I. AUTHORITY TO TEACH
Titus 2:3-5
There are several words we want to look at here in the Greek. First, who is to teach whom? The translation "aged" is incorrect. The Greek word is "presbutidas". In doing a thorough study of the word you will find that it is refering to the eldership. To go along with this, the Greek for "young" is "neas", which means "new". So, from this we can determine that the elder women are to teach the younger, or new in the Lord. Next is , What to teach. Here we want to look at the phrase "obedient to their own husbands". The Greek for "obedient" is "upotassomenas". In a complete study of this word you will find that it means " 'to be' in subjection to" or "arranged under".
From this study we hope to find out what it means to be in subjection to our husbands, and how we can apply it in our lives today. It is not intended to bind us up, but to free us in Christ.
II. WHO IS TO BE SUBJECT TO WHAT OR TO WHOM?
A. GOD
Heb 12:9-10
All believers are to be subject to God. It is for our own profit, so that we might be partakers of his holiness. According to this we must place ourselves in subjection to God if we wish to partake of his holiness.
Acts 16:17
This is a back-up to show us that we are the servants of the most high God. Also, a point to consider is this: It should be apparent to others that we are his servants. Can the people you meet tell that there is something special about you? Does His love show to others through you?
James 4:7
Here we are told to submit to God. The word “submit” is in the imperative mood, and it is a command of God, not just something we do if we feel like it.
II WHO IS TO BE SUBJECT TO WHAT OR TO WHOM?
B. CHRIST
Hebrews 2:8
All things are subject to Christ. Nothing is left not to be in subjection to Him. This goes for us also!
Ephesians 1:22 (20-23)
All things are put subject to Christ. All authority and power is subject to Christ.
I Corinthians 15:27 & 28
All things are to be subject to Christ, all things are to be put under his feet, and then Christ himself shall be subject to God.
C. ORDINANCES OF MAN
I Peter 2:13 - 15
We are to be subject to the ordinances of man. This scripture also is in the imperative mood. So, when we are breaking any of the laws of the land, we are going against a commandment of God. God has given this commandment for a reason, not to put us under bondage. If we were a bunch of law-breakers, what kind of a witness would we be of God?
Romans 13:1 & 2 (1-10)
Here it is very plain and evident that God wants us to be subject to the ordinances. He also warns us that not to do so would be to bring damnation to ourselves. This also is in the imperative mood. Notice in verse 5 that this is for "conscience sake" : that we may have a clear conscience to God.
D. ELDERS
I Peter 5:5 (1-7)
We are commanded here to submit to the elders. Your elders are responsible for your souls. If you do not submit to them you are disobeying a direct command from God. Our duty is to be obedient to God, and if our elders are wrong, they have to account to God for it. We must trust Him to handle it.
Hebrews 13:17
Here it shows that not to submit to the elders would be unprofitable for you. I can't say for sure what would happen, but I wouldn't want to try to find out either. Trust God, He keeps His Word!
II. WHO IS TO BE SUBJECT TO WHAT OR TO WHOM?
E. REQUIREMENTS FOR ELDERS AND DEACONS
I Timothy 3:4 & 5
It is a requirement for an elder to have his children in subjection, and to rule well his own house. Any man that has not accomplished this will not be ordained an elder. Usually this is the main thing holding men back. Once the woman gets into her place, the man usually comes around shortly.
I Timothy 3:12 & 13
This is also one of the requirements for a deacon. A deacon purchases great boldness in the faith. What kind of a witness is it for an elder's or deacon's family to be out of order? It would turn many people off to the Lord. Too often the pastor's kids are the worst in the neighborhood, and his wife wears the britches. This is not God's way. God is a God of order, and anything less than an obedient household is not worthy advertisement for the Lord.
F. HUSBANDS
Colossians 3:18 & 19
Here again, it is in the imperative mood. We are commanded to submit to our husbands. It is the fit (convenient) thing to do in the Lord. God wouldn't have it any other way.
Ephesians 5:22 (21-24)
Here we are commanded to be subject to our husbands in everything (verse 24). Sometimes we (women) like to hold back on one thing or another, but, here it says in Everything! There is nothing that we should buck our husbands on.
G. ALL ONE IN CHRIST
Matthew 20:25 - 28
In verse 26 it says, " but it shall not be so among you ". This is so very true. A good example of this is the elders. We are all commanded to be subject to them. But, look at it closely, and you will see, that the elders serve us. This is the same with all those that serve in the Lord. To whom much is given, much is required. Though they have authority over us, they still serve us.
