Young Men

Titus 2:6-8

Introduction:

A. We have looked at the responsibilities of the aged men and women with regard to their example
and teaching. We need godly, faithful, sober, wise older people in our churches because they are the
salt of the local church.

B. Tonight, I want to take a biblical look at the young men in the local church. Unfortunately, in many
churches, they are scarce! You will find more young women trying to be faithful and bring their
children than you will young men trying to spiritually lead their homes and train their children.

C. Also, many of the young men with families may be faithful so some degree in attendance but are not
involved in the work of the church. As the older men get feebler and, therefore, unable to carry the
work load, the work of the church is hindered. Most of the men involved in getting the work of the
church done are over 60!

D. I want to exhort our younger men to get involved in the work of the church! When I was a young
man and a new convert, I was thrust into the work of the church because of a church split that found
many of the workers of the church leaving. I drove a church bus, taught a SS class, let the singing,
maintained the grounds and buildings, and knocked on doors because there were few to do these
things. Like many, I worked long hours, drove a great distance to work, had a young family and still
found time to serve the Lord. I am glad!

E. Younger men, if you do not “step up to the plate,” the church will die within the next few years
because the older laborers will be gone!

1. We need young men who are strong. “Young men” 1 John 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers,
because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye
are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (Young men
have strength to labor. I feel good but am slowing down. I often say that a hard day’s work and a glass
of cold water would probably kill me grave yard dead! In my youth, I could work long hours, spend time
with my family, work at the church, go soul winning, etc. but those days are gone. Young families, the
local church need for you to step up and shoulder the work.)

2. We need young men who are useable. “exhort to be” 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth;
but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
(So many young men have no desire to serve the Lord. Serving the Lord seems to be an “old man” thing.
I remember well the example of a young man who had a thumb cut off shaking my hand at church when
I was small. He was a steadfast, godly young man and I will always remember him well because of his
right hand.)

3. We need young men who are a right example. “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works”
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in
conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (I have seen bumper stickers that said, “Real men
pray.” Real men are not afraid to be an outspoken example of biblical Christianity.)

4. We need young men who are doctrinally grounded. “to be sober minded” 1 John 2:14 I have written
unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you,
young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the
wicked one. (Young men who will stand in the gap, make up the hedge, walk in the Old Paths, be an
example, and be faithful. Young men who have heard and accepted God’s Word; who have read and
studied God’s Word; and who can teach their families and other’s God’s Word.)

5. We need young men who live consistent, godly lives. “that cannot be condemned” 1 John 2:14 I
have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written
unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have
overcome the wicked one. (Young men who will step up and replace those of us who are older now and
are slowing down or leaving this world. The local churches are in desperate need of young men who are
willing to live clean lives and serve the Lord in the local church. Young wives and mothers, you can work
and teach in the church but the greatest thing that you will ever do is be the supportive wife and godly
mother in your home. Your husband and children can never be all that they need to be unless you are
all that you need to be.)
Let No Man Despise Thy Youth

1 Timothy 4:12

Introduction:

A. While writing to Timothy concerning the operation and parameters of the local church, Paul spoke to
him personally concerning his youth.

1. It is a very important and interesting verse that is used in youth meetings, revivals meant for the
young, etc. It is a verse that can be rightly applied as such. We need young people who are too heavenly
minded to be of any earthly good; young people who dare to be different; young people who are saved
and strive to represent their Saviour each day; young people who want to and can make a difference in
this life.

2. But, the interpretation of the context is not thus. The interpretation is to a young pastor, a grown man
called of God to an important task. He is now the pastor of the Church of Ephesus! A hard place during a
hard time; a worldly place with little or no gospel light; a lonely place with no other pastors or churches
who are willing to serve the Lord with a pure heart fervently.

B. Tonight, I want to talk to our youth:

1. To our young people who are still in the parental home. You are important to the Lord who saved you
in a day when youth is vanity and sinful.

2. To our young families who have homes with children. You are important because you are training our
posterity for Christ and, when you and I are gone, they will be the salt and light of the world.

3. To our young people who are out of the parental home and on their own also. You are now the salt
and light of the world and there is very little of both in our nation. You will one day marry and be
parents so your training is of the utmost importance.
4. And, last but not least, to our older people. If it were not for your faithfulness, little would get done! It
is not time to sit down on the stool of do nothing for us that are getting up in years. Christianity is a life
work, not a work to be retired in or to be tired of.

C. Now, let’s look at the verse:

1. The Reproach of Christianity. “despise” Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater
riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

2. The Usefulness of Christianity. “thy youth” Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength:
and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

3. The Testimony of Christianity. “example” 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am
of Christ.

4. The Importance of Christianity. “the believers” Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of
our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (24) And let us consider one another to
provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

5. The Aspects of Christianity. “word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” 1 Corinthians
10:31-33 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (32) Give
none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: (33) Even as I please all
men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (Talk
right, walk right, love right, strive right, believe right, and live right.)

Young Man

Exodus 33:1-11

Introduction:
A. In chapter 32, we find the sin of Israel as they turned from the true and living God who delivered
them from the “Iron Furnace” of Israel to a golden calf made by their own hands saying, “These be thy
gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” How utterly ignorant!

1. These gods were made of the gold of Egypt! They could not hear, see, or speak. They were the works
of the evil hearts of the people.

