Introduction: Marriage Made in Heaven
Order in the House-1 Introduction: Marriage Made In Heaven Everyone wants a marriage made in heaven but there must be a commitment to keep it in heaven. I- Heavenly Model Ephesians 5:22-33 1Cor 11:3, 8-9 Eph 1:22,4:15; Col 1:18;2:10 II- The Model is Christ and the Church: A- Enemies of the heavenly relationship in a marriage: 1- Strife/arguments 2- Pride/demands 3- Culture/feminism- Camille Paglia- dissident feminist- Professor at University of Arts Philadelphia PA "our society neuters boys of maleness at a young age; Our culture doesn't allow woman to know how to be womanly." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2530741/Theres-no-room- MANLY-Controversial-feminist-writer-Camille-Paglia-speaks-against- loss-masculine-virtues-negative-impact-society.html III- More than a male identity and a female identity there is a divine order and only that order will result in the blessings that God describes. IV- The atmosphere A- The Order See how a wife is submitted to her husband that is how much she is really submitted to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22). When a woman walks in the leadership that God has provided then her whole house is blessed. Her children become great men and women of God and her husband becomes an honorable man. If she is an argumentative and manipulative women she plucks down her house with her own hands. B- The Disposition Women of God you hold the key! Give your self to being happy and making your husband happy and watch as the family and the church lights up with the beauty of heaven.
Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
Order in the House: Episode 1 Leadership Roles & Responsibilities Topics to be covered: 1. Leadership roles and responsibilities 2. Empowering your husband to be a more effective leader 3. Serving one another in love 4. Observing divine principles 5. Staying accountable 6. Giving your lives to making each other happy 7. Raising godly children Leadership Roles and Responsibilities: We should be devoted to making one another happy. However, unless the principles of God’s Word are observed, the idea of living to make one another happy will be a fairy tale. Leadership: 1 Corinthians 11:3 If we are going to understand how a man is to lead his wife, then we must look at the love, affection, and unity with which the Father leads Jesus, and Jesus leads the man. Then, we must understand that the man is to lead with the same love, affection, and unity! His eyes are always upon His servants, and His ears are always opened to their request. Remember that your wife is also going to lead your children with the same type of leadership that she is receiving from you. 1. The Father is the Head of Jesus. 2. Jesus is the Head of the man. 3. The man is the head of the woman. 4. The woman will guide the home. Leadership in the House: Divine principles are a must. They must be constantly observed in the relationship if things are going to be in their proper order. Roles and Responsibilities in the Household: 1. Each person must understand what God requires of them – make no mistake! The requirements of God are the divine principles that will result in experiencing all of the blessings of God in our lives.
2. Staying in submission to our leadership is absolutely essential. Even when people are not mature enough to recognize the voice of God, if they will walk in divine principles, it will keep them from the snares of the Devil. 3. The husband and wife bring the perfect balance. The wife is the glory of the man, and the man is the desire and delight of the wife. Such a relationship not only makes the family complete, but results in strong, confident, and godly children. The Role of the Husband – Head of the Household: Be a follower of Christ, Who is your Leader. Even Paul required others to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1-2). Be the leader of your family. God made Adam so responsible for his family that the effects of his disobedience can be felt throughout the world even today (Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:22). God gave the revelation of His will to Adam and demanded that he in turn would minister to his wife and children. God holds the man absolutely responsible for his family (Genesis 18:19, Deuteronomy 4:9). God made the man first and then built the woman from the man (Genesis 2:22, 1 Timothy 2:13-14) Cleave to your wife (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5). The man leaves all others and cleaves unto his wife, beginning with the most important people to him: his father and mother. Your wife and your children must become more important to you than anything else. She is your partner in all things, and you are both heirs together of eternal life. The role of the husband is elevated for all those who would be a leader, deacon, elder, or minister in the Church (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9) The Responsibilities of the Husband: 1. Love your wife as Christ loves the church. Love has both servitude and affection (Proverbs 5:18-19, Ephesians 5:2, 25, 28-29, Colossians 3:19). 2. Lay down your life for your wife even as Christ laid down His life for the church. Your wife must know that she can always count on you to do anything possible for her. 3. Give honor unto your wife. Never take her for granted. Be romantic and praise your wife for the gift that she is (Proverbs 18:22, 19:14, 1 Peter 3:7). 4. Provide for your family (Proverbs 13:22, 2 Corinthians 12:14, 1 Timothy 5:8). 5. God made you one, and now you must discover oneness with your wife. 6. Empower your wife as Christ empowers the church. 7. Be the advocate for your wife – always be on her side! 8. Be the intercessor for your wife, especially in prayer to God. 9. Be her greatest supporter – spiritually and emotionally. Provide her with care, nourish her, cherish her, protect her, and defend her against all insults and injuries.
