Wives: how does God-given authority work?
The wife is subject to the husband (Titus 2:4-5; Genesis 3:16)Being under authority does not mean one is inferior in value (Genesis 2:18, 20; 1:27; I Peter 3:7; Psalms 115:9-11; John 14:26; I Corinthians 11:3; Philippians 2:5-7)Rebellion against a God-given leader is rebellion against God (Exodus 3:10; 19:6; Numbers 16:3, 28, 31-33; I Samuel 8:7; Romans 13:1-2)There’s a lot of male-bashing in our society today (Proverbs 14:1)Be careful what you absorb from the culture!Ephesians 5:22-24, 33: everything, respect
First, a word about Ephesians 5:21 (Ephesians 6:1, 5; Hebrews 13:17).Be subject “in everything” (v24) – but harmonize that with all of Scripture (Acts 5:29; I Peter 3:7; Hebrews 13:17; Genesis 3:17; I Timothy 2:14).The husband will answer to God for how he led his wife. He cannot abdicate that responsibility.Each spouse must focus on themselves (Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19).The husband is not told to make the wife submit. He is told to love her.The wife is simply told to respect their husband, not to make him love her.“as to the Lord” (v22) (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:23-24)Give your husband the breathing room to lead. Managing your responsibilities properly makes it easier for him to lead properly.“respects her husband” (v33) (John 8:29; Philippians 2:8)I Peter 3:1-6: gentle and quiet spirit
Women, there’s a lot of learning to do
Men have a very strong desire to lead, protect, and provide (Genesis 2:15; 3:16-19; Nehemiah 4:14; I Corinthians 16:13; I Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:33).Women tend to bring out those strong, God-given instincts in men.Your husband will make decisions differently than you (Ephesians 5:23).
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