Mark 10:42 - 45
This is the same as above. It also shows that even Christ came to minister.
Colossians 3:11
We are all one in Christ. Whether we serve, or whether we are served, it does not matter: for Christ is in all of us. Everything we do should be done to edify the body of Christ.
Galatians 3:26 - 29
We are all Christ's. We are all heirs to the promises. God is not a respector of persons. He does not look at a servant as being lower than a master. It is just a position in which we are put in, to fulfill a duty.
H. NEW JERUSALEM
Revelation 22:3
I just threw this in to show us that our serving does not end in this world. But, we shall serve God in New Jerusalem. If we can't learn to serve here in this life, how will we ever be able to serve God then?
III. WHAT IS SUBJECTION?
A. RULED OVER
Psalm 106:42 (40-42)
Here the people were ruled over. They were under their hand. They were completely under their authority and power.
B. WILLINGLY
II Samuel 22:45 (44-45)
We are to submit ourselves unto our masters. We are to be ready and willing to serve them. Not begrudgingly! As soon as we hear their voices, we should be there ready to obey them, and to serve them; to do all we can to fulfill their desires. How often when our husbands call us do we yell back at them, " just a minute "? I know that I am guilty of this. Then, we usually get tiffed because they interrupted us. This certainly isn't being ready as soon as you hear their voice. (see Psalm 18:43-44)
C. COMPLETELY
I Corinthians 15:27
In this case it says all things were put in subjection to Christ. (under his feet means subjection) The only one that is exempt is God. Christ has complete authority and rule. Just as it would not be right for the wind to continue blowing when Christ said " Stop ", it isn't right for us to buck our husbands. (see Matthew 8:23-27) It is the same subjection. They are to have that same rule and authority over us. We are way out of line whenever we start bucking them, or deciding that our ways are better.
D. HONOUR
I Timothy 6:1 & 2
We are to give all honour to our husbands, our masters. Not to do so would be to blaspheme the Word of God, or to cause it to be blasphemed by others. They are our Brethren, faithful and beloved. Do not despise them because they have rule over you. Our hearts are to be right towards them, and to do this out of love, not because we have to. This also shows the imperativeness of " counting them worthy " of all honour. It is one thing to outwardly show them honour; but do you really count your husband to be worthy of this honour? This is a very important point, and one that took me quite a while to learn. It's easy to outwardly show honour, but it's not what really counts. When you have this inward honour for your husband, then the rest comes naturally. Its all a matter of truly saying to God, " Thy will, not mine, be done! " To not let pride keep you from receiving all that God has for you.
E. PLEASING
Titus 2: 9 & 10
Here the word obedient is subject. We are to please them in all things. This goes further than just to do what we are told to do. We are to strive to make them happy. During the day when your husband is at work, do you do things that you know will make him happy, or do you figure that while he's gone you'll do the things that he'd really prefer you didn't do? This is all a part of being subject to them. Our main concern is to be for their happiness. Do the things that you know will please you husband all of the time . Most of us know our husbands well enough to know whether or not something we do pleases them. If my watching TV during the day displeases my husband, then even when he is not home, it would be wrong for me to do it, knowing that it displeases him. It certainly wouldn't kill me to do all that I could to bring happiness to my husband. Look at the phrase " not answering again ". The Greek translation reads, " not contradicting ". This also shows that we are not only not to contradict in words, but also in our actions. If we do things that go against the grain of our husband, then we are contradicting him. Finally, by showing this subjection to our husband or master, we are adorning the doctrine of God, instead of causing it to be blasphemed. This is a beautiful thought! We are adorning the doctrine of God!
F. SINGLENESS OF HEART
Ephesians 6: 5 - 8
We are to serve them with singleness of heart as unto Christ. Would you feel picked on if Christ asked you to fix him a good meal, or would you be so delighted to have him in your presence that you would go about to prepare him a feast? Our heart is to be this way towards our husbands. We are to serve them as we would if he were Christ. Our heart is to be single toward him. He is to have all of our attention and admiration. He should know without any hesitation that he has this admiration from us. If your heart is not right towards your husband, then you better repent of this and pray for the Lord to make it right. And, don't expect it to change overnight. You have to put forth effort. It may take many nights of crying out to God and honestly trying to be the wife your husband deserves. And, whether or not you think your husband is worthy of this treatment, God says he is, and it is a command for you to give it to him. When you have finally put your heart in this putty-like condition to God, then He will take over, and write this law upon your heart. He will give you this deep love for your husband, and your husband will become more Christ-like unto you. We will only get out of our marriages what we put into it. Through obedience to God, we must serve with this singleness of heart, then our marriages will be blessed from the Lord (verse 8).
