Women

Eph 5:33- Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

The word reverence used in this verse, comes from the word Phoheo, meaning to frighten, to be in awe of, revere, fear. This is the only time in the Bible that the word reverence is translated from the word Phohea.

1 Kings 11:2- Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

The word turn here comes from the word natah- To stretch or spread out, bend away (including moral deflection).

What are we giving our husband's hearts to cling to, things of God or things that will turn him from God?

Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Subject comes from the word hupotasso- subordinate; reflectively to obey: be under obedience, put under, subdue unto, submit self unto.

Rom 7:2- For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.

The word bound means: bind, in bonds, knit, tied

Gen 2:22-23 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. ²³And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

Gen 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

1 Tim. 2:9-15 ⁹In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; ¹⁰But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. ¹¹Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. ¹²But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. ¹³For Adam was first formed, then Eve. ¹⁴And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. ¹⁵Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Titus 2:3-5 ³The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; ⁴That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

In Titus 2:4 the word husband somes from the combination of 2 words which put together speak about THE 1 MALE FRIEND. This male is above all others and is to be viewed differently than all others to the wife.

I find it interesting every time I read about it that women must be taught to love there husbands. Men are commanded to.

Also in Titus 2:5 the word keepers means to guard, stayer at home, domestically inclined. Are we guarding our home? Are we working hard to keep it clean spiritually and physically. What are we letting the the doors of our homes? What are we letting come in on our TV's and on the radio? As the Casting Crowns song says, “It's a slow fade, when you give yourself away”. We must be on our guard because our minds, hearts and bodies are not our own. They were bought with a price. That is a lot to give away!!!!

1 Timothy 5:5-7 ⁵Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. ⁶But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. ⁷And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

1Timoty 5:10-14 ¹⁰Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. ¹¹But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; ¹²Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. ¹³And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. ¹⁴I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

These verses are speaking about widows, but I still think there is much to gain from them for every woman. First, verse 6 says if we live in pleasure, after our own wants and desires, we are dead while we live. Verse 12 says that when we do that we are casting off our first faith. When we live for ourselves we toss Christ out the window. When we let the “THINGS” we think we want and sometimes feel we “need” dictate our decisions, behaviors and schedules we are lifting them above Christ in our hearts and end up falling in shame.

Verse 13 speaks of learning. It seems that we will always learn something. We do not have a choice in that, but we do have a choice in what we learn. Titus 2:5 had a list of what God would have us learn. We must surround ourselves with godly women who can be an example and teach us how to live righteously, otherwise we learn, NOT how to be blameless, but how to give ourselves over to the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:16)!!!

1 Peter 3:1-7 ¹Likewise, 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; ²While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. ³Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; ⁴But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. ⁵For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: ⁶Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. ⁷Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Verse 1: It is talking to wives here, not girlfriends!!! If you are dating someone, you want to show respect and Christ in everything you do, but you are not under submission to that man until you are married. You have under your Father and/or your pastor, and most importantly God. Once you are married you receive your new role.

We do not have to be in subjection to others husband, only our own!!!! What our husband tells us to do is what we do, not matter what “So and So” says or thinks. We should never feel any pressure to side with anyone over our husband, unless it is God!!!! Even if your husband is wrong, you are to submit!! It does not say anywhere that wives are to submit only when they know for sure that their husband is 100% correct!!! Only if your husband asks you to go against a clear teaching of the Bible do you have the obligation (NOT RIGHT) to say NO.

Our husbands can be won by our conversation! The word conversation here basically means behavior. How we behave will impact our husbands! Our husbands will be beholding us, what our husbands see can impact how they live their lives. It is funny how much men seem to really want to impress their wives. To do things that will make their wives see how “wonderful” and “manly” they are. They want our attention, they seek it!!! WE can build them up or tear them down with our behavior. If we behave righteously than we will build them up and show them vertue at the same time. They will see us a more valuable than ever before. We will learn to reverence them!

Verses 4-5: WE are not to be overcome with vanity and worry about the physical beauty. When the inner man is beautiful the outside will be too. We can adorn ourselves by being in subjection to our own husbands.

Subjection: means to obey, or to submit. It is a combination of 2 words, the first means under and the second means to arrange in an orderly manner.

When we try to claim authority over our husbands we are going against our purpose and our place in the marriage and it becomes disorderly. When the woman wears the pants, no matter what some may argue are benefits, the relationship between the husband and wife will always be under a great burden.

