Read Colossians 3:18-21

I love the fact that God loves us so much that He wants our families to operate in the realm of love and mutual respect.  One of the great ways to propagate Christianity is through families that are committed to serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here we have God’s blueprint for the home.  A detailed, step by step, set of instructions on how the home functions best for the glory of God and the good of each family member.

1.  The Christian Wife is to be Submitted to her Husband – vs. 18.

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.”

The word “submit” means literally to rank under, while the word “yourselves” is in the middle voice.  Thus, a wife is to, of her own volition, decide to rank herself beneath her husband.  This is a wonderful picture of understanding when a wife lives this way.  This is not natural, nor is it easy, but it is God’s way of her best functioning in the home. 

2.  The Christian Husband is to love his wife, and not be bitter against her – vs. 19.

“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” 

A loving husband will greatly enhance the entire environment in the home.  Every man should look for ways to better demonstrate love for his wife.  It needs to be unconditional in nature, like that of our Saviour, no strings attached, but simply a choice, to love your wife.  Also, men are warned against becoming bitter toward their wives.  A man, who doesn’t feel respected in the home, will often become bitter as a result.  We need men who will lovingly lead their homes.

3.  Children are to obey their parents – vs. 20.

“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.”  

The command for children to obey is the Greek verb “hypakouo”, which means to listen and harken intently.  It literally means to hyper-listen.  The command for children is to listen and obey.

4.  Christian Parents are to avoid provoking their children to anger – vs. 21.

Parental authority carries with it great responsibilities.  After all, parents are charged with bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  Parenting is a delicate balance between teaching, blessing, and overseeing.  Do not ever provoke your children so that they become dispirited.  Children who become dispirited often become rebellious.

May we utilize God’s blueprint for our families.  You will be greatly blessed if you do.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Some believers and most non-believers have difficulty embracing the thought of submission in a marriage.  Why is this the case?

2.  What sacrifices is the husband to make in his marriage for his wife?

3.  Why do some Christian parents fail to discipline their children?  What happens when a child is disobedient?

4.  What types of things provoke children to anger?  What can you do to avoid provoking your children?