2. God had gloriously delivered Israel and now He has righteously chastened them to the toll of 3,000
who perished.

3. Here in Exodus 33, we find that Moses took the Tabernacle and pitched it without the camp. Instead
of their being able to worship within the camp, they must now go out of the camp.

B. Moses went to the Tabernacle to commune with God in vs. 8-9 and God spake to him as “a man
speaketh unto his friend.” As a general rule, we concentrate upon the chastisement of the people and
the communing of Moses but:

C. I want to key in upon a phrase in verse 11 for a while this morning. We find here that as Moses
returned to the camp, young Joshua remained in the Tabernacle with the Lord. Nothing more is said
concerning Joshua in the remainder of the chapter but all was said that needed to be said in verse 11.

D. This morning, for a little while, I want to speak to our young people. By “young,” I do not mean to the
twenties and younger alone but to all of those of you who are now in the prime of your lives. Young
people, young couples who are raising children while working long hours on the jobs. We “Old Folks” are
quickly moving off of the scene and who will be “baptized for the dead?”

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. (“My son, give me
thine heart!” Not your body, young people! Not your money, young people! Not your minds, young
people! Not your time, young people! “Give me thine heart!” If He has your heart, He has your body! !”
If He has your heart, He has your money! !” If He has your heart, He has your mind! !” If He has your
heart, He has your time! !” If He has your heart, He has your everything!)

1. We need a young Moses who will esteem the reproach of Christ as greater riches than all that the
world can give!
2. We need young Joshua who will remain in the tabernacle while all of Christendom watches from their
tent’s door!

3. We need a young Samuel who will be sensitive to the voice of God in the spiritual dimness of our
times!

4. We need a young David who will mind the sheep while finding the heart and mind of God.

5. We need a young Timothy who will not be ashamed of his youth in the face of peer pressure.

6. May God give us some young people who have a hearts “pant” after God!

E. You see, youth is both a treasure and a temptation.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy
youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all
these [things] God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put
away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. 1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of
thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no
pleasure in them;

1. A treasure because of its strength and vitality. A treasure because of its innocence and purity. A
treasure because its future is long and its past is short.

2. A temptation because its flesh is not yet disciplined through testing. A temptation because Satan is
seeking and devouring. A temptation because the broad way is the path of less resistance. A temptation
because on the narrow way the travelers are few and the days often lonely.

F. We find here a young man who had a heart for God! It’s expression is found in verse 11 but this verse
is the culmination of much that went on before in the life of this young man, Joshua.

1. Serving God takes character.

2. Serving God takes commitment.

3. Serving God takes courage.

4. Serving God takes communion.

5. Serving God takes continuation.

G. I want to look at Joshua’s life (what little is said about it) that led up to Exodus 33:11 because it is
these events that caused him to have a heart after God.

Psalms 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

1. Joshua Had A Heart To War - Exodus 17:9-14 (First mention of Joshua!) And Moses said unto Joshua,
Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the
rod of God in mine hand. 10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and
Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people
with the edge of the sword. 14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and
rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under
heaven. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who are not afraid to stand and fight for that which is
right!)

2. Joshua Had A Heart To Wait Upon God’s Man - Exodus 24:13 And Moses rose up, and his minister
Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who will
love, respect, obey, and follow their man of God!)

3. Joshua Had A Heart To Wait Upon The Lord - Numbers 14:6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the
son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

Numbers 14:30 Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, [concerning] which I sware to make you dwell
therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Numbers 14:38 But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of the men
that went to search the land, lived [still].

Numbers 26:65 For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was
not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. (“Dear Lord, give
us some young people who will learn the patience to wait their turn!”)

4. Joshua Had A Heart To Worship - Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man
speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a
young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. (“Dear Lord, give us some young people who are not
ashamed to openly worship Thee!)

5. Joshua Had A Heart To Wholly Follow The Lord - Numbers 32:12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the
Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD. (“Dear Lord, give us some
young people who will wholly follow Thee!)

6. Joshua Had A Willingness To Take Up The Work – Joshua 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore
arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the
children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as
I said unto Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river
Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be
your coast. 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with
Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 6 Be strong and of a good courage: for
unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give
them. 7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the
law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that
thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 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. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou
dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (“Dear Lord, give us some young
people who will take the place of those who have gone on before and are now leaving the scene!”)
How To Have A Faithful Home In 2018

Joshua 24:15

Introduction:

A. Every Family Needs Three Homes:

1. They Need A Christian Home – Not a religious home but a Christian home. A home that provides a
spiritual sanctuary for the protection of the family.

2. They Need A Church Home – Not just any church but a biblical one. One that follows the old paths;
one that has the right Bible; one that is doctrinally correct; one that has separation from worldliness.

3. They Need A Heavenly Home - Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou
shalt be saved, and thy house.

B. As Joshua was getting ready to die, he left this final admonition of making a right choice for the
family.

1. Having a good, godly home is a choice that we make. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”

2. We cannot serve both God and mammon: a type of the world. We will hold to one and despise the
other; we will love one and hate the other.

C. I cannot over stress the importance of the biblical home.

1. America is failing because the home is failing. So many children are being born in single parent
homes. So many children are living “pillar to post” because they are being “farmed out” to daycare and
baby sitters.
2. The affect upon our nation is perilous! Children are being raised without respect for parents or
authority.

