the “source” of Christ because Christ is eternal (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 1:16-17) but God is the “head” of Christ. Christ placed Himself in a place of voluntary submission to the Father’s will. Many passages would demonstrate for us Christ’s submission to God (Hebrews 5:8-9; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14:36; John 4:34; 8:29). Clearly the word “head” here refers to a position of authority one possesses.
Headship and submission to a head does not involve inferiority. Jesus is not inferior to the Father but is submissive to the Father. Women sometimes view the fact God has given them a place of submission as saying they are inferior to men but such is not the case. Women are just as capable of receiving salvation, pleasing God, etc. as men are (Galatians 3:26-29). Women are able to be “heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7) and in fact can exert a large influence for good upon their husbands (1 Peter 3:1-2). God’s restrictions upon the role women and men are to play are not rooted in the fact women are less capable than men. For example, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 teaches a woman is to be silent in the churches. However, such is not because she does not have knowledge, is untalented, etc. It is simply the result of the order of headship God ordained.
Women who attempt to take over the leadership of men are violating the pattern God lays out for the order of headship. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 would teach a similar concept. It says, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” Women who are domineering within the home are violating the role God has given them to fulfill. Women who seek to take on positions of authority within a local congregation are violating the role God has given them to fulfill. Women who seek to take on positions of authority and power within society are violating the role God has given them to fulfill. God’s word teaches “the head of woman is man” (1 Corinthians 11:3).
The order of man being the head of woman (1 Corinthians 11:3) is not something which was merely limited to the first century culture. 1 Timothy 2:12 points out women are not to “have authority over a man” and proceeds to give reasons for this instruction. 1 Timothy 2:13-14 says, “For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” The reason for
man being the head of woman is rooted in the order of Creation and the way sin entered the world. These are not things which were limited to or rooted in the first century culture. The same thing could be noted in 1 Corinthians 11. 1 Corinthians 11:8-9 says, “For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.” Again, we notice the reason for the order of headship was not first century culture but the order established at the Creation. God’s order of headship in 1 Corinthians 11:3 transcends culture and still is applicable today.
It is easy to focus on the submission of women to men when we study a passage like 1 Corinthians 11:3 but we also need to remember “the head of every man is Christ.” Men need to remember they are not their own boss but they serve Christ. As men exercise the authority God gave them, they must remember to pattern themselves after Christ’s example who uses His authority for the best interest of those He is head of. Ephesians 5:25-27 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” The instruction given to husbands helps us see the manner in which men should approach their role as head. 1 Peter 3:7 says, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Let us respect God’s order of headship and seek to fulfill our role within the plan God has laid out!