What Should I Do If My Wife Does Not Recognize My Leadership?

Introduction:

With all we’ve learned so far for God’s word, how that marriage was instituted by God from the beginning as a covenant relationship between one man and one woman in a unique oneness until death, and that relationship is a type of Christ and his church, each submitting to one another in their God given roles, and that any sexual relationship outside of the covenant of marriage incurs God judgment, and that husbands are called to be students of their wives, honoring them as the weaker vessel, but equal heirs with them in the great salvation…with all that being learned as undeniable truth from God’s word…we ask this final question. What should I do if my wife does not recognize my readership? This is a great questions, one in which we will again go to the wisdom of scripture to find the answer…this time, form 1 Corinthians 7:12-16.

Text: 1 Corinthians 7:12-16

1 Corinthians 7:12–16 ESV

12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

I. Sanctifying Love (12-13)

12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.

13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.

You could focus on how this passage reassures those in mixed-belief marriages that their union can still be within God's will. The believer's influence can sanctify their home, making it a place where God's love is evident. This point sets the foundation for viewing the marriage not as a mistake but as an opportunity for God's grace to manifest. Encouraging steadfast love and patience can be a testament to Christ's reconciling work within us and through us.

II. Spiritual Influence (14)

14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

Perhaps this verse can suggest that the faith of one spouse has the potential to impart a spiritual blessing on the whole family. Emphasize that through the believer's witness, Christ's love and grace can permeate every aspect of family life. With Christ working through the believer, the household becomes a sanctuary, reflecting the transformative power of Christian faith even in imperfect settings.

III. Redeeming Hope (15-16)

15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.

16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

You could convey the message that while the believer is called to live in peace, their greatest hope is in Christ's ability to work through their circumstances. Emphasize patience and continued prayer for the non-believing spouse, trusting that God may bring about change in ways not immediately visible. Encouraging hope rather than despair, this point points towards a future where God's purposes are realized, reflecting the redemptive work of Christ which can completely transform lives.