D. What kind of homes do we need?

1. We Need Homes That Fear God – Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

a. Clean Homes - Psalms 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the
LORD are true and righteous altogether.

b. Moral Homes - Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil
way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

c. Wise Homes - Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of
the holy is understanding.

2. We Need Homes That Are Faithful To God - Psalms 22:4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted,
and thou didst deliver them.

a. Faithful To Serve The Lord - Psalms 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence
with singing.

b. Faithful To The Church - Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

(1) We Need Families who will be faithful To Attend Church.

(2) We Need Families who will be faithful to follow the Lord.

(3) We Need Families who will be faithful to tithe their income.

(4) We Need Families who will be faithful to teach the Word.

(5) We Need Families who will be faithful to lead right.

(6) We Need Families who will be faithful to win souls.

Dwelling Together According To Knowledge

1 Peter 3:7

Introduction:

A. I do not want to preach a message on the failures of the home but do want to look at one major
aspect of such failures.

1. Last week, I preached on Being Committed to the Divine Order of the Home. A lack of commitment
will destroy a home in a heartbeat!

2. Another great cause for the failure of the home is a lack of knowledge of the differences between
men and women. I am not talking about the physiological differences between men and women but the
psychological and sociological differences. God made Adam both male and female because He would
bring Eve out of Adam and, yet, they were polar opposites!

3. I guess you have noticed there is a distinct difference between men and women? Evidently the world
hasn’t! Transgender? The problem is sexual perversion which is an abomination in the sight of God!
God loves the sinner but hates the sin.

4. For those who read these sermons, I will give you a few verses to explain where God stands on the
issue of homosexuality, transgender, gays, and lesbians. Now, do not get mad at me, just get it right
with God!
Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed
an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Romans 1:26-27 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change
the natural use into that which is against nature: (27) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural
use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not
deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves
with mankind, (10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit
the kingdom of God. (11) And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye
are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

B. Because “they twain shall be one flesh,” and men and women are entirely different, there must be a
mutual respect for each other and an understanding of “what makes the other tick.”

1. There is a vast difference between male and female. These differences need to be understood
because they are God given and make up the weakness of both man and wife. A good marriage is one
based upon understanding certain principles and adhering to them.

2. Getting to know your wife or husband is vital for an enduring relationship. They should be the best
human friend that you have in the world. If this is not the case, you are already in trouble.

C. Here are a few things that we need to understand:

1. Some Funny Differences

Nicknames

If Laura, Suzanne, Debra and Rose go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Suzanne, Debra and
Rose.
But if Mike, Charlie, Bob and John go out for a coffee, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat
Boy, Godzilla, Peanut-Head and Useless.

Eating Out

When the bill arrives, Mike, Charlie, Bob and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for
$22.50. None of them will have anything smaller, and none will actually admit they want change back.

When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

Money

A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he wants.

A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't want.

Bathrooms

A man has six items in his bathroom: a toothbrush, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel from
the Holiday Inn.

The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to
identify most of these items.

Arguments

A woman has the last word in any argument.

Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

Cats

Women love cats.

Men say they love cats, but when women aren't looking, men kick cats.

Future

A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.

A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

Success

A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.

A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

Marriage

A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.

A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change and she does.

Dressing Up

A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the garbage, answer the phone, read a
book, get the mail.
A man will dress up for weddings, funerals.

Natural

Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.

Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

Offspring

Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and
romances, best friends and favorite foods and secret fears and hopes and dreams.

A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

Mistakes

Any married man should forget his mistakes.

There's no use in him and his wife both remembering the same thing.

2. Some Physical Differences. There Are Physical Differences (I am not talking about the obvious, but
about basic differences in DNA)

a. The woman is born with two "X" chromosomes while the man is born with both "X" and "Y"
chromosomes. This makes her stronger at birth and has a stronger immune system to fight off disease.
The man only has one "X" chromosome, which makes him more susceptible to early childhood sickness.
The woman as two "X" chromosomes, so if one is faulty, the good one will keep her from getting
illnesses to some degree. The man only has one, so if it is defective, he gets sick more. The sex of a
child is determined by the "Y" chromosome of the male.
b. The man has one million more red blood cells than a woman which means that blood is pumping to
his muscles more than a woman. He can out work a woman longer and harder. The man is 40% muscle
and the woman is only 20% muscle.

c. The woman has an extra layer of cells all over her body that insulate that a man does not have. It
makes it easier for her to gain weight and harder to lose weight.

2. There Are Mental Differences (I am not talking about I.Q, because women can be as smart, or smarter
than men.)

a. The woman is a Bi-lateral thinker. This simply means that she thinks with both sides of her brain. The
right side of the brain is where we find the emotions and the left side is where logic is founds. This is
where poems are written and songs are sung. Because she is a bi-lateral thinker, she is more alert,
perceptive, and notices things a lot quicker than a man. Mostly, she thinks with her right side or the side
of emotion. She thinks with both logic and emotion--which sometimes distorts the logic. Women are,
by nature, more emotional than the men. (This causes men problems because of their thinking is more
logical than emotional.)

b. The man thinks predominantly with the left side of the brain where the logic is found. Here we find
logic, numbers, factual information, conquering something, and being cold towards things. Therefore,
he is normally more logical than emotional though he sometimes uses the right side also. What this
means is, for a man to come in and tell you that he loves you should mean more to you because
chemically speaking he is not able to do that without great effort. A man must think, plan, and then say
he loves. For a man to tell you and show you that he loves you is incredible. It is easier for a woman to
love. (This causes the women problems because of their emotional thinking.)

