Most instruction in the New Testament is directed to all believers. There are, however, certain instructions for specific groups–including men and women. Women have distinctive roles in God’s order (see the Aug. 1996 Uplook). Here is how God chooses to use men:
1. Symbolically: Just as women are given symbolic roles, so the men also have a complementary function. Two areas come to mind: in the home and in the church.
1 Corinthians 11 teaches us about headship. Here we are taught that the woman physically covers her head as a symbol of the covering of the glory of the man since “the head of the woman is the man” (v. 3). But this chapter also teaches about the uncovered head of the man. The man symbolically leaves his head uncovered to display his representation of the glory of Christ.
It is unhappy and unhealthy when the subject of the glory of Christ should be missed at this point. Instead of heated discussions on the head covering, there should be holy discussions on the glory of Christ.
The man also plays a pivotal role in the home. Ephesians 5 teaches us that the loving husband portrays Christ’s love for the Church. It is probably a good thing that the conversations and actions of husbands towards their wives are not on display as the words and deeds of Christ are for His Bride! The Christian husband should be the picture of Christ in selfless devotion and sacrificial living. The most compelling message on submission is a loving husband.
2. As Shepherds: The instructions in 1 Timothy and Titus are self-evidently directed to men. God has called men to act as elders. While not all men are equipped and made elders by the Holy Spirit, some are.
As shepherds, they watch over and watch out for the flock. They are on guard against spiritual dangers. It is their work to feed the flock (1 Pet. 5). And they will be held accountable to the Chief Shepherd in a future day.
It is much easier to criticize elders than to pray for them. We need to be careful about speaking against God’s delegated authority. Elders may not be perfect, but they are God’s idea. Pray for, and encourage an elder today.
3. As Speakers: It is clear from 1 Tim. 2:11 and 1 Cor. 14:34-35 that public ministry in the assembly is committed to men, not women. Like the elder, not all men are fitted for public ministry, but some are. God’s giving of the spiritual gift is not a commentary on the spirituality of the individual. Nevertheless, public ministry is to be carried out by men.
Public ministry is not something to fill the time of a meeting. Peter reminds us, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.” Messages delivered in assemblies are to be messages from God. Not pet theories, new revelations, or personal vendettas but exposition of the truth already given to us in the Word. Men must take this seriously.
Those gifted in this area have an obligation to be searching the Word for God’s message. According to 1 Cor. 14:3-4, it is a ministry “for edification, exhortation and comfort”–not personal aggrandizement of the man.
4. As Spiritual Guides in the Home: There is a great privilege in being a father. But this privilege also has responsibility. Paul writes, “And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).
Fathers need to be neither legalists nor give license. They should not push their children to impossible demands, yet they should have positive instruction “of the Lord.”
Fathers thankfully have a heavenly Father as an example. As He is merciful, so should we. As He is loving, kind and generous, so should we be. As He instructs and corrects, so should we. It is not an easy task, but we are not left alone to carry it out.
How God uses men! What a beautiful partnership with women; what a beautiful display of God’s wider purposes. May He help us to fulfill these roles to His glory.