Verse 7: We ARE the weaker vessel!!

The word weaker is translated from a word meaning more feeble, without strength. It comes from 2 words. The first speaks of UNITY, the second speaks of GAINING STRENGTH!!

We must unite with our husbands in order to gain strength!!!!!!

1 Cor. 7:2-5

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. ³Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. ⁴The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. ⁵Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Consent: sounding together, agreement

Incontinency: want of self restraint, without self control

We always seeking more. I think that we American's are some of the most pathetic people when it comes to exercising self control. Unless forced by some kind of restriction we do not feel we can get around, we have a tendency to just go with what feels good, or looks good, or sounds like fun. How often do we spend our money on meaningless things. As long as the money is there we go ahead and spend, once it is gone we wine internally about not being able to get things or do things or have things. Why is it JESUS is not enough for us????

1 Cor. 7:13-16

¹³And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. ¹⁴For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. ¹⁵But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. ¹⁶For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

Once again, the way we behave ourselves can have a huge impact on our spouse.

1 Cor. 7:34

⁴There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

As a married woman pleasing your husband should be very important to you. You are to CARE about PLEASING HIM, not pleasing yourself!!!!

The word please here comes from a greek meaning: exciting emotion, to be agreeable.

That greek word comes from a word meaning to lift, and to take up. We are to be uplifting to our men, to excite their emotions and to be agreeable. Don't gripe and sulk when he wants to drive around aimlessly, when he wants to take a late night trip to Home Depot just so he can walk around. Show him you care, PLEASE him by submitting. Instead of grumbling about how much his flighty ideas or laid back attitudes annoy you, find ways to smile about them. Think about things that will calm you if you want to have a bad attitude. Remember the special times you have shared in your relationship. See ways to make this moment another special time, instead of ways to wallow in misery.

1 Cor. 7:39

³⁹The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

I wanted to put this verse in here just to show again that there is a difference in the areas of wife verses girlfriend. And to simply remember how very important it is to remain pure in our relationships. When we are married we enter into a special bond and relationship that is not to be taken lightly.

Proverbs 31:10-31

¹⁰Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. ¹¹The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. ¹²She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. ¹³She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. ¹⁴She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. ¹⁵She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. ¹⁶She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. ¹⁷She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. ¹⁸She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. ¹⁹She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. ²⁰She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. ²¹She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. ²²She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. ²³Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. ²⁴She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. ²⁵Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. ²⁶She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. ²⁷She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. ²⁸Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. ²⁹Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. ³⁰Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. ³¹Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Verse 11: I love that we can be the type of woman that our husbands can trust with their whole hearts.

Verse 12: Key words here are WILL, DO, GOOD, ALL, HER- a virtuous woman will continue to do her husband good all the days of her life, even if her husband is dead!!!

Verse 13: She works willingly with her hands.

Verse 14: goes out and does not return empty handed, she brings necessities

Verse 15: Takes care of the house, no matter what time it is. She redeems the time and uses it wisely to build up her house and the people in it.

Verse 16: She CONCIDERS, then BUYS, then PLANTS- She is thoughtful about how she spends her money. Not a wasteful spender. She gets things that will be beneficial for her family.

Verse 17: She does what is necessary to stay strong

Eph. 6:14- The truth of God- His promises are her strength

Eph. 6:16- Strong in faith- She is prepared to quench the fiery darts of the Devil.

Rom. 10:17- She spends time in the word of God

Verse 18: She perceives who God has made her, sees it as good. She sees what God has given her to offer her husband and her family as good. She is not overcome by doubt or discouraged by the words of others.

Verse 19: If something needs to be done she does it.

Verse 20: She cares for and helps the poor and needy

Verse 21: She does not have to fear for the provisions of her family because she has spent money and time wisely to provide for them with what God has given her. When hard times press in on them, she is not anxious, because she trusts in the Lord.

Verse 22: She covers herself. Dresses to honor her husband. She does not wonder around like a slob because she seeks to please her husband. What she has is precious.

Verse 23: People see something in her husband. He is an honorable man. Able and ready to lead.

Verse 24: Helps provide with the talents that God has given her.

Verse 25 Clothed with strength and honor. People notice ti when they see her.

