Introduction:

* Why did the Bible present a thoroughly masculine perspective? E.g. Brothers, Fathers, Sons.

* God has also consistently describe Himself in the masculine gender.

⟹ show His fatherhood, protection, direction, strength, etc.

* God created two genders’ role to lead the world, one of headship, the other of submission.

* Fall of man brings about the abuse of the headship position.

* Man is given the authority to lead and work ⟹ leading impact to society.

E.g. Cain (built a city), Lamech (married two wives); Jabal (lived in tents and raise livestock); Jubal (played stringed instruments and pipes); Tubal-Cain (forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron).

* About 80% of the philosophers are men. 70% of those working in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) field are men.

* Fallen man (masculine gender) propagate fallen culture. E.g. Sodom and Gomorrah. Drugs taking (3 times more male smoke marijuana compared to female).

* Critically important for men to be prayerful.

* <1 Ti 2:8>: Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

<1 Peter 3:7>

7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way (in accordance to knowledge), showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.  

God wants man to be prayerful.

* Prayerful Man – value relationship with God; lead by God; obey the instruction of God.

* Man and woman created separately in terms of chronological order.

* Woman assumes the position which is in subornation to the man.

* Man is responsible to love and lead the woman through all the instructions that has been given to him by God.

* Important for man to seek God in prayer to lead the woman.

E.g. David

* <Ps 27:4>: One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

* <Ps 51:11>: “God, do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me”

* The male figure (headship) inherently leads and initiates.

* Because of the fear of leading wrongly, it makes prayer of paramount importance.

* Prayer helps a man lead with full confidence.

* Prayer shields a man from all sorts of temptation or spiritual attack.

* <v7> Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way (in accordance to knowledge), showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.  

Live with your wives in an understanding way (in accordance to knowledge)

* Live with your wives –Do not desert her. Do not despise her.

* In an understanding way (in accordance to knowledge).

* In consideration (NIV) not an accurate translation.

* Understanding (direct translation = knowledge (know)).

* “To know” is a word used to signify the closest of all relationship.

* <Ge 4:1>: Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived…

* <Jn 10:14> says: I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

* Knowledge comes from the Greek word, “Gnosis”, signifying “knowing through observation or experience”.

* Beware, sin can cause us to misuse our masculine nature.

* Alpha male – to always be in power of position and domineering role?

* Jesus was a man of meekness, leads with compassion and genetlness.

* <Mt 11:29>: He said: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart”.

* RC Sproul: “Women longs for a husband who is both strong and tender”.

Showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel.

1) In what ways weaker?

(1) Physically weaker.

(2) Weaker in ability to initiate and influence.   

(3) Weaker in terms of authority.

2) Husbands need to learn to honor their weaker counterpart.

4.….they are heirs with you of the grace of life.   

* Man and woman are spiritual equals in the sight of God.

* <Gal 3:28>: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female”.

Marriage:

• Marriage itself is founded on the principle of mutuality (Partnership).
• If the husband honors the wife rightly, nothing will hinder your prayers (Your prayers will be answered).