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The Model
Marriage and Scripture |
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MARRIAGE PASSAGES TO BE CONSIDERED
Matthew 1:18-25 - Joseph, a model husband Luke 1:38-56 - Mary, a model wife Ephesians 5:21-33 - Apostle Paul's advice to the married 1 Peter 3:1-9 - Apostle Peter's advice to the married Proverbs 31 - The Industrious Wife MARY - THE MODEL WIFE Luke 1:38 (To the angel:) "I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." :47 Intercessor in praise and prayer :56 Dutiful to family Matthew 1:24b; 2:1 - 5 times following this verse Mary was "taken" by Joseph out of harm's way, which says that wife should be submissive to a righteous husband (which really says more about the character of the husband. ADVICE TO WIVES Proverbs 31: written by a "good wife," mother of King Lemuel: Industrious, of good reputation, competent Ephesians 5:23-24: husband head of wife as Christ head of church 1 Peter 3:1,2: submissive, reverent, chaste, so that unbelieving husband might be converted through her actions :3: inwardly adorned, gentle and quiet spirit - more precious and valuable than outward adornment of fine jewelry JOSEPH - THE MODEL HUSBAND Matthew 1:19 just - virtuous, devoted :20 open to the revealation of the Lord; the vehicle, for Joseph, was dreams and angels. :24 obedient to the direction of God above all other agents of direction :24b and following - protective and caring of his wife, guiding her to safety and comfort - taking familial responsibility. ADVICE TO HUSBANDS Ephesians 5:25: Love wives as Christ loved the church (and gave himself for the church) - entailing self-sacrifice :28 Love wife as own body, nurishing and cherishing (Prov 31:11) :26 A husband's relationship with the Lord sanctifies the wife - makes her holy - fits her for eternal life 1 Peter 3:7: be considerate of wive's feelings, honor her, since you both are joint heirs (Prov 31:28b-9) :7: Failure to be a godly husband causes spiritual problems - prayer are hindered. ADVICE ON RELATIONSHIP Ephesians 5:21: There should be mutual subjection :31: "The two shall become one flesh" - a profound mystery :33: A husband's love should merit respect from the wife :34: A wife's respect should merit a husband's love 1 Peter 3:8: unity, sympathy, love, tenderheartedness, humility of mind :9: don't return evil for evil, reviling for reviling, but bless each other that blessings might be obtained. Matthew:2:13,20,21: They went through all the trials together, as one ILLUSTRATIONS Three strands to a marriage - the third is the Holy Spirit - which serves to hold the marriage together. The Holy Spirit is the glue which holds the universe together - which holds the Body together - which makes all things work in unity. Appeal to the Holy Spirit in our marriage |