Read Colossians 3:18. Ephesians 5:21-24, 1 Peter 3:1-6
God has rules and functions for marriage, just as He does for every area of our life. But before we move forward, we need to be absolutely clear about how these passages are and are NOT to be used. These passages should be read and applied first and foremost to myself. I need to let God’s Spirit convict me and change me so that I am a more Jesus-like spouse. At no point should I read the passage and demand that my spouse act like this, or that, or do this, or do that. These are not passages with which we can domineer or lord it over our spouse.
Wives are called to submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Wives are called to be submissive in a way that glorifies our Lord or Saviour. Wives are never called to disobey or bring dishonour to God when the Lord is disobeyed, or His standards are called into question, or when sin is desired by the husband! Wives are to submit to their husbands as the head as Christ is the Head of the Church. Given what we’ve already learned in Genesis 3, that statement may cause hackles to rise up on the necks of women, to incite incense and a deep desire to argue the point. If that’s the case for you, read Ephesians 5:21-24 again and again, if necessary.
Wives are called to live such pure and reverent lives that unbelieving husbands are drawn to worship Christ. They are not to ‘nag’ their husbands into believing (this is the more probable meaning of ’without words’ in 1 Peter), but are to adorn themselves with the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. They are to be attractive from the inside out.
Wives are not called to be submissive only when it suits them, or when they are happy to submit. They are not to manipulate their husbands to get their own way, or badger them after what they feel is a wrong decision.
What God wants is for two people to live in harmony together, helping and supporting one another and going out of their way to serve Him and serve the other. Marriage is about service sacrifice and bringing joy to the other person.
Prayer:-
ÿ Pray that the wives in our congregation will be women with a quiet and gentle spirit that make themselves attractive by loving God wholeheartedly and by adorning good deeds that are appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
ÿ Pray that husbands will not be abusing their position or using Scripture manipulate their wives.
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