The Role of the Wife: Helpmate, Counterpart, Image, and Glory of the Man: Genesis 2:18, 1 Corinthians 11:7 Be the follower of the Lord Jesus. Be the follower of your husband your leader (2 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:24, Colossians 3:18, 1 Timothy 2:12, 14, 1 Peter 3:1, 5-6). Rule over the house (Proverbs 14:1, Titus 2:5, 1 Timothy 5:14). A virtuous wife looks well to the affairs of her household (Proverbs 31:27-28). The role of a wife is elevated if a woman is the wife of a leader, deacon, elder, or minister in the Church (1 Timothy 3:4-5, 11-12). The Responsibilities of the Wife: 1. Your desire is to be to your husband (Genesis 3:16). 2. Be willing to follow his leadership (submit). After all, God will hold him responsible for his household. 3. Be supportive. 4. Obey your husband (1 Peter 3:5-6). 5. Love your husband (Titus 2:4). 6. Love your children (Titus 2:4).
Scriptures: The Role of the Husband – Head of the Household: Genesis 2:22-24 – And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 18:19 – For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Deuteronomy 4:9 – Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Matthew 19:5-6 – And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Romans 5:12 – Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 1 Corinthians 15:21 – For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 1 Timothy 2:13-14 – For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. The Responsibilities of the Husband: Proverbs 5:18-19 – Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. Proverbs 13:22 – A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Proverbs 18:22 – Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Proverbs 19:14 – House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 2 Corinthians 12:14 – Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
Ephesians 5:2 – And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. Colossians 3:19 – Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 1 Timothy 5:8 – But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Peter 3:7 – Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. The Role of the Wife: Proverbs 12:4 – A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. Proverbs 14:1 – Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 31:27 – She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:28 – Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 1 Corinthians 11:7b – but the woman is the glory of the man. 1 Corinthians 11:3 – But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Ephesians 5:24 – but even as the assembly is subject to Christ, so also are the wives to their own husbands in everything. Colossians 3:18 – Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 1 Timothy 2:12 – But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 1 Timothy 2:14 – And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 1 Timothy 5:14 – I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. Titus 2:4-5 – That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
1 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; 1Pe 3:5* 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: 1 Peter 3:6 – 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.
Empowering Your Husband
Order in the House: Episode 2 Empowering Your Husband to be a More Effective Leader Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5:33) The family is the responsibility of both the husband and the wife. Both are called by God to rule the house, and both must reach for the direction of the Holy Spirit (Psalms 127:1, Proverbs 14:1, 1 Timothy 3:15, 5:14, Titus 2:5). Yet at the same time, the husband has the ultimate responsibility (1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:24, 33). Should a wife blindly follow her husband who himself is becoming an effective leader? Or should she hold him accountable to do that which is right in the sight of the Lord? If the husband chooses to do things that are opposed to the Word of God, should the wife follow? More importantly, should a husband listen to his wife when her advice is contrary to the word of God (Genesis 3:6, 1 Timothy 2:12-14)? What makes a good leader? Becoming a good leader is developed by becoming a good follower. If we are going to be good leaders, then we must be good followers of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into everything that is true. The husband and wife, who are heirs together of eternal life and heirs together with Jesus, must learn to follow the Holy Spirit’s direction. The will of God and the principles of the Word of God must be the absolute authoritative direction for our families. Both the husband and the wife share a responsibility in ensuring that God’s directions are followed. Is there any man on the Earth who is a perfect leader? No! However, if we follow the direction of the Holy Spirit, we will have perfect leadership. There are Three Primary Types of Leadership: 1. Strong Leaders – Strong leadership is good, but it must be relational leadership, not autocratic. 2. Consensus Leaders (Facilitators) – Consensus leadership is also good to a point, but suffers from the possibility of being indecisive. 3. Passive Leaders (Hands-off leadership, hates the controversy, neutral on most issues) – Passive leadership will take the greatest amount of commitment to support and nurture, but should not be despised or manipulated.