G. GIVE PLACE
Galatians 2:5
This just shows that being in subjection is giving place to someone else. (In this instance they did not give place by putting themselves in subjection to them because they were false brethren.) To be in subjection is to prefer their opinions and thoughts. It is putting their wishes before your own. It does not necessarily mena that we have to change our opinions, but we are to give place to theirs. Often times when a wife gives place to her husband's desires or whatever, she will find that his way was a more better one after all.
I Corinthians 14:32
This shows we can put our thoughts subject unto us. So, are your thoughts good or evil towards your husband? There is no excuse for them not to be right. It is within your power to change those thoughts. This is one that was hard for me to realize, but after thinking on it more and more, I have found that when we earnestly seek to change our thoughts, God will honour this. When we constantly remind ourselves to think good thoughts towards our husbands, to not be so critical of them, then, eventually, (in His time) God will take over. God will reward us, and our thoughts will be good towards our husbands at all times.
H. HEARTILY
Colossians 3: 22 - 23
This goes along with that we are to do it from the heart, not just eye service or lip service. Also, this puts a new twist in it. It says to do it heartily. We are to put our all into it. Not do just enough to get us by, but put your all into it. The virtuous woman (Proverbs 31) definitely wasn't a lazy woman. She worked hard at taking care of her family. Put yourself in your husband's place and ask yourself which of these two women you would prefer to come home to. The one who has spent her day preparing him a nice dinner, and caring for his house, and making herself look nice for him, or the one who hurriedly made the house presentable, threw some T.V. dinners into the oven and didn't put forth much effort at all to make herself more beautiful for her husband? The answer is easy. Take the time to care for your husband, to make him feel like a king. The rewards are greater than I can tell in words. Some of you may be saying that it's not so easy. I agree! It's not easy. But, how much does your husband mean to you? Are you willing to serve him as unto Christ? Trust God to give you the strength to do it. After all, God wants us to do it, he certainly won't make it a punishment to us, but rather a blessing. I have to share with you here my spiritual mother, Yvonne Haas. She would have all of her housework done by 11:00 and have the rest of the day for ministering to the Lord (and many times into the night!). And, she had a large family to take care of. She was always adorned with beauty. Her husband safely trusted in her. I don't know if you know women like this, (I do believe we have a few of them running around here at RUTH) but they are shining examples of what we can accomplish with His help!
I. HUMBLING
James 4:7 ( 1 - 10 )
We are to submit ourselves to God, to humble ourselves before Him, and He will lift us up. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. We are to be gracious women, and the one way we can attain this is to be humble. Let God be the one to exalt you. Whenever we try to do it ourselves, we only bring ourselves down in the eyes of others. We are to humble ourselves before God.
I Peter 5:5 ( 5 - 11 )
We are to submit ourselves to the elders, to be subject one to another, to clothe ourselves with humility. In applying this to our husbands, think about when he comes home. Do you greet him with the big " I " ? Do you make him suffer through all the daily events? Do you insist upon him niticing all the little things that you did for him during the day? Do you have to be the center of attention? Are you so wrapped up in your world that you can't take time to notice him? He is the center of attention. And, if he isn't, he should be. Your spiritual life depends upon him. He is your head, and it's up to you to see to it that your head is given his place. Get rid of the big " I " !
J. QUIETNESS - MEEKNESS
I Timothy 2: 11 - 12 ( 8 - 15 )
Here it tells us how to adorn ourselves. In shamefacedness and sobriety, and with good works. We are to learn in quietness. It shows us that we don't need words to be becoming. A gentle, gracious woman is very becoming! Men do not want loud, boisterous women telling them what to do. (Here I would like to add that Wanda has posted a study on character, it is the character that we are to be adorned with!)
K. LOVE
I Peter 3: 7 - 12 ( 1 - 12 )
In the context here it speaks of both husbands and wives. Finally in verse 8 it says for all to have compassion, love as brethren. We are not to render evil for evil. We are to bless. So many times our husbands will do something or say something, then we strike back at them. We should have so much love in us, that we can bless them in our hearts or out loud if they curse us. We shouldn't say, " Well look how you're treating me, why should I be nice to you?" This isn't having that compassion. When this happens, try to put yourself in your husband's place, and ease his burden instead of adding more to it. Have the compassion of Christ for him.
