THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN AS A WIFE

   INTRODUCTION:

   A.  Best marriages between those recognize and submit to God's will
   B.  U.S. divorce rate now higher than any other civilized nation in
       world more tragic, Christian divorce only slightly lower population
       at large
   C.  God given place of wife one of dignity and honor.  She honors God
       and husband no better than when remembers and appreciates fact.
   D.  "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing..." Prov 18:22, esp. when
       that wife knows and respects God's will for her in marriage.

   DISCUSSION:

   I.  SHE MUST "LEAVE FATHER AND MOTHER"

   A.  Leave one relationship in favor of establishing another Matt 19:5,6
   B.  The latter relationship must take precedence over the former
     1.  Marriages suffer when the wife does not leave mother and father
     2.  Every wife has obligations to her OWN family over all others

   II.  SHE MUST BE IN SUBJECTION TO HER HUSBAND

   A.  This subjection was from the beginning Gen 3:16
   B.  This subjection to be "as unto the Lord" Eph 5:22
     1.  This role is only appreciated by the wife who is a Christian
     2.  It suggest willful, desirable, beneficial subjection
     3.  This is opposed to assertiveness, dominance, threatening behavior
   C.  Subject to be comprehensive: "In everything" Eph 5:24
     1.  At no time, no place, and in no thing is it proper for the wife
         NOT to be in subjection to her husband!
     2.  With one exception, the principle of Acts 5:29
   D.  This subjection even to unbelieving husbands 1Pet 3:1; 1Cor 7:13
   E.  Such subjection is "fitting in the Lord" Col 3:18
     1.  Many object to these principles say they are degrading to women
     2.  It is no more degrading, however, than for the church to be in
         subjection to Jesus Christ. Eph 5:24
   F.  Longfellow in his HIAWATHA has beautifully expressed relationship of
       the wife to her husband.

             "As unto the bow the cord is,
             So unto the man is woman;
             Though she bends him she obeys him,
             Useless each without the other!"

   III.  SHE IS TO BE A TRUE HELP MEET GEN 2:18,20

   A.  "Help Meet" involves compatibility/appropriateness to her husband's
       needs. A compliment to him, suitable for meeting all of his needs.
   B.  She helps him meet his physical needs 
     1.  Meets needs as companion, not good for him to be alone Gen 2:18
     2.  She meets his sexual needs 1Cor 7:1-4; Heb 13:4
   C.  She helps meet his domestic needs
     1.  "Keepers at home" Tit 2:5
     2.  "Guide the house" 1Tim 5:14
     3.  Bear and care for children 1Tim 5:14; Prov 31:27
   D.  She helps in spiritual matters
     1.  As an example of faithfulness 1Pet 3:1-5
     2.  In influencing his salvation 1Cor 7:16
     3.  Prayers can be hindered 1Pet 3:7
     4.  "Heirs together of the grace of life" 1Pet 3:7

   IV.  SHE TRULY LOVES HER HUSBAND TIT 2:4

   A.  This love is not just infatuation or based on physical attraction,
       but rather is a commanded love. Older women are to teach younger
       women to love their husbands
   B.  This love must be cultivated and expressed continually
     1.  This love cannot subsist on romance and emotions
     2.  It takes a great deal of diligent effort (WORK)
   C.  This love is based on respect (reverence) Eph 5:33
     1.  This word for reverence translated "fear" in Mk 6:20
     2.  The Christian wife respects her husband in spite of faults or lack
         of enabling qualities
     3.  Sarah called Abraham Lord ("SIR") 1Pet 3:6

   CONCLUSION:

   A.  Certainly this is not exhaustive study of wife any more than we
       exhausted the study of what the husband should be. 
   B.  However, hopefully these thoughts will help you in your further
       study of what God would have you to be as a wife
   C.  Role of woman is God appointed and if woman is  pleasing to God as a
       wife, she must be aware of her God given responsibilities and submit
       to them or she is not a Christian
   D.  "Woman was created to complement man, to supply what he lacked. She
       gives his life meaning; she encourages, motivates, and inspires. She
       brings peace and contentment. She stabilizes and at the same time
       stimulates. Man needs woman's feminine influence to make his life
       complete and happy. Men and women were created to be husbands and
       wives." (Ruth E. Hazelwood - The Challenge of Being a Wife)

   Daniel Lee Henderson  Buckhorn   2/11/98 10:38:33 PM
   From an outline by Jerry L. Henderson

   Return to The Christian Home