What kind of leadership style does your husband have? There are three primary ways that you will respond to your husband’s leadership: 1. You let him lead absolutely with no input. 2. You do not allow your husband to lead. 3. You support his godly leadership and find effective ways to implement the direction that he gives. Consider your husband the CEO who is executing the will of the Chairman of the Board, Christ Jesus. The wife then is the COO who executes the will of the CEO. It is essential for the wife (COO) to be well versed in the vision and purposes of God (the Chairman of the Board) so that she can offer counsel and give advice about how to properly implement the direction of the husband for the good of the Kingdom of God. It is impossible to find a more effective leader than God. How does God lead? 1. He casts vision. 2. He empowers those who follow with the resources to do those things He requires. 3. He is an unselfish leader Who leads with love and humility. 4. He encourages and offers support – i.e. the Holy Spirit. 5. When we fail to follow through, He persistently and patiently deals with us. 6. He does not waiver in His direction. How can you assist your husband in being a more effective leader? 1. Show him that you are looking to him for direction. 2. Do not move out ahead of your husband because you think you know what needs to be done. Stop, take the time to discuss it, and then follow through on the consensus. 3. If your husband is a passive leader, learn how to help him become more assertive. Remember that a passive leader will more than likely abdicate if he has to argue with a fussing wife. 4. If your husband is a strong leader and has not yet learned to listen to others, then find ways to help him listen. There should never be strife. Once a conversation becomes an argument, then everyone has to back off. 5. No matter what type of leadership style your husband has, offer suggestions based upon the Word of God and the good of the family. You will always have insights that he has not thought of. You should feel as though you are being heard, but you need to have wisdom as to when you need to leave the discussion for later. Discussions that turn into fights are wrong and ungodly, and nothing godly comes out of that which is ungodly. 6. Inspire, never manipulate.
Scriptures: Genesis 3:6 – And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Psalm 127:1 – (A Song of degrees for Solomon). Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Proverbs 14:1 – Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. 1 Corinthians 11:3 – But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Ephesians – 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Ephesians 5:33 – Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. 1 Timothy 2:12-14 – But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 1 Timothy 3:5 – (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 1 Timothy 5:14 – I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. Titus 2:5 – To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Serving One Another In Love
Order in the House: Episode 3 Serving One Another in Love Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:11) The Most Important Divine Principle of All – Love: Knowing the love of Christ in our relationships brings the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 3:19). Dwelling in love in our relationships causes us to dwell in God (1 John 4:16). Love by the Holy Spirit! God fills our hearts with His own love so that we may have His love for our enemies, the world, the brethren, and most of all for our own households, especially our spouses (Romans 5:5). Leadership Style – Servitude: Whether you are a strong leader, a consensus leader, or a passive leader, the leadership style should be one of relationship and servitude. Following as Servants: What makes a good follower? 1. Obedience – If a husband is a righteous and godly man who serves the Lord faithfully, then the wife should reverence him and give him double honor (1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:7). Recognize that the rest of the world is watching how you respond to your husband and how well you show love in the context of love. 2. Faithfulness – Faithfulness is one of the chief attributes of God, and those who will follow Him and please Him must be willing to be faithful (Ephesians 6:6-7, Colossians 3:17, 23). Consistency is a blessing to all who are touched by it. The instability of being double-minded is ruinous to everyone who is affected by it (James 1:6-8). 3. Thankfulness – This quality is so important to God in those who follow Him that it is highlighted as the “will of God in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Murmuring and complaining, on the other hand, is the worst offense (1 Corinthians 10:10, Hebrews 3:11). The Catch 22: Squabbling Siblings or Spousal Rivalry – There are too many marriage relationships that have ended up in a ditch. The only escape is for someone to lay down his/her life. The man must lay down his life, but not at the expense of abdicating leadership. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the wife to lay down her life as a follower.
As the follower, you must lay down your life (what you think should be done and the way you think it should be done) and commit yourself and your family to the Lord. It is not about how your husband loves you. It is about how you love him. It is not about how he serves you, but about how you serve him. Woman: there is a redemption principle found in your willingness to walk in love, even for those who may not “deserve it.” If you lay down your life and behave yourself in such a lovely way, a change will come that only God can bring to pass. Types of Servants: 1. Slaves – under the yoke. They have no choice. 2. Willing servants – those who lay down their life for someone out of love and as a follower of Christ Jesus. Too many of God’s people have been willing to lay down their lives for others, but it never became a reality in their home. We must learn that our number one priority is what we do at home, and then from there we reach out to others. This priority is underscored in 1 Timothy 5:4. Caution: Make sure that you are not the spouse who continually reminds the other spouse that they should be the servant. This is indicative of wanting to be served instead of serving. In fact, this is giving place to sedition and revolt in your own household. The only correct balance is when both are serving, rather than one person being a giver and the other a receiver. Learning to Be Good Friends: Holding onto and nurturing a close friendship is the foundation to the kind of love relationship that is godly. The attributes of friendship: 1. Always respecting each other. 2. Never taking each other for granted. 3. Continually going through the process of befriending.