The woman expects "I love you:" on a regular basis. This is a normal dialogue between a woman and a
man. The woman says, "You never tell me that you love me!" The man says, "I have told you that I
loved you, you just don't remember!" The woman says, "That was over forty years ago!". The man says,
"I told you I loved you then and, if it ever changes, I will let you know!"

3. There Are Psychological Differences (I am not talking about sanity because if may be you going to the
"Funny Farm" instead of your spouse)

a. Women need more "attachment and touch".

 b. Men, seemingly, are more detached.

c. Women tend to be moodier than men.

d. Men tend to be more self-centered and distant.

e. Women tend to rely on feelings and emotion.

f. Men tend to discover and rely on facts.

g. The woman says an average of 25, 000 words per day.

h. The man says an average of 12,000 words per day.

4. There Are Reaction Differences (Women tend to let their emotions get higher while me tend to
downplay situations)

a. Women get upset slower and stay upset longer.

b. Men tend to get upset faster and get over it quicker.

c. Women tend to take things more personally and get offended quicker.

d. Men tend to take things less personally and get offended less often.

5. There Are Security Differences

a. Women need security in their position (she should never be made jealous)

Women have more trouble with relationships with other women - jealousy and envy are a real problem
b. Women need security in their possessions (A man can live in a car with no inside plumbing.)

c. Women need security in their protection (that’s why they jump in your arms and holler “get the gun!”
when they hear noises)

d. Women need security in their praise (they need to be complimented – (“Her children arise up, and
call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.)

6. There Are Special Need Differences (This will deal with the intimate relationship)

a. Women need to be reassured of the man's love.

b. Men need to be needed and to feel important.

c. Women need more of an emotional relationship.

d. Men need more of a physical relationship.

7. There Are Spiritual Differences (I am not talking about spirituality, because some of the most spiritual
people that I have ever met have been women)

a. God placed the man as the spiritual head of the family.

b. God placed the woman in submission spiritually in the family.

c. Women have more of a possibility of spiritual deception.

d. Men have more spiritual discernment and perception.

8. There Are Role Differences (The unisex movement is rapidly removing these divinely set boundaries)
 a. The woman is to guide the home.

b. The man is to rule the home.

c. The woman is to care for the children.

d. The man is to provide for the home. (Physically and spiritually)

The Commitment to the Divine Order of the Home

Genesis 3:9-20

Introduction:

A. We have looked at the Establishment of the home, the Attack upon the home, and the Foundation of
the home. This morning, I want to look at the Divine Order of the home. Here is where most preachers
get into trouble! J People do not like God’s order in the home because times have so changed in our
day. Things certainly are not as they once were but we need to realize that the Bible has not changed
with the times.

B. A question was fielded to me not long ago: What is wrong with a man or woman remaining
unmarried? The answer is: NOTHING!

1 Corinthians 7:7-9 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of
God, one after this manner, and another after that. (8) I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It
is good for them if they abide even as I. (9) But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to
marry than to burn. (It is much better to remain single than to end up in a Christ less marriage.)

C. I am not going to spend much time on the divine order of the home as the Bible is very clear and God
will not change either His mind or His Word.
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. (This divine order is for the Christian household and, if
anyone is not perfectly clear on this verse, I will gladly read it again.)

D. The problem in today’s homes is not the divine order, it is a lack of commitment to divine order.

1. One of the major changes that has come about in my short lifetime is from commitment to a lack of
commitment. Thus we find one of the most destructive forces that is dividing homes. One of the most
important aspects of a successful home is that of commitment.

2. We live in days where commitment is not a common virtue. Commitment means to dedicate yourself
to something or someone. Today’s slogan is “To thine own self be true.” In a way, that is a great slogan
because we have to be true to our values but, in a negative way, it means self above others.

3. Marriage vows based upon the divine order of the home are exchanged and forgotten in almost the
same breath.

E. What does a successful home require? It takes the commitment of both the man and woman to the
Biblical vows that were exchanged at the wedding! A home where only one or neither is committed to
the vows is a disaster looking for somewhere or sometime to happen. You cannot force commitment!

1. A successful home requires commitment to divine order.

a. Once again, I find great help in the First Mention. God established the order in the home after the fall
and not in the beginning. Though this point may be argued by some, Genesis 3:16 (a verse much quoted
when dealing with divine order) came after creation, the fall, the restoration, and the first sacrifice.

b. The need for a helpmeet exposed a need or weakness in Adam. If Adam had no need for Eve, she
would not have been made for him.

1) He needed her because of loneliness. Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the
man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Someone once said that “A sunset shared
is twice the sunset.”)
2) He needed her in order to populate the earth. Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said
unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the
fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
(Sorry but sodomites must recruit because they cannot reproduce.)

3) He needed her as a helpmeet. Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man
should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (A counterpart. The opposite with which to
make a whole. The “other half” or, as some love to say, the “better half.”)

4) Heirs together of the grace of this life. 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. (As we are joint-
heirs with Christ, so the man and wife are to equally share the blessings of this life. It is not “mine” nor
is it “hers,” it is “ours.”)

c. The fall exposed a need or weakness in Eve.