Verse 26: When she speaks she says wise things and Godly things. She does not waist her words on gossip, being contentious, or angry words. When she opens her mouth it is to edify and draw people to the wisdom of God's word and not things that will lead them away.

Verse 27:She KNOWS what is going on in her household, she is not idle.

Verse 28:Her children call her blessed. Her husband calls her blessed and praises her.

Verse 30: Having the fear of the Lord will bring her praise.

Verse 31: If we are virtuous our work will bring us praise, but if not, than we will receive shame.

The Bible list both good and bad traits of women. Here are some verses for each. There are a few that have already been listed above I think.

GOOD

Proverbs 11:16- A gracious woman returns honor

Proverbs 11:22- Fair woman without discretion is com paired to a jewel of gold in a pigs snout

Proverbs 14:1- A wise woman builds her house.

Proverbs 31:10- The price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies.

Psalms 113:9- God wants us to be a JOYFUL mother of children. To keep a house is a blessing from the Lord. PRAISE THE LORD for that!

BAD

Proverbs 6:24- Will flatter with her tongue- evil and strange woman

Proverbs 6:25- Beauty and eyes- her physical lures can bring a man down

Proverbs 6:26- A whore can bring a man to a piece of bread- an adulteress will hunt for the precious life

Proverbs 6:34- Jealousy is the rage of a man- Don't act in ways or get yourself into situations that will provoke jealousy from your husband. (They can get jealous over the time you spend with you kids and how you treat him verses they way you treat your family)

Proverbs 9:13- A foolish woman is described as clamorous, simple, and knowing nothing.

Proverbs 9:14-18: Entices men and guides them to the paths of hell.

Proverbs 14:1- foolish woman plucks down her house with her own hands

Proverbs 21:19- It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman

Proverbs 25:24- It is better to dwell in a corner than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 27:15- Contentious woman is like a continual dropping on a very raining day.

Proverbs 30:20- An adulterous woman says she has done no wrong

Proverbs 31:30- Beauty can lead to vanity- it will not bring glory to God or yourself in the end.

Can you renounce what you are???

Matt 16:13-23 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? ¹⁴And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. ¹⁵He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? ¹⁶And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. ¹⁷And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. ¹⁸And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ¹⁹And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ²⁰Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

²¹From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. ²²Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. ²³But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Matt 26:69-75 ⁶⁹Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. ⁷⁰But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. ⁷¹And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. ⁷²And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. ⁷³And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. ⁷⁴Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. ⁷⁵And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

I spoke with a church out here not long ago which holds the belief that a person can renounce his salvation and turn from Christ. They claim that once you do this you are no longer saved, and can never be saved again. I think this doctrine is heartbreaking to hear.

I believe the Bible teaches that in order for a person to truly be saved there has to be humility, repentance, and BELIEF! At the point of salvation something is changed in you, and though you may chose not to walk in the light, you can never go back to your original state. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I like to make picture comparisons. I sometimes think of us as if we are cake! I am not sure if I came up with this picture myself of if I heard it somewhere as a child. Either way it is something God shared with me and I am wanting to share it you.

When we are born, we are born in sin, and we are like cake batter. A mushy sticky mess, that may seem good and fun to put your fingers in, but your fingers end up all sticky. Everything you touch is lefts with a sticky residue. When you accept Christ he changes you. You are a new creature. He bakes the cake!!! You can never go back to what you where before. Many people simply put on the cake appearance, but their inside is still raw!! They play the part!! They pull away from the grace of Christ and attempt to stand in their own power and works!!

When we look at a cake we see something beautiful, something that symbolizes a celebration. When we look at batter we see something completely different. It does not symbolize the celebration that the finished product does. We see the batter for what it truly is, something that is not yet what it was originally designed to be.

When we are saved, we are changed, there is no going back. Our sins are washed away. The fact that we have God's word and the promise of an eternity in heaven with our savior is icing on the cake. How we live our lives here on Earth will determine how we will be decorated in Heaven. Are we leaving a crumb trail for others to see and learn of the changed life we have, and the one who gave us grace to receive it?

Peter confessed with his mouth that Jesus was the Christ! Later Peter denied His Lord 3 times!! He claimed he did not even know who Jesus was!!!! He cursed and swore!! BUT.......The words of the Lord convicted him and brought him to his knees in humility. He wept bitterly!!! In Matthew 16 Jesus looked at Peter and called out the name Saten, saying he was an offence and did not savor the things of God. However, Peter never lost his place in Christ! He got back up and he went back to work!!! The verses above are a few of many that shew me that we can never renounce our salvation and be band from the love and grace of Christ. (Romans 8:38-39)

Matt 5:41

"And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain."