Scriptures: John 15:13 – Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ephesians 5:2 – And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. Ephesians 6:6-7 – Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Colossians 3:17 – And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:23 – And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. 1 Timothy 5:4 – But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 1 Peter 2:23 – Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 1 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. 1 John 3:16 – Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (your household). 1 John 4:10 – Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Observing Divine Principles
Order in the House: Episode 4 Observing Divine Principles ...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15) • Husbands: should you compromise divine principles and commitments to the Lord to serve your wife? No! • Likewise, wives: should you compromise divine principles and commitments to the Lord to serve your husband? No! Observing divine principles and obeying spiritual laws guarantees our success as a family. If divine principles are followed, spiritual laws will not be violated. Let your House be Established in The Kingdom of God: • Seek first the Kingdom of God. o Make church and the things of the Spirit the first priority for your family. o Place your responsibilities as a witness and testimony of the Kingdom at the forefront of your conduct and appearance. • Also seek His righteousness. o Make sure that the kindness and love of God dominates your interactions. o Place integrity and purity above all other things. • Fear the Lord. • Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking any deceit (Psalm 1:1, 34:13, 1 Peter 3:10). • Pursue peace (Matthew 5:9). Let your House be Governed by the Word of God: • Meditate on His Word (Psalm 1:2, Joshua 1:8). • Obey and speak the Word (Deuteronomy 8:3, Luke 4:4, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 4:17). • Teach your family the Word of God in your home (Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:7).
Be Full of the Spirit: • Sow to the Spirit (Galatians 6:7-8, Romans 8:13). • Walk in faithfulness toward God (Psalm 101:6, Luke 12:42, 16:10-12, Colossians 1:2, Ephesians 1:1). • Walk in love towards one another. • Bless and do not curse (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14, 1 Peter 3:9). • Be an example to your children (Proverbs 22:6). • Be an example to the church (John 13:15, 1 Timothy 4:12). • Honor those in authority over you in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Hebrew 13:7, 17). • Honor your father and mother (Ephesians 6:2). • Honor those who are older than yourself (1 Peter 5:5).
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:9 – Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Deuteronomy 6:7 – And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 8:3 – And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Deuteronomy 11:19 – And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Joshua 1:8 – This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Psalm 1:2-3 – But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 34:13-15 – Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. Psalm 101:6 – Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. Psalm 128:1-4 – Blessed is every one that fears the LORD; that walks in his ways. For you shall eat the labor of your hands: happy shall you be, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of your house: your children like olive plants round about your table. Behold, in this way shall the man be blessed that fears the LORD. Psalm 144:12-15 – That our sons may be as great plants in their youth; our daughters as cornerstones polished for the palace. Our granaries full of all sorts of every kind. Our sheep thousands upon thousands in our streets. Our oxen strong to labor. No breaking nor departure, nor complaining in our streets. Happy are the people who are like this. Happy are the people whose God is Yahoah! Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 6:33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 4:4 – And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Luke 12:42 – And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Romans 12:14 – Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. John 13:15 – For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Acts 2:17 – And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: Romans 8:13 – For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Galatians 6:7 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 2 Thessalonians 1:8 – In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrew 13:7 – Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Hebrews 13:17 – Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. 1 Peter 3:9 – Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 4:17 – For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Staying Accountable
