THRIVE Devotional Week 10 Lesson 1 Jesus the Example of Submission

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1 Week 10 Lesson 1 Jesus the Example of Submission Scripture reading Philippians 2:3-8 Ephesians 5:22-24, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. This passage of Scripture is quite controversial in The idea of a wife being in submission to her husband is certainly considered an out of date notion. I think that is the case often times, because people do not understand the roles that God has established for marriage. They also do not have a proper definition of submission. The word submit comes from a Greek word hyppoasso. It means to arrange your life under someone else. It does not imply servitude. It does not imply abuse. Quite frankly, it is an act of your will. The Christian wife, in obedience to God and understanding God s purpose for marriage, willingly places herself under the authority of her husband. In doing so, the husband and wife, together, can develop a kingdom marriage. This does not mean that she is any less of a person than her husband. The New Testament clearly teaches that we are heirs together of the grace of life. (1 Peter 3:7) The Word of God teaches that in order for the family to work, each person within that family must fulfill their role. When a woman in in submission to her husband, she is following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. In our Scripture reading today, Paul makes it very clear that God the Son, Jesus Christ, is co-equal with God the Father. However, it was necessary that God the Son submit Himself to the will of God the Father in order for our redemption to be purchased. God s plan of salvation would have never been accomplished without Christ s willingness to submit to the will of God the Father. We are redeemed today, because Jesus Christ had an attitude of submission and willingly submitted unto death. When a wife submits to her husband, by her actions, she shows the world the love of Jesus Christ. When each person within your family submits to God s direction for them, your family will THRIVE.

2 Week 10 Lesson 2 The Benefits of Submission Scripture reading Proverbs 31:10-23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. What are the benefits of a submissive life? For forty-one years, I have lived with a very strong willed woman. She is a woman who has an opinion about everything. Yet, for forty-one years she has made a choice to submit to me as a final authority in our home. Frankly, she is more intelligent than I am, and anyone can tell you that she is better looking than I am. Then, why does she submit? Because it is God s plan for the home and there are some great benefits in submission. Let me give you a list of ten benefits of submission. 1. A successful husband. A woman that submits to her husband will help him succeed. This is her primary calling. (Proverbs 31:23) 2. Knowing the will of God. When someone submits to the Word of God they are in submission to the will of God and they will know His direction through the authority to whom they submit. (Ephesians 5:22) 3. Watching the miraculous hand of God move. When a woman is obedient to God, God will move in her husband s life. The story of Abraham and Sarah is proof that God will miraculously preserve the submissive wife. 4. Submissive children. Galatians 6:7 says, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. If you sow submission, by submitting to your husband you will find your children will be submissive to you. 5. Adoration. She will have her husband and her children s adoration. Proverbs 31:28 says, Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 6. Build her house. She will build her house, not tear it down. (Proverbs 14:1) 7. Win her husband. She will be able to win her backslidden or unsaved husband. (1Peter 3:1-2) Submission is contrary to the fallen nature of man. Yet, as a wife, if you submit to your husband there are great benefits. Another benefit is your marriage will THRIVE.

3 Week 10 Lesson 3 How to Win Your Husband Scripture reading 1 Peter 3:1-6 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives. Many people have the mistaken belief that the way to win the unconverted is to out think and out talk them. However, in this passage, Peter teaches us just the opposite. He says if any are not obeying the Word, that is, your husband is not saved or your saved husband is walking in disobedience, the way to bring him over to your way of thinking is by doing it without saying a word. Peter says that you can win your husband by your godly conversation. The word conversation is a King James word that means your lifestyle. Peter goes on to say, While they behold your chaste [lifestyle] coupled with [respect]. One key thing that your husband needs is respect. My mentor, Sumner Wemp used to say that a woman needs adoration, but a man needs admiration. When you live a pure lifestyle, respect your husband and quietly wait to share your opinion this will cause him to respect your opinion and be willing to listen to your advice. He needs your input in order to be the success God wants him to be. You might think, he doesn t listen to you because he is proud which is correct. He may be unconverted or is walking in disobedience to God because of his pride. His pride will not allow him to listen to you, but he can see you and observe your attitude. Our passage teaches that as your husband observes your pure life coupled with respect, he will develop a desire to hear what you say. In that way, you can influence him to do what is right. This goes contrary to our natural way of thinking. Peter makes it clear that this is the only way to win your husband. God says this meek and quiet spirit is, in the sight of God, of great price. (1 Peter 3:4) When you live the pure life showing respect to your husband, God will use your life and attitude to turn him away from sin and unto righteousness. Your marriage can THRIVE.