IV. THE REASON FOR BEING IN SUBJECTION
A. CLEAR CONSCIENCE
Romans 13:5 ( 1 - 10 )
Here is the reason clear and simple. It is the answer for us of having a clear conscience towards God. If we do what God wants us to do, then we can go to Him with a clear conscience and know that He will fulfill all of His promises to us. It's like a child with his homework assignment. If he gets it done, the next morning he has a clear conscience as he hands it to the teacher. He has peace and joy in knowing he has done his work. But, the child who was out playing when he should have been doing his homework is very ill at ease trying to come up with an excuse. Having a clear conscience towards God brings peace and joy to us, making us free.
B. BLASPHEMY
I Timothy 6:1
We give them honour so that the name of God and His doctrine is not blasphemed!
Titus 2:5
We are to be subject to our husbands so that the word of God is not blasphemed. It would make me sick to think that becasue of my rebelliousness God's name and word were being blasphemed. When we do not submit, when we do not humble ourselves and serve as God has directed us, then we are showing rebelliousness and taking the chance that our actions could cause His name and word to be blasphemed.
V. COMMAND TO HUSBANDS
A. DO NOT GLORY
Luke 10:20 ( 17 - 20 )
Having power or rule over something or someone is not reason to glory or rejoice. But rather, we are to rejoice because our names are written in Heaven. This particular scripture does not deal directly with husbands, but it does apply in that having power over something (having something subject to you) is not the reason for glorying.
B. JUST AND EQUAL
Colossians 4:1
There are a couple of words I'd like to study a little deeper here. First, lets look at Ephesians 6:1. Here is says, that to do this is " right ". This is the same word as " just " in Colossians 4:1. Our husbands are to treat us right. And this is not what may seem right to us, but what is right in the sight of God. Look at Acts 4:19. This " right " is the same word in the Greek also.
Next, lets look at " equal ". In II Corinthians 8: 13 & 14 is shows us the equality with which our husbands are to treat us. He should care as much for us and our needs as he does for himself. See also Ephesians 6:9 ( 5 - 9 ).
C. LOVE
Ephesians 5:25 ( 22 - 33 )
Christ loved the church and sanctified and cleansed it to present it to himself a glorious church without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish. Our husbands are to nourish and cherish us, to care for us even as themselves. This benefits them as well as us, because we are one body. When he cares for us, he is caring for himself. Let's face it, when we know our husbands cherish us, as this scripture says, we are bound to try to please him more (and vice versa).
D. HONOUR
I Peter 3:7
Our husbands are to treat us with the honour due unto a child of God. We are heirs together, and shall partake of the same promises. For them not to show us this honour is disobedience to God and may cause their prayers to be hindered.
VI. UNPROFITABLE SERVANTS
Hebrews 13:17
This particular context is speaking of the elders, but we can also apply it to our husbands. Do we submit to them so that they may give an account with joy, or do we cause them grief? Note that the scripture says " that is unprofitable for you ". It doesn't say exactly what will happen, but it can't be good. Unprofitable is not good!
Romans 10:3 ( 1 - 4 )
Here Israel is referred to as unprofitable servants because they are trying to establish their own righteousness, and not submitting to the righteousness of God. This is the same for us. Whenever we try to show how righteous we are, we are not submitting to God. We are to be clothed with humility. We are to do righteous deeds, but we in ourselves are not righteous. It is God's righteousness that is to show through us.
Luke 17:10 ( 6 - 10 )
Here we are shown the unworthiness of doing only that which is commanded of us. We don't need our husbands to tell us every move to make. This goes along with pleasing them all the time. We know most of their wants and desires. And if we don't, then we should try to find out. I haven't heard of a husband complaining because his wife was trying to please him in everything. Be imaginative, be diligent in doing all you can to make your husband feel like a king. Don't make him have to hold your hand and tell you every little thing he wants done. Put surprise in his eyes when he comes home. Don't we all like nice surprises? Make him anxious to come home to you. If he already knows every little thing you've done for him, why should he rush to get there? But, just make sure you don't leave the rest undone.