I hear that saying, "go the extra mile" a lot. I assume it was taken from this verse at some point. I think that the verse speaks worlds louder though.

Jesus is speaking here to the multitudes. This passage is known as the Sermon on the Mount. I read this verse the other night and there are a few words that stick out to me with new light.

1. Whosoever

2. a mile

3. go

4. twain

1. Whosoever- Jesus says it! If ANYONE asks you to GO a mile you should go two. Last night I decided that if this verse was to be applied to anyone it needs to be applied to EVERYONE, just as God intended it to be when he commanded it. When I read things like this my first thought is normally just the broad sense of "others". Friends, family, church members, strangers. Most of the time I forget about the family that is closest to me. I forget that these types of verses apply to my husband and children too. They need to start at home and work outward!!!! Not the other way around!! I have a tendency to complain about driving all over creation (as I phrase it) with my husband. I like things to be well organized and thought out. He does not!! He like to take the more relaxed blow where the wind blows, or wherever I suddenly feel like going approach. We have a tendency to drive each other nuts. : ) I do not think at all that God asks us to GO blindly just because we are asked. We need to make sure that the people are trustworthy and the request is Biblically sound. Especially with strangers. As spouses we can keep each other in check, but again through Biblical means. Next time he wants to drive all over the place I should try to remember this verse. I should GO with him twain.

When my kids ask me to play "people" with them for the ump-teenth time, or to go to the park, or to read them the same book over and over again I should consider GOing with them twain!!! I'm not saying to let kids rule your life, but if there is no reason to say "no" other than the fact that you just don't feel like it, think about saying yes. Show them that extra mile. How many times do we as parents expect to see them perform to that extra mile? You know they don't feel like going to the store with you again, or sitting through the adult service at church, but we expect them to give it their all, and to do it with a good attitude. Have we been giving them the same treatment in return?

2. and 4. a mile and twain- I am just thinking of the distance here. Some people look at a mile as a big deal when they have to walk it or ride a bike (depending on your level of activity and health). But what if we just have to drive it? Not too bad then! Oh, 2 miles, not so bad I can drive a little faster. My point is that people see things in different ways. How you view what is asked of you will impact everything. It can even impact IF you WILL GO! In the end we all are asked to cross different miles in our lives, BUT they are all just miles!! How big is yours looking? Who are you depending on to get you to the mark? Will we get to the mark, and once we do will we say, "alright, I made it, my work here is done", or will we keep going and give it our all! Will we go twain and do ALL things for the glory of God? When we stop at the mile mark, we are really just seeking our own glory! If we Say "alright, I made it my work here is done", who is the focus on? We are simply trying to build up what WE have done, make ourselves feel like we helped, or chipped in! Notice the words in that phrase! I did it, MY work! If we stop at the mile mark than our heart is not in it and it shows! Our heart is in ourselves! Not others and certainly not what Christ wishes of us. OUr hearts may not be in the task or whatever it is when we do decide that we WILL GO twain, but if we are doing for Christ and we will feel no remorse about it, no boredom! We will feel a sense of joy and pleasure even in the worst conditions and situations!

3. GO- this is my favorite. It brings all of them together! Who commands us to GO? CHRIST!!! "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain." Are we ready to GO with Christ twain??? He has compelled us!!! He has commanded us!!!!!! GO ye therefore!!! So many times Christ heals someone and tells them to GO!! I love it!! When Christ tells us to gGO we know that he will guide us if we fallow! He is our loving Saviour ! If his eye is on the sparrow his eye is one us! He is longing for us to GO WITH him!! What joy it must bring him when we do! When we surrender! Never ALONE!! He is always with us! AMAZING LOVE! AMAZING GRACE! To my ears tonight it is a sweet sweet sound!!

Lord, help me to GO! But not just that Lord, help me to GO twain!!! I pray that I learn to fallow! That I would not lift myself up and cause pride to bring me low! You lift me up Father and set my feet on the solid ground, yet so often I seem to be falling right back into the miry clay. Thank you for continuing to lift me! For loving me enough! More that enough! Thank you that your grace has no limit!!