1) Women are “heart creatures” by nature. 1 Timothy 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the
woman being deceived was in the transgression. Women are very intelligent. (Over the years, I have
noted that most of the Valedictorians and Salutatorians were women. They are equally smart with them
man but so very different in their natures. Satan did not attack Adam; he chose the “weaker vessel.”
This is the reason women are not to preach or to usurp authority over the man in the church. When
women rule in the church, you find doctrine overruled by emotions and, therefore, doctrinal
incorrectness.)

1 Timothy 2:9-3:1 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with
shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; (10) But (which
becometh women professing godliness) with good works. (11) Let the woman learn in silence with all
subjection. (12) But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in
silence. (13) For Adam was first formed, then Eve. (14) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman
being deceived was in the transgression. (15) Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if
they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. (3:1) This is a true saying, If a man desire
the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (The office of a bishop or pastor along with the office of
a deacon are for men only!)

2) The woman needs the provision and protection of the man. 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.
(It is very difficult for women in general to provide for themselves properly. Some women work jobs of
equal pay and benefits but, as a rule, this is not so. I know that I will take some flak for this one but it is
God’s order and he made woman to be a keeper at home. I will give you the Scripture so that those who
disapprove can take it up with God and not with me.)

Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false
accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; (4) That they may teach the young women
to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, (5) To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (I would not give you
a “thin dime” for a man who will not work to support his wife and neither would God!)

2. In a successful home, the husband must be committed both to the LORD and his wife.

a. The husband must be fully committed to the LORD in love. 1 Corinthians 11:3a But I would have you
know, that the head of every man is Christ; (A man who does not love and serve the LORD will probably
not love and serve you, lady! The Head of every man is to be Christ! That is why I try so hard to warn
our young people that loving the wrong man can easily turn into a disaster. Then, you will normally
have children involved.)

b. The husband must be fully committed to the wife in love. Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (If the husband loves the wife, he will be
faithful to her, he will protect her, he will provide for her, and prize her.)

Ephesians 5:33a Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself;

3. In a successful home, the wife must be fully committed to both the LORD and her husband. 1
Corinthians 11:3b But I would have you know … the head of the woman is the man; and the head of
Christ is God.

a. The wife must be fully committed to her LORD in love. Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles
answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Though God command men to obey those
in authority, He is to be obeyed first. If man does right, obey him; if man does wrong, obey God. The
same rule goes for the ladies. If the husband does right, obey him; if the husband does wrong, obey
God!)
b. The wife must be fully committed to her husband on love. Genesis 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I
will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy
desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. (Her main concern and desire is the welfare
of her husband and, therefore, her home. Today’s woman is independent instead of dependent and it is
wreaking havoc in the home. Once again, do not get mad at me, get mad at God! Now, what happens if
the husband gets out of the will of God? Lady, your first desire is to God but you can still be a good wife
to a lost or unspiritual man. Trust God and do the best that you can to be a good Christian and a godly
wife.)

Ephesians 5:22-23, 33b Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (23) For
the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the
body ... (33b) and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Conclusion: If the husband and wife put the LORD first and each other second, you will have a good
home. If either one or both fail in this matter of commitment, the home is in dire jeopardy!

A Rock Solid Home

Luke 6:46-49

Introduction:

A. We teach our children the little song about the wise man building his house upon a rock and the
foolish man building his house upon the sand. The storms came alike to both with the wise man’s house
standing fast and the foolish man’s house falling flat. I fear that we too often sing a lot of songs that are
nothing more than just songs to us. Their meaning is clear but lost as they fall upon unhearing ears.

B. The application of these verses that we read concern our building of our homes upon the Word of
God. The houses were built alike, the storms and rain were the same. Only the foundation was
different and made all of the difference. The Bible speaks about the foundations being destroyed and
asks the question, “What can the righteous do?”

C. A house is no better than its foundation! On September 19, 1985 at 7:17 AM, an earthquake of a
magnitude of 8.1 hit Mexico City.
1. Of a population of 18 million, an estimated 10,000 people were killed, and 50,000 were injured. In
addition, 250,000 people lost their homes, and property damage amounted to $5 billion. Over 800
buildings crumbled, including hotels, hospitals, schools, and businesses.

2. Mexico City sits on top of a dried up lake bed which made the ground softer which caused the
massive destruction. The expansion of the capitol (Mexico City) and the gradual draining of the lake left
the world's largest population center located largely on unconsolidated lake-bed sediments. These soft
sedimentary clay deposits amplified the seismic waves.

3. The earthquake did tremendous damage because of the inadequate foundations of the buildings.
Many lives may have been saved if proper precautions had been taken when the construction of these
buildings took place. Many times foresight is short while hindsight is 20/20. No one ever thought that
an earthquake would devastate Mexico City.

