Living with an Unbelieving Husband

Introduction

Deuteronomy 22:10 Donkey and Ox Yoked Together

2 Cor 6:14 Yoke imagery used for marriage

Outline

Unequally yoke marriage forbidden - 2 Cor 6:14; 1 Cor 7:39

1 Cor 7:39 - “In the Lord” - Means within the common faith

Instruction to wives with unbelieving husbands is not a statement condoning it; just that it is for whatever reason

Husbands with unbelieving wives with them with loving leadership (we will consider in another message)

Unequally yoked to unbeliever

How does this happen?

Untaught. Don’t know it is wrong.

Marry thinking that they will change the other, get them saved.

Marry believing they are Christian and later they renounce the faith

Marry believing they are a Christian but never really showed depth of conviction or faith.

After marriage, one becomes believer (both unbelievers when they married)

Reasons for Remaining Married - 1 Cor 7:12-16

Children’s Sake

Children unclean, but no holy...

Spouse’s Sake - Sanctification and Salvation

He is sanctified through his wife

At the very least, that the other persons who live in the same home with a believer bear a certain unique relationship to God that they would not if that believer was not in their midst.

The gospel has easy access to them in that home. (them being husband and any children)

The fruit of the Spirit dwells in that home through the believer

He wants to remain

Influence of believer may influence salvation for unbeliever - Vs 16

Remember, one of the purposes of marriage is to be a living picture of the gospel

Matthew 19 - Life of believer blesses life of unbeliever.

Believer’s sake - sanctification

They sanctify each other

Being forced to address their sin forces believer to grow

Remember, one of the key purposes of marriage is the sanctification of the other.

Unbeliever want out? Let them go 1 Cor 7:12-13

1 Cor 7:15-16

1 Corinthians 7:15–16 ESV

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

Believer want out? Not an option. Must reconcile.

Unequally yoked to Believer

What does an unequally yoked marriage among two believers look like?

Doctrinal differences

Priority differences

Levels of spiritual interest

Ethical differences

How does this happen?

Marries thinking both are believers. Later one renounces faith/changes convictions

Know there are differences and think they can change the person after they marry

They never discuss thoroughly all matters before marrying

Living before an unequally yoked spouse

1 Peter 3:1-6 d

Seek to win without a word - Prov 16:21 dldld

Be submissive

Witness of life and example receive the emphasis

Relate to him without fear - Trust God

Vs. 2-8 give the specifics

Easy for a wife to focus on preaching (can escalate to nagging) and forget about example of life.

Husbands are driven from the gospel by wives continuing to lecture and preach but who make no attempt to improve the way they live.

Show concern for husband; bombard with love

Serve him

Live well before him

Don’t nag with the gospel. Just live it.

One thing a husband cannot turn off and doesn’t want to, is a wonderful person.

Romans 10:17 - Certainly at some point the gospel must be spoken/presented. No one get saved without but sometimes the lifestyle and example must come first to prepare the soil.

Personal change cannot be done primarily as a way to change the other person. That can never be the motive for change.

Seek 1st His kingdom

Conduct, not speech, makes all the difference

What other things can you do?

Apologize

Tell she wants to submit

Behavior changes

Are you gentle and gracious or complaining and bitter?

Two words - 1 Peter 3 - Pure and respectful

Pure - directed at God

Respectful - Directed at husband

Pray and live. This is your basic witness.

Husbands living with unbelieving wives

1 Peter 3:7 dkdk

Live with them

Live with according to knowledge

Give honor to her; show respect and listen

Counsel for husbands and wives

1 Peter 3:8-9 dkdk

Romans 12:8 ddl

Ephesians 4 dldldl

Romans 12:9 dkdkdk

Do everything you can to promote harmony

Be sympathetic - Heb 13:2 dkdk

Be brotherly - Prov 17:17; Romans 16 dldl

Refuse to curse; Bless instead - Romans 12:20-21 and Proverbs 16:7 dldl

Trust God even when it hurts

Do’s and Don’ts (Courtesy of Wayne Mack

Do

Do expect problems

Do be consistent

Do be loyal

Do be respectful

Do be prayerful

Do draw your security and strength from God

Do fulfill your marital obligations

Do find mutual entertainment and recreation

Do adopt a Philippians 4:8 perspective

Don’t

Don’t flaunt

Don’t make everything a major issue

Don’t play God

Don’t expect your mate to understand

Don’t expect your mate to disagree

Don’t exaggerate

Don’t adopt the attitude of Elijah in Kings 19

Don’t neglect the fellowship of other believers

Don’t allow yourself to nag or complain or slander

Sermon Body

Conclusion