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BIBLE DOCTRINES
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Introduction:
In our study of Bible doctrines we have come to a very practical and very important subject.
The family structure is set forth in the Word of God very explicitly. Proper, Scriptural family relationships are essential to the health of our nation and our Churches. The family has much bearing on the moral and spiritual fiber of a society. It is our responsibility as Christians to seek to build our homes on a Biblical basis. With this in mind, let us examine the Scriptures.
I. THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE IN THE HUMAN RACE. (Genesis 2:21-25)
A. The Principle Of “Right Man - Right Woman” Is Set Forth. (Vs. 22)
B. This Relationship Takes Precedence Over All Other Earthly Relationships. (Vs. 24)
C. The Marriage Relationship Sanctifies The Sexual Relationship. (Vs. 24b-25)
1. The marriage bed is undefiled. (Hebrews 13:4a)
2. Sex outside of marriage violates God's Word. (Hebrews 13:4b)
D. The Marriage Relationship Is Meant To Be A Permanent Relationship.
(Matthew 5:32; 19:3-6)
1. Man's divorce laws are not acceptable to God.
2. Believers must determine to stand on God's Word and try to work out any problems that arise in their marriage.
II. THE RELATIONSHIP OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES IN MARRIAGE.
(Ephesians 5:21-33)
A. Commitment Is A Foundational Key In Marriage!
Commitment– an unconditional pledge or a promise.
The word “submit” in Ephesians 5:22 has many of the same requirements of the word “love” in Ephesians 5:25.
It is not possible for a wife to “submit” without “loving.”
It is not possible for the husband to “love” without “submitting” in some areas.
1. Commitment, not “love”, will hold a marriage together.
(Note: “Agape” love (or charity) is commitment and will hold a marriage together.
See 1 Corinthians 13.)
2. Commitment is not just maintaining something, but investing in it.
You must be absolutely committed to not just keeping this marriage together, but also committed to growth in your marriage relationship.
“Agape” love is seeking the highest good for another. It is unselfish love.
3. Commitment is not just enduring something--it is working for positive change.
This takes active involvement to develop the marriage relationship.
This takes active involvement to quickly resolve conflicts in the
relationship.
This takes unselfish love (i.e. “agape”) for your mate.
4. Commitment is not accepting or tolerating negative behavior on the part of the other person. It is working to refine the marriage so it becomes strong, healthy, and reflects the person of Christ.
B. Another Key To Marital Happiness Is The Proper Selection Of A Mate.
One of the main excuses cited as cause for divorce actions is “incompatibility.”
1. Before marriage the following areas of compatibility should be considered:
a. Doctrinal and spiritual compatibility.
Experimental studies indicate that this is a crucial area. If one partner is deeply committed to Christ, and the other partner does not share this commitment, the marriage is severely weakened. Unity on this subject is of paramount importance.
For instance, if you believe that it is important to pray, to be involved in the life of a church, and to raise your children with a deep appreciation for the Lord–and your partner says "no thanks" to all of these, look out!
b. Economic compatibility.
The area of finances is one of the main contributors to marital
problems.
c. Recreational compatibility.
If you and the person you want to marry don’t have at least some common areas of interest, there will more than likely be problems ahead. This doesn’t mean that each of the individuals must enjoy exactly every thing alike.
d. Mental compatibility.
It is rather obvious that a genius should not marry an imbecile.
But less obvious situations should also be given consideration.
2. The marriage partner should be selected on the basis of character rather than looks.
3. Marriage should be to someone you definitely know that you love as they are and that they do not have traits that will be a serious problem to you in the future.
4. Both parties should be totally honest and not pretend to be something they are not.
C. The Place Of The Husband In A Scriptural Marriage. (Ephesians 5:21-31)
1. The husband is to be submitted to his wife in the fear of God. (Vs 21)
2. The husband is to be the head of the wife. (Vs 23)
a. He is to be the head with godly knowledge. 1 Peter 3:7
b. As the head, he is to render due benevolence. 1 Corinthians 7:3
(i.e. He is to give to his wife from himself .. a mental love.)
c. As the head the husband has the greater responsibility in marriage. He must answer to God.
d. The husband's headship is to be patterned after Christ's relationship to the church.
3. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. (Vs 25)
4. The husband is to sanctify the marriage by the Word of God. (Vs. 26-27)
5. The husband is to love his wife as himself. (Vs. 28-29)
6. The husband is to put his wife before all others. (Vs. 31)
B. The Place Of The Wife In A Scriptural Marriage. (Ephesians 5:21-24)
1. The wife is to be submitted to her husband in the fear of God. (Vs. 21)
2. The wife is to take a place of submission to her own husband. (Vs 22-24)
a. This should be dealt with before marriage.
b. God's protection will be with the woman who Scripturally submits to her husband.
(1 Peter 3:1-6; Cf. Genesis 12:10-20)
3. The wife is to respond in love to the husband's giving of himself.
(1 Corinthians 7:3)
God has designed the woman to be the responder rather than the aggressor.
4. The woman was created to be the help meet for her husband.
(Genesis 2:20ff)
a. The woman is necessary for the man to be complete.
b. The woman who fulfills her God given place will find the greatest satisfaction in life.
III. THE RELATIONSHIP OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN. (Ephesians 6:1-4)
A. Children Are To Obey Their Parents. (Vs. 1; Cf. Colossians 3:20)
1. Childhood and adolescence are learning stages to prepare for adulthood.
2. Children can learn from positive and negative things.
3. For a child or young person to disobey their parents is to disobey God.
B. Children Are To Honor Their Parents. (Vs 2-3)
1. Regardless of what type of parents they might be, they are to be honored.
2. Regardless of whether they are alive or dead, they are to be honored.
3. This command is given special emphasis by the promise accompanying it.
C. Fathers Are Not To Provoke Their Children To Wrath.
(Vs 4a; Cf. Colossians 3:21)
1. They are not to be unreasonable and uncaring in their discipline and training of children.
(i.e. No abuse physically or emotionally.)
2. Fathers have a responsibility to discipline their children.
a. This involves spanking or proper whippings.
(Cf. Proverbs 13:24; 19:18)
b. The undisciplined child is a problem to his home, his nation, and the Church as well as a threat to society.
D. Fathers Have A Responsibility To Rear Their Children In The Nurture And Admonition Of The Lord. (Ephesians 5:4b)
1. The father has been given the primary responsibility to do this.
2. The father is to see that the children are learned in the Scriptures.
a. By being a part of a Bible believing and teaching Church.
b. By personal involvement in his children's spiritual training.
3. The father is to teach by his conduct and example.
E. The Home Should Be Based On Spiritual Standards That Picture The Home Of Our Heavenly Father.
F. Each Child In The Home Should Be Able To See The Biblical Standards Being Put Into Action By Each Member Of That Family.
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NOTICE: THESE SERMONS ARE FREE TO BE USED BUT ARE NOT TO BE SOLD!