D. In building our homes today, we need to realize some things.

1. We need to realize that storms will come. (It rains on the just and the unjust)

2. We need to realize that our homes will either stand or fall depending upon the foundation.

3. We need to realize that the Bible has instructed us in the building of our home.

4. We need to realize what it takes to build a home that will stand.

a) Building A Home Takes Want – “cometh to me”

b) Building A Home Takes Wisdom – “heareth my sayings”

c) Building A Home Takes Willingness – “doeth them”

d) Building A Home Takes Work – “digged deep”

E. In the average home today there is:

1. More fighting than praying

2. More Worldly exposure than Scripture

3. More Sin than Godliness

4. More Strife than Love

5. More Excuses than Obedience

6. More Complaints than Praises

F. What does a home need in order to stand! I want to look at our verses and reverse them for a few
minutes.

1. The Wreck!

a. The Wise Man Vs. The Foolish Man! The mindset that we go into marriages is of great importance
and helps greatly in holding the home together. All marriages have “issues” at times that need to be
dealt with and worked out. One of the reasons that many of our older men and women endured was
because they went into the marriage to “tough it out.”

b. The Wonderful Home Vs. The Wrecked Home. There is nothing any greater that a wonderful home
where the peace of God rules! A sanctuary to which we can flee from the wickedness, confusion, and
turmoil of this present evil world. There is nothing any more heartbreaking than a wrecked home where
there is no peace, trust, or security.

c. The storms came to both; the rains fell upon both; the flood waters beat vehemently upon both. I
mentioned this earlier but we need to understand that our homes are under constant satanic attack.
Also, we need to understand that two become one and there is a possibility of that one becoming two
again. When one person wants to make a marriage work and the other does not, it may fail. One home
stood while the other fell flat.

2. The Word! In our story, we find two foundations upon which to build our homes. Rock and Sand!

a. God made the marriage to work, not wreck! His intention was one man, one woman, for one lifetime
and gave the guidelines beginning in Genesis 3.

b. With the Word of God or Without the Word of God! If God owns marriage, and He does, then God
knows how to make that marriage work. Each of us have a choice this morning. We can either obey the
Word of God or we can ignore it. I will take a look at this in a few minutes.

3. The Work! The Work was different: one “digged deep” while the other actually laid no foundation at
all.

a. I believe that each of these two homes were probably constructed of the same material, the same
hope, but a different effort that brought about a different end result.

b. One put as much effort into the foundation as he did the actual structure of the house. No matter
how fine and fancy the house built, if the foundation cracks, the home falls. One put little or no effort
into the foundation but probably as much work into the structure as the other. It takes both the
husband and the wife to make that home work and, if one gives up, then the home will fail regardless of
how much the other wants it to work.

4. The Wisdom! The Wisdom of building the home upon the right foundation is one of personal choice.

a. It must be founded upon the Bible or it may perish. At this point, let me say that I know of unsaved
people who have built their homes outside of the parameters set forth in the Bible and those homes
have endured but, in our day, there are more wrecked homes than wonderful ones.

b. A home MUST be Biblically structured by both the husband and the wife. I have seen homes fail
when the wife wanted the home to be right and the husband did not. I have seen homes fail when the
husband wanted the home to be right and the wife did not.
5. The Warning! “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Luk 6:47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom
he is like:”

Conclusion: In order to make a home work, there must be:

a. An Authoritative Principle: the King James Bible.

b. An Abiding Presence: the Lord Jesus Christ.

c. An Atmosphere of Peace: a mutual love and respect.

d. An Abundance of Prayer: the house that prays together stays together.

e. An Authentic Praise: the Lord Jesus Christ both glorified and magnified.

f. An Acceptable Pattern: the order in the home must be Biblical.

The Attack Upon The Home

Psalm 101:1-8

Introduction:

A. Last week, we looked at the establishment and importance of the home.

1. Marriage and the home were established by God!

a) Marriage does not belong to the individual, the government, or the courts.

b) Marriage belongs to God!

2. The importance of the home:

a) The Home Is The Strength of The Family

b) The Home Is The Strength of The Church

c) The Home Is The Strength of The Nation

B. It is of little wonder that Satan has pulled out all of the stops in his continual attack upon the home!
He will never give up his efforts to destroy godly homes and replace them with ungodly ones.

C. In our text for this morning, we find the importance of safe guarding the home from the
encroachment of the world. Society is working overtime to change the thinking of its people. It is
important that we remember that, as God’s children, we are in the world but not OF the world! Our
thinking needs to be conformed to the Word of God.

1. Satan has attacked the structure of the home: one man, one woman, one lifetime! I dealt with this
last week but want to reinforce what I said. Transsexuals, transgenders, gays, lesbians, etc. are an
abomination to God! The courts have no right to redefine what God created! God established the
home, not the sexual perverts.

2. Satan has attacked the order of the home: the man is the head, the woman is the heart, and the
children are the future. One of the breakdowns of society in these last days is that of authority.
Humanism is the “god” of this world. The chain of command in the home is to be Biblical: Christ is the
head of the man, the man is the head of the wife, and the parents are the heads of the children. In the
world, the children now reign, the woman reigns over the man, and the man does exactly what is
expected.
3. Satan has attacked the purity of the home. I will deal with this in a few moments but let me say that
the purity of the home lies with the responsibility of the man and the wife. We are to keep those things
out that will cause worldliness of thought and life. Our homes need to be clean places to live. I will not
stay in a motel or hotel room that is not clean. Barbara takes her Lysol spray can and sprays the
bathroom and all that is in it and also the bed, chairs, and sofa. Let us spiritually “Lysol” our homes.

4. Satan has attacked the security of the home. It is the responsibility of the parents to make sure that
the home is secure against all outside threats. When we think of safeguarding our homes, we think of
stopping or discouraging others from breaking into them. Guarding a home is more than “guns and
guts.” Our homes need to be spiritually safe as well. Safety is still of the Lord.