4 Week 10 Lesson 4 Advice from a Godly Mother Scripture reading Proverbs 31:1-9 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink. A godly woman will assist her husband in raising their children by teaching them godly principles that will make them succeed in life. These are the words of King Lemuel s mother. Most Bible scholars believe that Lemuel is Solomon. He was so impacted by what his mother taught him that he recorded under the inspiration of God her words in Proverbs 31. As a godly mother, she warns her son that he should stay away from wine and be cautious in his relationships with women. She says it is not for leaders to drink wine because it perverts their judgement. She tells him that drinking wine is for those who are about to die, those who have no other hope in life. If this was Solomon s mom, Bathsheba, then we must remember that her background was not that of moral purity. She had an affair with David. She got pregnant, and the baby died. However, God in his mercy allowed Solomon to be born to David and Bathsheba. She warns Solomon about the pitfalls that she had. A woman of God does not have to have a perfect past, but she needs to allow the Word of God to cleanse her. She can then be an example and give proper instruction to the children God gives to her. If you as a godly mother, train your children; teach them the lessons you have learned, both good and bad; and help set their feet on the straight path; then you can watch your children THRIVE.

5 Week 10 Lesson 5 The Importance of Modesty Scripture reading 1 Timothy 2:9-15 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. From our Scripture reading today, we learn three things about the woman of God. 1. We see that a godly woman is one who lives a life to be an example to others. She is an example of godliness by doing the good works she does. It is very clear in Scripture that we are not saved by good works. The Apostle Paul taught us For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Though a godly woman knows she is not saved by works, she lives a life doing good works as an example to those around her. Your children are watching everything you do. They are listening to every word you say. They are following in your footsteps. No one will spend more time with your children throughout their lives than you as a godly mother. Your example means everything. 2. Our Scripture reading today says that women are to dress in modest apparel. That is clothing that does not draw attention to you in a sensual fashion or clothing that would cause a man to lust after you. A woman of God is more concerned about reflecting Christ in her appearance than making a fashion statement. 3. We see that a godly woman will learn from her husband. A godly woman will be wise enough to ask her husband spiritual questions, which will help her husband become the spiritual leader God intends him to become. A woman of God will display good works, dress modestly, and encourage her husband to be the spiritual leader in her home. When you do this as a woman of God, you will help your family THRIVE.

6 Week 10 Lesson 6 The Boy Needs Help! Scripture reading Genesis 2:18-24 I love the first two chapters of Genesis, because of the many lessons we can learn from these historical chapters. We learn that our God is a Creator. We learn how this world came into being in a matter of six literal twenty-four hour days. We see the order of creation. We get a glimpse of the character of God. We know that God created man in His image and in His likeness for a purpose. His purpose was to represent God on this Earth. We know that God created man first. After that, God said that everything on the Earth He created was good. He looked at man by himself and said, this is not good. It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet [fit] for him. In essence, God said, this boy needs help, and He created woman. A help fit just for him. It is important that a godly woman recognize that she is her husband s help meet. Without her, he is incomplete. Your husband may be too proud to admit that he needs your help, but the fact that he is married to you is proof of his dependence on you. God created the woman, because man needed someone to strengthen enable, and support him so he could be the loving leader God wanted him to be. That support should be physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. You will grow close to your husband spiritually, by reading the Word, praying, and going to church together. You will grow together socially as you set goals and communicate one with another each other s desires and dreams. You will grow together physically as you daily surrender to one another, meeting each other s physical needs. Your husband needs help and as you reach out in submission to be his help meet, your marriage can THRIVE.