Sins of Relationships pt2

Our Relationship with our family, (PT2). Ephesians 5:22 - 6:9 & I Peter Husbands / Fathers: 1. Ephesians 5:23 a. Even as Christ is the head of the church implies a lot. The husband is to be respected even as Christ is. Christ does not demand submission. Now, Christ never ask anything ungodly of us. HE never does anything that is not good and right for us, so must the husband. The husband must have the welfare of the family in mind in all that he does; even as Christ does with the church. 2. I Peter 3:7 a. Men, we honor our wives by loving them, by nurturing them, and yes even by showing them respect. We are to be one flesh, “joint heirs together of the grace of life.” Lest our prayers be hindered. 3. Ephesians 6:4 a. If you are in the habit of talking down to your children then you stand in direct opposition to what the word of God says. We are to nurture them and gently reprove them; council and guide them. As parents we cannot let children blow us up or cause us to lose our tempter. We are the parents, we must be the bigger person. The scripture calls out the father here. I would suspect that might be because it is usually the mother who does the nurturing and the father the admonition (scolding) and we as men don’t do quite as well as the mothers. We need to take the Bible and teach our children. 4. Reflection: Men, do not let the sun go down if there is controversy between you and your wife. As to your children, would you rather someone else raise them and love them? Probably not. Then don’t settle for someone else to guide them; make sure it is you that is raising them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Wives: 1. Ephesians 5:22;24;33. a. The woman wants to be loved, then respected; the man wants to be respected, then loved.Wives, your husband is to be your best friend; he is to be your confidant, not your girl friend. You are one flesh with him, he is the head yes but it is together that you grow and succeed in life. See verse 33. b. Ladies, never give up on your husband. Pray without ceasing for them and wait on God to do what God does. In the mean time bring yourself under God’s pattern for a godly woman. Become a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. (Consider the Proverbs 31 woman). 2. I Peter 3:1-5 a. Now a lot could be said here however I choose to keep it real simple; wives, you are to have a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 3. Reflection: Wives, do you respect your husband? If not then you sin against God. Support your husbands in all he does.

Parents:

1. Matthew 18:6 “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

a. Parents, your children will emulate you.Even if it is unintentional they will be like you.

b. Do you express love and joy in serving the LORD?

c. Do they see you studying GOD’s word?

d. If you are a negative person, then expect your children to be negative also.

e. Have you expressed holiness by what you watch on TV?

f. How is your language?

g. Do they see you smoking or drinking?

h. How about your honesty, did they see you keep too much change and then even brag about your “good fortune?”

i. Are you honest on your taxes?

j. OR, how about this; are you honest with GOD and self about the sin in your life?

k. If you are making excuses for the sin in your life then you can expect them to do the same.

2. Reflection: Maybe GOD has shown you that you are not the parent, let alone the Christian you should be. Perhaps you need to seek forgiveness and direction from GOD on how you parent your child. Maybe, just maybe you need to seek forgiveness from your children for some things.

Children / Youth:

1. Ephesians 6:1-3 Young people here is a promise for you to consider; “that thy days may be long upon the land” (Exodus 20:12) Listen, if you want to walk as Christ walked and to be a follower of Christ then you honor GOD by honoring your parents.

2. Reflection: Children when you were born your parents were thrilled by this bundle of joy that GOD had placed in their lives. Let me ask you; do you still bring them joy? Are they still proud to say that’s my child or to show pictures of you to their friends? Are they still proud parents or are they now defeated by you and your wickedness?

Conclusion:

Relationships, we have them whether we want them or not. Some relationships are more enjoyable than others. We have relationships with the people around us, those at work, those at church, and of course those at home. The question is, are they Christ-like relationships?