HUSBANDS AND WIVES (4)
September 9, 2001 AM
Sermon Outline
Eph 5:33
INTRO: Marriage brings two people, who are likely of very different backgrounds, into a union which God has decreed ends with the death of one of the people. The fairy tale ending lived happily ever after is one which truly is possible in marriage. But it takes the best both partners have to give to the relationship. And it takes the best seven days a week ... minute by minute. Our thoughts continue this morning as we think of what the wife can give. She can give her husband:
1. Attractiveness
a. 1 Pet 3:3,4 the most important attractiveness!
b. if one is attractive from within, that attractiveness will show in the manner of her life ... in her marital relationship
c. notice: a meek and quiet spirit - modesty!
d. but this does not mitigate against physical attractiveness and concern
e. Song of Solomon 2:1,2 she is attractive as a beautiful flower - to him she is a lily among thorns
f. the effort needs to be made to continue to be attractive as a Rose of Sharon
g. Song of Solomon 7:10 ... why? if this little book is any indication, one reason is she made herself attractive to him
2. Loving submission
a. Eph 5:22 as unto the Lord
b. yes, those things which a husband can give his wife are givens here
c. submission does notsuggest mindless servitude
d. but in this relationship there must be submission at times ... diverse thoughts, opinions, etc. require a point of submitting to the head
e. what kind of submission? thats an important question
f. it must not be grudging; of necessity; with an ugly spirit ... as unto the Lord should determine the spirit
g. so, Col 3:18 as is fit (proper)
3. Wise counsel
a. Prov 19:14 a prudent wife
b. that word prudent has in it wisdom, intelligence
c. why is such a wife a gift rom God if her input is not important valuable
d. Prov 14:1 and 31:26 with wisdom, wise counsel she builds
e. as earlier said, wives give submission - but that does not deprive of her giving wise counsel (listen)
f. still, the decision must be made ... and accepted in a wise spirit
g. a wise wife is a blessing to her husband
4. Care at home
a. Titus 2:5 (1 Tim 5:14)
b. home is the special province of the wife
c. yes, I know about the stresses of working wives and mothers - the need for a husbands interest
d. but a wifes care at/of home makes it a place to which a husband wants to go, to retreat
e. home should have great magnetism for him
5. Respect
a. Eph 5:33b and 1 Pet 3:6 whose daughters ye are ...
b. reciprocity? yes ... but wives must give their husbands the respect which God has enjoined
c. without such respect the entire order is unworkable and will collapse!
d. Joyce does not call me Lord - but when she calls my name, the respect is in the tone and manner!
CLOSE: Happily ever after? Oh, yes! When a husband and wife give to the marriage, happiness will be the result. (1 Cor 7:33,34).
Cecil A. Hutson
09 September 2001