5. Satan has attacked the unity of the home. The ultimate strength of the home is found in its oneness.
Too many homes are spiritually divided instead of Biblically unified. We are facing more and more the
problem of unequal yokes in marriages. The Word of God causes division but the division is a personal
choice that is made by each of us. God’s Word needs to be the foundation of the home and the final
authority of the home. Marriages in our day have enough problems without family intervention! I must
reiterate that family interference (I am speaking of in-laws and outlaws that are not in the marital home)
CAN BE A DESTRUCTIVE FORCE WITHIN THE MARRIAGE AND MARITAL HOME.)

6. Satan has attacked the finances of the home. Too much of the “gotta have it” and not enough of
contentedness has brought about too much buying and the debt that goes with it. We, as God’s
children, are to be content with less and stay out of debt! Everything in our day is geared to get people
in debt. Enough is never enough! Most couples who argue a lot argue about finances. Newly married
couples are pressured to buy new cars and trucks, new homes, as well as the “toys” that go along with
them. We need to conform out thinking about finances to the Bible.

7. Satan has attacked the purity of the home. We cannot control what goes on in the world. We can
avoid certain things but the world is the world and does not conform to Biblical principles. But, we can
control what goes on within our homes and conform out homes to the Bible.

The Establishment Of The Home

Genesis 2:18-25

Introduction:
A. So often, I use what is called the Principle of First Mention in both my personal Bible study and also in
my sermon preparation.

1. If you want to know where God stands on that particular subject, then you must accept what God
says in the Bible concerning it. When studying a certain topic, you need to look at the continuous thread
throughout the Bible and begin with the first mention of that particular subject.

2. This morning, I want to reestablish the importance of your home or any home. God’s Word has
declared marriage to be honorable in all. It is a divine institution, ordained of God in the Garden of Eden
between the first man and woman. Marriage is God’s institution as He established it.

3. Its parameters are simple: one man, one woman, for a lifetime. Simple enough? I know the world
does not like what God says on the subject but, as His children, it is important to you and I.

B. In Gods order, we find the importance of the home. It was the first institution that God ordained!

Genesis 1:27-28, 31 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male
and female created he them. (28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and
multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over
the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth … (31) And God saw every
thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth
day.

C. Genesis 2 begins with the Seventh Day. All is now finished and nothing to be added to it. In Genesis
2:4, God continues to give description to all that He had done in days 1-6. In verses 21-25, the Lord gives
more detail concerning the marriage and home that He instituted in chapter 1. God had already
declared it very good.

D. In the New Testament, our Lord selected the marriage to be the emblem of the union that binds
together Himself and His own ransomed Bride, the Church. ** (Eph 5:22-33)

1. The Home Is Important To Our Spouses (a haven of peace and rest in a wicked and weary world)
2. The Home Is Important To Our Children (a nest of safety, stability, provision, and instruction)

3. The Home Is Important To Our Churches (a type of the relationship of Jesus Christ to His Church)

4. The Home is Important To Our Nation (a stabilizing force in unstable days)

5. The Home is Important To The Lord (He established it in wisdom)

E. The Establishment Of The Home:

1. The Home: A Place Of Companionship “It is not good that the man should be alone”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if
they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not
another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm
alone?

2. The Home: A Place Of Divine Order “I will make him an help meet”

1 Corinthians 11:3, 7-9 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 … For a man indeed ought not to cover his head,
forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is
not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the
woman for the man.

3. The Home: A Place Of Completion “An help meet for him”

Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and
glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
4. The Home: A Place Of Oneness “He took one of his ribs … bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh”

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.

5. The Home: A Place Of Approval “Brought her unto the man”

Genesis 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and
female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and
replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the
air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

6. The Home: A Place Of Separation “Leave his father and his mother”

Proverbs 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Genesis 24:58-59 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said,
I will go. And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men.

7. The Home: A Place Of Cleaving “Cleave unto his wife” (to stick with or to stay close to)

Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined
together, let not man put asunder.

Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he
liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.

8. The Home: A Place Of Union “They shall be one flesh”

Ephesians 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife,
and they two shall be one flesh.
Genesis 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God,
said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.

9. The Home: A Place Of Beauty “And were not ashamed”

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers
God will judge. (Intimacy outside of marriage is dirty, defiling, and to be hidden in the dark – Intimacy in
the marriage is beautiful and fulfilling.)

Encouraging Your Children

Colossians 3:21

Introduction:

A. This verse concerning our children goes hand-in-hand with Ephesians 6:1-4 which says, “Children,
obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (2) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first
commandment with promise;) (3) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
(4) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord.”

B. As I said with the submission of a wife, it is so much easier to love and obey someone who loves you!
Notice, in Ephesians, the honoring goes with both the father and the mother but the admonition of not
provoking you children unto wrath is pointed at the father. Nothing is Scripture is by accident nor is
anything unnecessary. God wastes no words!

C. The reason is that mothers are “heart creatures” who are by nature more longsuffering and
compassionate than us men. Their hearts often make them too soft in correction, thus the often used
phrase, “Just wait until your daddy gets home!” Children need the correction of both parents but the
correction of a father is different from mother’s.

D. Once again, the woman was made to complete (to make up that which is lacking) the man. A man has
a tendency to be too harsh with children, therefore the admonition in Ephesians 6 and Colossians 3.