Order in the House: Episode 5 Staying Accountable Accountable to the Holy Spirit: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Matthew 6:33, John 16:13-15, Romans 8:14) The most important person to remain accountable to is God. We have a divine commission, as well as an absolute responsibility to listen to and obey the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is always going to continue to minister the things of the Kingdom to us – such as joy and peace (Romans 14:17). In turn, we should be ministering the same to our families. If we fail here, we cannot just ignore it, but must ask for forgiveness from all who had to suffer from the consequences of our wrong behavior. If we will continue to hold forth our responsibility to the Holy Spirit, then we will walk in love toward everyone, especially those of our own household. We must all be patient with one another, but at the same time encourage each other in the proper conduct. Many times, it will be essential for us to patiently help others in our households with the ability to walk through stressful and challenging situations without falling apart. Accountable to the Ministry: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:17). It is essential that our households recognize the important role of ministry. God set the ministry gifts in the church so that we could receive the things He has supplied to us. Without them, we will not be strengthened, matured, or perfected in all the will of God. Think of how much our households would miss out on if we refused to recognize the essential need for this ministry. We would look for the ability to have a home that is a sanctuary and to have relationships that are in keeping with the Kingdom of God, but would be without the ability to have them. Therefore, in recognizing the provision that God has supplied so that we may enjoy all of His blessings in our lives, we must be responsible to submit to the instruction of men of God that is supplied to us by the Holy Ghost! Accountable to the Church: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican (Matthew 18:17). Both Peter and Paul are examples of submission to the church. After Peter was directed by the Lord Jesus to go to the house of Cornelius, he had to give an account to the church (Acts 11:1-11). He had both the witness of the Lord Jesus who appeared to him in a vision, and the witness of the Holy Spirit who baptized the house of Cornelius, and yet, he still had to give an account to the church
who was questioning this event. Although Jesus appeared to Paul and commissioned him for the great work that he was to do, Paul submitted himself to the church and was first sent home to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). Later, Barnabas was allowed to go and bring him back to Antioch (Acts 11:25). Paul’s ministry was recognized and launched by the local church that he was in at Antioch (Acts 13:2). Then, when Paul found himself up against others who were speaking things contrary to what he was preaching, he went and submitted himself to the church at Jerusalem so that the issues could be decided by them (Acts 15:1-28). Paul submitted himself to the church so that he would not run nor labor in vain (Galatians 2:1-2). Wife Accountable to her Husband: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord (Colossians 3:18). The spirit of rebellion has made this scripture the primary target against women. God provided for the woman a glorious place of safety and protection, and Satan distorts the truth to makes it look like domination and oppression. Submission and accountability are a protection and a defense that all should have wisdom and insight to recognize. Eve stepped out of the leadership of Adam, who had communicated the word of the Lord to her, and when she did, she was overthrown by the powers of darkness. Satan will overthrow our lives individually if he can overthrow the Word of God in our lives. Therefore, his strategy is to erode and discredit the Word of God. The feminist movement is an attack against women like pornography is against men. Both are snares set by spiritual wickedness to ultimately destroy both the body and soul in Hell. Too many women feel comfortable sharing their problems with a friend while neglecting to realize that their help will come from a proper place of accountability. Women must be both willing and comfortable with sharing their problems with their husbands. There is nobody on their side like their own husband. There is no one that the Lord will give the gift of counsel and wisdom to like a woman’s own husband. Satan will do everything he can to make this look like the last resort, even though it truly is the only place of real help and assistance. Next to the Lord Jesus, your husband should be your best and dearest friend.
Husband Accountable to his Wife: Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered (Malachi 2:14, 1 Peter 3:7). It is important for each man to recognize that his wife is the handmaiden of the Lord. In fact, she is the Lord’s first and yours secondly. She is the one person that the Lord chose for you, and through that choice, you obtained favor from the Lord (Proverbs 18:22). She is God’s best for you, and you can be certain that God will hold you responsible for how you treat the gifts that He gives to you. Recognize who your wife is. She is an heir of the grace of life, she is the gift of God to you, and she has been filled with the Holy Spirit of promise. The husband should recognize that there is no one that he can more safely confide in and look to for support than his one wife. Satan works in the darkness. When we shine the light on things and bring them out into the open, we can confidently look for forgiveness, healing, and strength. We can also come to realize a support and help that will keep us from being overcome with things that are lying in wait to deceive and destroy. Next to the Lord Jesus, your wife should be your best and dearest friend.
