The last section will deal with the “S” word – submission.
Lastly, married young women are to be subject to their own husbands. Started with “love your husband” and end with being “subject to your own husband.” They are to be subject to their own husbands as to the Lord.
“For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.” (Eph. 5: 22-24)
Note, this is the key.
- Wives are to submit to their own husbands as to the Lord.
- John MacArthur – “A woman doesn’t know how to bow her knee to God until she learns how to bow her knee to her husband.”
- We’re not talking about attitude or behavior fit for a slave; it simply means that she submits as God has designed the order.
What’s the order?
- God is the head of Christ – Christ is the head of man and 1 Cor. 11 says “and the man is the head of the woman” – she is subject to her own husband.
A concept condemned by the world as archaic. - We’ve talked about a woman’s character and her priorities.
- What’s her motive to be?
- What’s the purpose in all of these injunctions?
- “that the Word of God may not be dishonored.” Dishonored means to blaspheme or defame.
- The point Paul is emphasizing is that it is not only the evil things we say and do, but also the good things we fail to say and do that dishonor the Lord and His Word before the church and the world.
- Obedience to these injunctions silences those who are enemies of Christ. The motivation is to glorify Him and to not bring Him dishonor.
- The Lord commands us, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16)
- Writing about believers in Corinth, Paul said, “You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Cor. 3:3)
What are some practical things you can do as you move to the practice of a godly woman?
- Think biblically about what your life should entail. Comes through prayer & Word.
- You need to have the proper goals for your character and lifestyle.
- You need to diligently work on the Christ-like character qualities in this passage.
- God calls all of us to learn to be servants of all.
- A woman’s life is a very busy life. You have to plan wisely. Learn to set priorities. Be guided by questions like these.
- What time am I going to spend in the Word of God and prayer today?
- Which areas of my character am I going to work on today – kindness, sensibility, purity, tongue, something I’m enslaved to.
- How can I love and submit to my husband today?
- How can I demonstrate love and care for my kids today?
- What are the priorities at home that need to be done today? (Not what do I want to do)
- Are there things I tend to neglect? Do I need to cut back on other things & attend to these things at home?
- How can I come along side a younger woman today and teach and encourage her?
- Would I be wise to seek counsel of an older woman in some area?
- Strive for excellence – Strive to live out the priorities of Titus 2. Frequently evaluate yourself to see how you doing on your priorities.
- How did I serve my husband today?
- How did I minister to my children today? Etc.
As you diligently strive to live out the priorities of Titus 2, God will grant you the grace to live out these priorities to the best of your ability in whatever stage of life you’re in.
What’s the motivation? What’s the purpose?
…”so the Word of God will not be dishonored.” – Testimony of the godly woman.
Bottom line – one’s walk with the Lord. Gratefulness, being content with husband, home, children, rooted in attitudes shaped by the Word of God & getting one’s heart right before God.
MP3
© Bill Reeves 2008
Used with permission
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5 Comments
sherrie bell
John MacArthur – “A woman doesn’t know how to bow her knee to God until she learns how to bow her knee to her husband.” This is the one area I would have to disagree. When God created Adam and Eve they each had an individual relationship with God, and thus learned first and foremost who God was, and then how to love one another. Love to husband does not ever come before love to God, and it is only as a woman knows and is surrendered to God that she can love and be submissive to her husband. I do understand why this passage has been the subject of controversy to the world and even Christians, its because men have often used this verse to subject women to cruel and burdensome things that they themselves have not been willing to lighten. Christ is the ultimate standard of what headship looks like, and if this was stressed more, more women who hate this idea would find it a joy to submit to. What does headship look like from Christ, becoming whatever the church needed him to be; protector, provider, healer, servant, teacher, helper, and etc. True submission and headship will only be realized when Christ is lifted up.
Phyllis Sather
Thank you for your comment Sherrie. I appreciate your willingness to share.
Karen
Great post… much to chew on. Thanks 🙂
Phyllis
Valerie,
The first two links are near the end of the first 2 posts. Just scroll down and you should be able to get them. Let me know if you need more help. Phyllis
Valerie Neal
Phyllis,
I loved reading this series, but somehow I missed the previous audio links. Is there anyway to get them? Also, another thanks for the planning book, my son just returned from Iraq and I will be making him his copy. He stopped by and visited and all his fiance could do was beg to leave (she was hungry) and ask about going to the movies. My son’s account was overdrawn yet again, he could not even get a coke on the way home, I hope and pray he will use your book, and put his foot down about her spending. I will be back later to copy and paste and print out your Titus 2 teaching, if that is okay, looks like I am gonna need it.
Have a blessed Christmas,
Valerie Neal