Sunday, January 4, 2009

Successful Marriage (part 2)

Aggressive Submission

Whenever there is failure in marriage, we can be sure that the conduct of the couple's lives is not in accordance to God's word. But when couples fell in line with God's word, true success is achieved.
Today's issue focus on the wife and her biblical role in marriage. the Bible calls woman, man's "helpmate". What this means is that a woman must complete and compliment her husband.
The New Testament frequently commands the wife to subject or be in submission to her husband. "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." Ephesians 5:22-24
*Some wives find it difficult to submit to their husband because they're more convincing, more intelligent with so many things of maybe they've had more achievements or success in life. Some may just be plain stubborn..
*the wives have to understand that the primary reason for submission is that it is submission unto the Lord. Falling here, we fail God, and therefore we are in sin and out of the will of God. Being "unsubmissive" is sinful rebellion against God.
Here are some correction of the false picture that women might have regarding submission:
1. Submission is not just for women. It is for all. We all submit in various levels and aspects of our lives. "Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Pet. 5:5
2. Submission does not mean that you can't voice your opinion. "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Prov. 31:26
3. Submission does not mean that the wife becomes a mere decoration and makes her abilities dormant. In Proverbs 31, the wife makes full use of her abilities. She is a working woman.)
4. Submission is not indicative of inferiority.
*Matthew Henry says that this about the creation of Eve from Adam's rib: "A woman was not made out of his head to top him, nor out of his feet, to be trampled upon by him; but out of his side, to be equal to him, under his arms, to be protected; and near his heart to be loved."
5. Submission does not make you a slave. In fact, submission gives the woman the Freedom to be what God intended her to be and that is to assist man to reach his full potential as a husband, father, career person and above all as a worshipper.

(Part 1 can be found in my December 23rd post. Series sermon by Pastor Mel Caparros of LWCM, Cebu City, Phils.)

11 comments:

Sharon Brumfield said...

RyQ----I noticed that she had not posted. If I don't see something by Monday I will send an email. I know she had mentioned something about going to see her Mom's grave and maybe they have gone to do that.
She will be glad to know that she has girls checking up on her. :)
I enjoyed your post....it is very important for women to know the true definition of submission.

Anonymous said...

Submission definitely one of the tough lesson we need to learn, not only God teach the women to submitted to her husband but husband also have to submitted to God to love his wife like how God love us.

Very good teaching and may God give you more grace and strength to blessed others!

x said...

i really agree with the last 1! this is interesting to reflect upon, at grace thanks for sharing! :D

Ben said...

HI,Grace.I am happy to visit your blogger again. I am home now and finished my work in other city.
2009 is a new year.God bless us!

Anonymous said...

Hi, I know, I know, but I am truely following the lead of God! And that is most important here. My blog is very Jesus purpose Driven, and I just want to obey. I hope you will come and frequent the new blog and leave some comment love too. While your add it, share it with someone you think may be blessed from it. I explained a bit about it all under the "about me" tab on top. Happy New Year to you too. Let's Make Jesus Shine in 2009!!! Robin

Anonymous said...

Happy new year Grace. Wish u all the best

kegler747 said...

Happy New Year! Good thoughts and advice about marriage. Please post this again before June for the wedding season :)

eastcoastlife said...

Happy New Year Grace!

Lora said...

Greetings Grace! What a wonderful reminder about our submission being unto the Lord. Thank you for sharing Matthew Henry's wisdom too!
Blessed New Year to you Grace!

Gail said...

Hi Grace-

Ummmmmm. interesting. Not so sure about the submissive woman though. I respect your views.

For me I like the word surrender - it implies an act of selfless giving in to one's truth and in doing so we are then vulnerable and true to who we are. It is in that naked state of being that we are challenged to trust and be trusted completely with Jesus and our life's partner.

Gail
peace.....

Eduardo said...

Eduardo's Mommy Here: Grace I have to be honest with you. My husband & I have been struggling with our faith for awhile, recently we have decided to make more of an effort to go to church & pray more. It has made a difference & this post brought me to tears, I know the our relationship will be so much stronger as soon as we follow the word of God & understand his will. Thank you for this post, it has opened my eyes.
Hugs & Snugs
Eduardo's Mommy