Today we continue as Part 2 on the Pacesetter series...
THE PROTECTOR Saints, this puts the direct responsibility of us men, to lead and guide our wives with all diligence, and to attain this type of diligence we must receive it from the word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Since the wife is more petite and fragile of the marriage relationship, man was designed by his very framework (physical build) or structure to be the protector.
Woman are fragile: for the most part” in structure. Remember, the scripture “one flesh, bone of my bone”? We as men must assume this role of protector and due to the very nature of our creation, and capabilities.
Christian men and as husbands should with gladness, fulfill this responsibility as “protector” of those we love and of those in which we are responsible for in the marriage relationship.
THE PROVIDER I Timothy 5:8 “but if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
The above passage of scripture is probably the most direct and non-optional directive given to the husband on the behalf of making provisions for those of the household. The word makes it very clear regarding the man that would refuse to do this has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. Too much of the time, many men are busy providing for themselves, and then, if and when, he will provide for those who are in need.
Romans 12: 17 “repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men’. This verse informs us as men, we are to provide things honest in the sight of all men, I am sure and without doubt, there are times of real and unavoidable trouble, due to unforeseen circumstances that a man would and will have some issues in this area, in making adequate provisions at some time or other during life’s course.
The word of God is addressing those men who would make a life style of neglecting their responsibilities and or proper provisions for their family. Because we are members of his body, “for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”.
This mystery is a profound one, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church; however, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
I Peter 3:1 “likewise, you wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that some, though they do not obey the word, may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, when they see your reverent and chaste behavior”. Herein we see that even if the husband is a non-believer, the wife is still submissive and honoring the word of God and he will turn to God. Continuing on in this passage “let not yours be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and wearing of fine clothing, but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
So once the holy women who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves and were submissive to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. Likewise you husbands, live considerately with your wives, bestowing honor on the woman as the weaker sex, since you are joint heirs of the grace of life, in order that your prayers be not hindered.
This concludes Part 2 of the pacesetter series. Next we explore "examples" to follow and the mystery of marriage.
Until next time, Blessings to you and your family!
Pastor John
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