Matthew 25: 14 - 30
There's alot in the context to look at here. First, lets look at verses 21 & 23. The servant that took his " job " and increased it was praised by his master, then rewarded. It's the same for us. When we take our job as a wife, and not only fulfill it, but go beyond and increase, then our husbands will praise us. The virtuous woman ( Proverbs 31: 10 - 31 ) tells us this. She went beyond what her duty was. In verse 26, it shows us the " slothful wicked " servant. He took his job and hung onto it, and did not increase it. When we take our job as a wife and lnly fulfill that which is our duty to do, then we are the same as the slothful wicked servant. We are lazy, and only doing what is necessary. It is not being in complete subjection, because, what is subjection? It is pleasing them in all things, serving them with singleness of heart, giving place to all their wishes, serving them heartily in love, doing all you can for them with humbleness, quietness and meekness. Look at the results of being unprofitable. In verse 28 his job was taken from him and given to a faithful servant, and in verse 30, he was cast into outer darkness. ( see Colossians 3:25 )
VII. TO TEACH OTHERWISE
I Timothy 6:3 ( 1 - 10 )
This shows us that to teach other than the doctrine of God would eventually put us destitute of the truth. Also it tells us that we are to withdraw from anyone who teaches otherwise. ( verse 5 )
VIII. WRONG TREATMENT
Genesis 16:9 ( 1 - 16 )
In the first place, Hagar was wrong for despising Sarai. But when Abram gave Hagar into Sarai's hand, Sarai dealt hardly with Hagar and she fled. ( verse 6 ) So, the angel told Hagar to go back and submit herself to Sarai ( verse 9 ). Whether or not we receive wrong treatment from our husbands, we are to submit to them. We are still to serve them as unto Christ. In verse 10 Hagar received a blessing. Her seed would be greatly multiplied. If God is for us, who can be against us? If we receive wrong treatment, then give it to God, let Him take care of it. Don't go about trying to establish your own righteousness!
Jeremiah 34:11 & 16 ( 8 - 22 )
In applying this to a man and wife, its like when a man gives his wife liberty in something. He is not to re-neg on it. For example, if your husband decides to give you control and freedom over the finances, then down the road he decides to take it back. He takes away your liberty. He is breaking the covenant he has made with God to give you liberty in it, and he will get burned. But, it is not for you to revenge. If he wants it back, give it to him, and then start praying, not with malice, but that God would use it to help him and yourself to grow spiritually. If your heart is right towards your husband, you won't desire their hurt, only their good.
IX. UNBELIEVING HUSBANDS
I Peter 2:18 - 19
This tells us plainly that we are to serve the froward as well as the good. Remember this " subject " means not only obedience, but all the rest also. This is the same word. The only exception would be if he told you to do something contrary to God. In I Corinthians 7:13 is shows us " if he is pleased to dwell with us, then we are not to leave. " Now remember, he would be consenting to dwell with us as a " believer ". He would be saying, " I am pleased to dwell with a child of God ". This includes the actions of a child of God. If he is not pleased to do this, then he would leave and you would not be under bondage to him. ( see verse 15 )
II Timothy 2: 24 - 26
We are to be gentle unto all men. Let them see our gentle, meek spirit that they might be won to the Lord. But, remember we are women, so if you have an unbelieving husband, don't try to instruct him. It's not your place. Man is the head of the woman. Thats not to say that if he asks you about the Lord, or his ways that you can't answer. But this is best left to another man.
I Peter 3: 1 - 6
It is to be our conversation ( behavior ) that wins them to the Lord. What greater witness could there be? Let your actions speak for you. Let the spirit convict him. God is big enough. Just pay attention to what your behaviour is saying to him.
X. NOT COP - OUT
Titus 3: 1 & 2
We are to be ready to every good work. Don't use your subjection to your husband for a cop - out on God. We are still accountable to God to be ready to every good work. Don't say that you are so busy pleasing your husband that you don't have time for reading, or praying, or helping the lady down the street. This is a cop - out. I have been guilty of this, so I ought to know. This is a simple matter of disciplining yourself and arranging your time. Think of a godly woman you know. Her house is in order, her husband and children are well attended to, and yet she always seems to have time for ministering to the needs of others, and time spent with God in prayer and study. Use her for a role model, ask her for help, pray!
Luke 12: 37 & 38 ( 31 - 40 )
When Christ comes will you be ready? We are to be subject to our husbands in the fullness that we have learned, and at the same time be ready for Christ. Don't use your husband for an excuse. God doesn't want to hear a bunch of " yah - buts ". He wants you to be that watchful servant.