Scriptures: Proverbs 18:22 – Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Matthew 6:33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. John 16:13-15 – Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. Acts 11:1-2 – And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Acts 13:2 – As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Acts 15:2 – When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. Acts 15:28 – For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; Romans 8:14 – For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Galatians 2:2 – And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. Ephesians 5:22 – Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. Colossians 3:18 – Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Hebrews 13:17 – Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
1 Peter 5:5 – Yes, all of you be submitted one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
Giving Your Lives To Making Each Other Happy
Order in the House – Episode 6 Giving your Lives to Making Each Other Happy When two people get married, they are actually devoting themselves to making each other happy. There are two very important parts to making each other happy: what you give, and how you receive what is being given to you. When we think of someone being devoted to making us happy, we may think primarily of those things that we are going to be given. In reality, how we receive what is given is just as important. If we are not careful, we may be unappreciative of what is given, or have expectations that extend beyond what is really essential to being happy. How valuable is a smile or a word of approval? The best way to define what it means to be happy is to understand that being blessed is actually a synonym. Happiness begins within the heart of a person, because they know the Lord and have been empowered by Him to live in His joy (Psalm 5:11, Isaiah 61:10). The things that we need more than anything else cannot be supplied by our spouse. If we attempt to receive from our spouse what only the Holy Spirit can give, then we will always be dissatisfied. However, when we receive all that pertains to life and godliness through Christ Jesus, we may extend it to our loved ones. An unhappy person can only give unhappiness! How You are Supposed to Give: Give generously – not because you have to, but because you heart delights to do it (Proverbs 11:25, 2 Corinthians 9:7). How You are Supposed to Receive: Receive gratefully, with thanksgiving. What Kinds of Things Should You Give? It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35, Galatians 5:13). You should be giving: 1. Spiritual Things – God expects us to pour out His love upon one another. We are supposed to give what we receive from the Lord. God has enriched us with the ability to give from His very own heart and nature. The nature and goodness of God should flow out of us like a river. There are no greater riches than those supplied to us by the Holy Spirit, and we should lavish those things upon each other. 2. Emotional Things – We are supposed to bring security and stability to each other by showing affection, interest, and concern. We are to greet our brethren with a kiss of love. How much more should we do so with our spouse (1 Peter 5:14)? 3. Material Things
Scriptures: Psalm 5:11 – But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because you defend them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psalm 36:7 – How excellent is your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings. Proverbs 11:25 – The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that waters shall be watered also himself. Proverbs 15:13 – A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Song of Solomon 1:2 – Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. Isaiah 61:10 – I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Ezekiel 16:10-13 – I clothed you also with broidered work, and gave you with badgers’ skin shoes, and I girded you about with fine linen, and I covered you with silk. I decked you also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on your neck. And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. Thus were you decked with gold and silver; and your raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work... Galatians 5:13-14 – For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
Raising Godly Children
Order in the House — Episode 7 Raising Godly Children And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. (Malachi 2:15, KJV) “God made husbands and wives to become one body and one spirit for his purpose — so they would have children who are true to God. So be careful, and do not break your promise to the wife you married when you were young.” (Malachi 2:15, NCV) “Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth.” (Malachi 2:15, NLT) One Flesh: When God made Adam and Eve, He made them one to replenish the earth and bring forth a godly seed (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, Ephesians 5:31). Although children love their parents individually, the relationship that exists between the dad and the mom is actually bigger. From the relationship that exists between the father and the mother springs forth the family relationship that exists between the entire family. Therefore, every dimension of relationships that exist in a family springs up from between the husband and the wife. The Heritage of the Lord: Abraham and Sarah sought a child that would bless all the nations of the Earth. They sought a godly seed that would inherit the Earth, whose legacy would be so great that the number of their offspring would be innumerable (Genesis 22:18). Should we have any less of a vision for our children? This should not just be the desire of Abraham and Sarah, but it should be our desire too. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5) The Covenant: We come to understand that marriage is not just a two-way contract, or covenant, between husband and wife, but a three-way contract involving God. One of the most important elements of this contract is the raising of godly children.
Warning: Intermarriage between those belonging to the faith with those who do not know the Lord is a violation against the production of a godly seed (Malachi 2:11). Divorce is the second great violation (Malachi 2:13-16). Training: If we train up a child in the ways of God, they will not depart from it. This cannot be a training of ritual, but one of relationship (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4). One of the outstanding things about Abraham was that God knew he would command and teach his children to do what was right in His sight (Genesis 18:19). God has commanded every person belonging to His covenant to teach their children His ways (Deuteronomy 4:9; 6:7). Warning: Your children will take on your spirituality – they will act like you, whether that is a good or bad thing. Children will treat their father just like their mother treats him. If she shows disrespect in any way, she is undermining a most important relationship: where the father is empowered by God to teach his children the ways of God. Legacy of a Godly Seed: If we desire to see the anointing and blessings of God upon our children, we must be willing to walk faithfully with God. Divine principles must be our principles. Our lives, conduct of seeking God, and faithfulness to His commandments and ways will result in our children following the same example. If we will walk with God, He will pour His Spirit and His blessing upon our children (Isaiah 44:3).
Scriptures: Genesis 18:19 – For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Deuteronomy 6:7 – And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Malachi 2:11-16 – Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts. And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. Ephesians 6:4 – And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Psalm 25:12-14 – What man is he that feareth the LORD? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 112:1-2 – Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.