Softening Our Hearts on Purpose

“Softening Our Hearts Through Purpose”

Recognizing the Hardness of Our Hearts ()

hardness in unwillingness to reconcile, to forgive offenses hardness in not loving in such a way that helps the bond of marriage hardness in not recognizing God’s intent ()

I. Purpose #1: For The Benefit of Our Flesh ()

My Journey:The LonelinessBeginnings: Left her at the AltarSeeing my wife after getting off the planeSo many things she has helped Recently, longing to hold my wife’s hand

A. A Helpful Partner in Life

Overcoming LonelinessMarlboro man is over-rated, no one to Helper, not a slave rib = side

B. Roles revealed with Challenge by Sin

Consequences of sin Difficulties in childbirth and provisionAfter the fall, she will desire to rule over HimAfter the fall, feelings of self-protection and vulnerability (hiding and fig leaves) Paul’s doctrine: woman deceived first , but I wlays noticed that Adam named EveConsider

C. Incredible Examples of Good results in marriage and understanding of roles

Our excellence and reputation () Our pleasure Our comfort Our sociability and Pilate’s wife gave him good reasonAbigail AdamsWives of Puritan’s The

II. Purpose #2: For The Benefit of Posterity (; )

illustration: My parents (both, along with their siblings) raised in an orphanage illustration: At five years old, I watched my Mom and Dad fight over a clock, I had no idea that they were even divorced. I was just like “Hi Dad!” illustration: The affect of Father’s DayIllustration: The pain resurfacing when I watched “Riding in Cars With Boys” with my wife.

A. The Pain of Neglect and Divorce ()

Whose Tears?The wivesThe children

B. God’s Desire For Godly Offspring ()

Faithfulness implies - valuing the sacred, loyalty, security, building trust

C. The Affect Upon Culture and Posterity (; )

Garments stained with violence = equals anger, hatred, rage, acting out just like one would if an enemy broke through the gates and killed one’s family only here the enemy is the father. Abortion is not likely going to result in a faithful marriageConfusion in our society- lack of leadership by fathers and Susceptibility to evil counsel comes from the lack of a father notice Jesus’ attention to the likely children of divorce () they craved touchAcceptance from: Gang-leaders and predators, continuing the cycle of sin and brokenness

III. Purpose #3: The Benefit of God’s Glory ()

The longer I walk in the faith, the less inspiration I find from the commands of leaders and even from scripture. Not meaning to sound sacrilegious, I simply find MORE inspiration as I discover what beautiful wisdom and glory serves to give reason for the command