cripture References: Proverbs 31:10-12, 23; Genesis 1:26-31; Judges 5:1-12; Ephesians 5:33; Psalm 93
Sermon Notes:
Intro: Welcome! Tonight we focus on marriage through the lens of Proverbs 31, specifically verses 10-12 about the wife. Single women, you are welcome and valued here. This message explores biblical femininity, partnership, and principles applicable to all close relationships, ultimately pointing us to our relationship with Christ, our Bridegroom. Let's ask God for insight.
Key Points:
- God's Design & Distortion: God created male and female equally in His image for partnership, reflecting His glory (Gen 1). Sin marred this, leading to strife. We're called to move beyond cultural battles (feminism/chauvinism) toward biblical partnership – honoring and championing one another like Deborah and Barak (Judges 5).
- The Heart Trusts (Prov 31:11a): "The heart of her husband trusts in her." His innermost being feels safe and secure with her. She is a refuge where he can be vulnerable without fear of betrayal or harm.
- No Lack of Gain (Prov 31:11b): "He will have no lack of gain (spoil/booty)." She brings immense value to his life, contributing significantly to his well-being – like returning with treasure won through spiritual and practical diligence.
- Does Him Good, Not Harm (Prov 31:12):
- Good: Actively seeks his welfare, benefit, blessing; pleasant, agreeable, valuable actions and words.
- Not Harm: Avoids actions/words (even subtle ones like disrespect, withholding, comparison, contempt, manipulation, bitterness) that tear down, cause pain, or deteriorate the relationship. The wise woman builds her house (Prov 14:1).
- Personal Responsibility: This passage addresses the wife's role. Focus on your actions and attitudes before God, regardless of your husband's shortcomings. Avoid deflection; allow God to work in you.
- Jesus, the Source: We can't fulfill this perfectly alone. Jesus is the One whose heart we can always trust, who always does us good. Receiving His love and seeing marriage as holy empowers us to live this out.
- Be a Champion/Advocate: Fight for your husband (in prayer, encouragement), not against him. See beyond immediate frustrations to God's work in his life. Partner with God in his story.
- Her Impact (Prov 31:23): "Her husband is known in the gates..." Her character and support contribute directly to his ability to lead and be respected publicly.
Conclusion: The Proverbs 31 wife creates a safe haven for her husband's heart, actively seeking his good. This flows from her relationship with God, recognizing the holiness of marriage, and drawing on Christ's strength and example. By championing her husband, she not only builds her home but empowers his positive influence in the world.
Call to Action:
- Self-Reflection (Wives): Ask God honestly: "Am I a safe place? Am I bringing good or harm (even subtly)?" Receive His grace and conviction.
- Champion Your Husband: Choose to advocate for him in prayer and action. Fight for him.
- All Women: Receive God's Chesed kindness. Practice partnership and honor in all relationships. Trust God's established power over life's noisy struggles (Psalm 93). Ask for wisdom and strength to reflect His love.
- Respond: Come in worship, asking God for a fresh vision, healing, and grace to live out these principles.
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