XI. PARABLES
Matthew 24 : 42 -51
This also shows us to be ready. And, in applying it to our husbands, serve them with your heart at all times. I can't stress enough the importance of this. If you do this, you will truly be blessed, and have your husband's love and admiration. They deserve your best. Don't be counted with the hypocrites, give them your all.
Matthew 18: 23 - 35
The key verse here is 35. This goes for wives, husbands, all of us. If we can't forgive one another, how can we expect God to forgive us? If your husband treats you wrong, forgive him. If we don't treat our husbands like they should be, they should forgive us. If we don't have enough compassion in us to forgive one another, then we're not walking in the Spirit of Love.
Mark 13: 32 - 37
Christ has given us our " work " to do. Let's do it so that we will be ready at His coming, and not sleeping.
Luke 12: 42 - 48
In verse 44, the good servant was made ruler over all the household. When we are the faithful servants, then our husbands can trust us with more and more, and they can feel free for spiritual work. The unfaithful servant again was counted with the unbelievers. ( verse 46 ) In verse 47 it shows us that when we know our husband's wishes and desires, and don't do accordingly, then we will suffer for it. And in verse 48, it shows us that when we don't realize it, we may be punished, but not so badly. In applying it to our husbands, the punishment we receive should be from God and it is only to teach us, and it will get worse if we don't listen. If everything went beautiful for us all the time, we would get so content that we would never grow. So, praise the Lord for trials. Praise the Lord for His chastening! Praise the Lord that He loves us enough to correct us when we are wrong, and lead us in the way we should go!
XII. BLESSING
Acts 2:18
By being faithful servants to God, He fulfilled His promise to us when we repented and decided to do things His way. He poured out His spirit to us. We are to continue to search and learn more of Him.
Romans 6: 16 - 23
We are the servants of righteousness, and shall receive everlasting life, because we have obeyed from the heart the doctrine which was delivered to us. What greater gift could there be?
Ephesians 6:8
It is not in vain that we do good, for God is a rewarder. ( see Hebrews 11:6 )
Colossians 3: 23 - 25
We shall be joint heirs with Christ. This is great for me. I can't express in words the joy this gives me, but it is wonderful!
Matthew 25:21
Here it is: the Joy of the Lord! The good and faithful servant is invited into the joy of the Lord!
XIII. NOT LOWLY OR DIRTY
Philippians 2:7 ( 1 - 11 )
Christ took the form of a servant. The Holy One of God, our Savior took the form of a servant. Are we too good to be a servant?
I Chronicles 29:24 ( 23 - 24 )
Princes and mighty men, and the sons of King David submitted themselves. It is not lowly!
I Peter 3:22
Angels, authorities, and powers are subject to Christ. Being subject is not a low position, it is a duty.
Luke 7: 3 & 10 ( 1 - 10 )
Verse 2 shows us that the servant was very dear to his master. Verse 3 shows us that he was so dear that the master sent the elders of the Jews to seek and bring Jesus. We can and should be this dear to our husbands. He should cherish us as Christ does the church.
I Corinthians 15: 27 - 28
All things shall be subject unto Christ, and Christ shall be subject to God. He certainly isn't lowly or dirty, to be looked down upon! He is simply fulfilling God's word. Don't exalt yourself, yet don't think low of yourself either. We are sons of God!
John 15: 14 - 20
We are chosen of God. Is that lowly? No, indeed it is not! I can't call anything that God has made or chosen, low or dirty.
Galatians 4:7
We are heirs of God. We do serve; but it is a duty, a position. We are simply fulfilling the will of God. We are striving to be virtuous women.
I Corinthians 7: 17 - 24
Abide in the calling wherein ye are called. We as women are called serving our husbands. This is God's perfect way. In Genesis 3:16 ( 1 - 24 ) it tells us that our desire shall be towards our husbands, and they shall rule over us. Serve your husband from your heart. Set out to please him in every way. Read over the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, and strive to be that woman. Make your husband " king " and he will be able to trust you with his life. To me, this is really an honor, to know that your husband trusts you to care for him completely.
I pray that all who read this will pray for the Lord to guide them and help them to be a faithful and wise servant. I pray that no one feels bound by this: but free! It is meant to free us as women, and bring us into a closer relationship with our husband and God.
Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus, and may He bless and watch over you.