1. Wrath – to anger in action. We live in days of angry young people. I want our children to have
conviction and stand strong but in a godly manner. Kids now run in gangs, shoot innocent people in
shopping centers—movie theatres—schools, etc. because they are angry and that anger is directed
towards the innocents. When I was a kid, these things were not heard of.

2. Discouraged – disheartened, dismayed, or spiritless. Discouragement causes children to give up

because they are disillusioned and disheartened.
E. Though this is “aimed” at us fathers, I want to talk to both fathers and mothers tonight because it
takes both to properly raise a child. Many of America’s children come from dysfunctional homes or
single parent homes. Your children NEED you.

F. Let us look at this and compare it to the Lord’s relationship to His children.

1. Parents can discourage their children by showing a lack of compassion. Parenting without parental
love is impossible. If all children see and hear it the “ruling” aspect of parenting, they will feel like they
are not loved or have become a burden to their parents. We need to give our children the love and
support that they deserve. God always shows His love to you and me in a limitless fashion.

2. Parents can discourage their children by setting unrealistic goals for them. Each child is an individual
and need to be treated as such. Not every child will be an engineer or doctor; not every child will be rich
in this world. They have different abilities and talents. Where an A- is a poor grade to one, a C is a good
grade to others. God never expects us to go beyond the realm of our gifts or abilities.

3. Parents can discourage their children by constantly criticizing them or depreciating their worth.
Children need to be encouraged through praise. If we only show them attention when they do wrong,
we discourage them from doing right. God loves you and me when we are good and when we are bad.

4. Parents can discourage their children by showing favoritism. I have seen so many grandparents who
shower a certain child with their love while virtually ignoring another child. God loves us with equality!
Favoritism will destroy children.

5. Parents can discourage their children by being too harsh in their discipline. Children are children! They
do have to learn, they do make mistakes, and they do mess up. The Bible says much about child
discipline but a whipping is the last choice of discipline. Discipline needs to be progressive in nature. God
does not use a whip on us when we willfully sin. He gently speaks to us and is better to us than we
deserve. God has been gently and longsuffering with the pastor!

6. Parents can discourage their children through neglect. I am not speaking of not feeding or sheltering
them. I am talking about not giving them your prime time instead of letting a TV set, video game, cell
phone, or social media raise them. God spends quality time with His children and His ear is always open
to their voice.

7. Parents can discourage their children by not administering spiritual food to them. The

nurture of the Lord is just as important as the admonition! Give them a home where Christian values are
a way of life. Set a proper, biblical example for them. The Lord is our Example.

The Importance Of A Husband’s Love

Colossians 3:19

Introduction:
A. Most failures in marriage are “two way streets.” It is normally a combination of things that ultimately
bring a marriage down and two of them are listed in this passage on the home.

1. It is difficult for a man to love an un-submissive woman. When she is not what God wants her to be,
then she is not what a man needs! Ladies, learn to “feel your husband’s muscles” once in a while. Make
him what he needs to be. You were made for him and to help him. Do not make your husband desire to
sleep on the roof or in the wilderness!

2. It is difficult for a woman to submit to an unloving husband. If he is a dictator in the home, harsh or
cruel to his wife, arrogant, and uncaring, he will be a failure as the head of the home. Jesus Christ loved
the church and gave himself for it!

B. Ok, husbands, it is our turn now! The ladies had a rough week last Wednesday but they stood up
honorably under the word of God.

C. When speaking to the wife, the bible speaks of submission to authority but when speaking to the
husband, it says nothing about ruling over the wife. It speaks of loving her!!! To many, the “ruling”
aspect of the marriage becomes the most important one. I am glad that our heavenly Father “rules”
over us in love and expects us to do the same with our families.

D. The reason for this is that the wife’s submission is based in her love for the Lord and her husband
while the ruling of the husband must be based the same way, in his love for his wife. If the husband
loves right, he will rule right; if the husband rules in love, it becomes an easy matter for the wife to
submit to his headship.

E. Without love, it easy to become bitter toward them. Without love, men become bitter about having
to share their lives, time, money, etc. with their wives. We live in days of prenuptial contracts, separate
bank accounts, and separate ways. Why? Selfishness! Love is giving, not taking.

F. Men, loving your wives is not about having to give up your dreams; it is about sharing those dreams
with the woman that you love! Your wife is a “good thing,” not an anchor around your neck. Proverbs
18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

G. What is love? Love is so much more than just a feeling that one has for another. One of my favorite
verses on biblical love is found in Genesis 24:67:

“And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he
loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.” (Isaac did not know what she looked like
as she was veiled; he did not know anything about her personality, her likes or dislikes as they had not
talked; he determined to just love her! Love is more than a feeling; love is giving and sharing!)

H. What kind of love does the wife need?

1. It is a Limitless Love - Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church,
and gave himself for it;

2. It is a Personal love - Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall
cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
3. It is a Private Love – it is a love not shared with others. Ecclesiastes 3:5b A time to embrace, and a
time to refrain from embracing;

4. It is a Providing Love - 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.

5. It is a Sharing Love - 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.

6. It is a Sacrificial Love - Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church,
and gave himself for it;

7. It is a Satisfying Love - Proverbs 5:18-19 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy
youth. (19) 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.

8. It is an Appreciative Love - Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband
also, and he praiseth her.