Page Three: “The Family From God’s Viewpoint” 7/21/13
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So the five parents break down into two groups of three…. And really, I would like to live in a legal system that is capable of reflecting that reality. And I don’t think that’s compatible with the institution of marriage.”
Today I’d like you to open your Bible with me to the Book of Colossians. It is our job as Christians to teach, believe, and obey God’s word no matter what the world does. And if God exalts the family as the norm for society, so should we. Look with me at Colossians 3:18. Colossians 3:18 “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. (19) Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. (20) Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. (21) Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Isn’t it quite easy to see that the family came from God? He originated it. He designed it. And notwithstanding the imperfections of human beings, the family still works well today. And He is the One Who directs the family. He is the One Who defines the roles of the family members. Here’s what the LORD says about the family. First, then, the blessedness of wives. Paul says Colossians 3:18 “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.” The blessedness of the wife is found in the spirit of submission. Submission is the critical term here. Ladies, one of the keys to a successful marriage from the point of view of the wife is her spirit. A man generally speaking, has no problem seeing the spirit of his wife. And when a wife sees herself as submissive to her husband, she sees the exact same thing you see when you and I are called to be submissive to the LORD Jesus. And in submission, it’s simply a question of whose will is to prevail. Think about how difficult this is. But please don’t put the emphasis on the difficulties. Instead, put the emphasis where God puts it; on the matter of daily choice. Ladies, whose will do you choose? |
This is the very same message we find in the Book of Ephesians chapter five.
Ephesians 5:22 “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” Folks, can you see what the LORD says about the role of the wife as He sees it? First, ladies the spirit of the wife brings tremendous success to the home. And second, there’s the matter of influence. Think, ladies how powerful your influence is. God has placed every wife in this place of powerful influence. Consider every wife from Eve through the entire Bible and take a close look at her influence and you will see the success or failure she brought to her home. This is also the same message taught by the Apostle Peter. I Peter 3:1 “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; (2) While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. (3) Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; (4) But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (5) For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: (6) Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.” God’s plan is the best plan. And the blessedness of the wife is found in surrendering her will to the will of her husband. This is part of what it means to make Christ the LORD of your home. This is what Paul means when he says “as it is fit in the LORD.” “Fit” simply means “fitting, seemly, proper, and suitable.” It’s what fits in a Christ-honoring home. |