IV. THE REASON FOR BEING IN SUBJECTION

A. CLEAR CONSCIENCE

Romans 13:5 ( 1 - 10 )
                 Here is the reason clear and simple. It is the answer for us of having a clear conscience towards God. If we do what God wants us to do, then we can go to Him with a clear conscience and know that He will fulfill all of His promises to us. It's like a child with his homework assignment. If he gets it done, the next morning he has a clear conscience as he hands it to the teacher. He has peace and joy in knowing he has done his work. But, the child who was out playing when he should have been doing his homework is very ill at ease trying to come up with an excuse. Having a clear conscience towards God brings peace and joy to us, making us free.

B. BLASPHEMY

I Timothy 6:1
                 We give them honour so that the name of God and His doctrine is not blasphemed!

Titus 2:5
                 We are to be subject to our husbands so that the word of God is not blasphemed. It would make me sick to think that becasue of my rebelliousness God's name and word were being blasphemed. When we do not submit, when we do not humble ourselves and serve as God has directed us, then we are showing rebelliousness and taking the chance that our actions could cause His name and word to be blasphemed.

V. COMMAND TO HUSBANDS

A. DO NOT GLORY

Luke 10:20 ( 17 - 20 )
                 Having power or rule over something or someone is not reason to glory or rejoice. But rather, we are to rejoice because our names are written in Heaven. This particular scripture does not deal directly with husbands, but it does apply in that having power over something (having something subject to you) is not the reason for glorying.

B. JUST AND EQUAL

Colossians 4:1
                 There are a couple of words I'd like to study a little deeper here. First, lets look at Ephesians 6:1. Here is says, that to do this is " right ". This is the same word as " just " in Colossians 4:1. Our husbands are to treat us right. And this is not what may seem right to us, but what is right in the sight of God. Look at Acts 4:19. This " right " is the same word in the Greek also.

Next, lets look at " equal ". In II Corinthians 8: 13 & 14 is shows us the equality with which our husbands are to treat us. He should care as much for us and our needs as he does for himself. See also Ephesians 6:9 ( 5 - 9 ).

C. LOVE

Ephesians 5:25 ( 22 - 33 )
                 Christ loved the church and sanctified and cleansed it to present it to himself a glorious church without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish. Our husbands are to nourish and cherish us, to care for us even as themselves. This benefits them as well as us, because we are one body. When he cares for us, he is caring for himself. Let's face it, when we know our husbands cherish us, as this scripture says, we are bound to try to please him more (and vice versa).

D. HONOUR

I Peter 3:7
                 Our husbands are to treat us with the honour due unto a child of God. We are heirs together, and shall partake of the same promises. For them not to show us this honour is disobedience to God and may cause their prayers to be hindered.

VI. UNPROFITABLE SERVANTS

Hebrews 13:17

                 This particular context is speaking of the elders, but we can also apply it to our husbands. Do we submit to them so that they may give an account with joy, or do we cause them grief? Note that the scripture says " that is unprofitable for you ". It doesn't say exactly what will happen, but it can't be good. Unprofitable is not good!

Romans 10:3 ( 1 - 4 )
                 Here Israel is referred to as unprofitable servants because they are trying to establish their own righteousness, and not submitting to the righteousness of God. This is the same for us. Whenever we try to show how righteous we are, we are not submitting to God. We are to be clothed with humility. We are to do righteous deeds, but we in ourselves are not righteous. It is God's righteousness that is to show through us.

Luke 17:10 ( 6 - 10 )
                 Here we are shown the unworthiness of doing only that which is commanded of us. We don't need our husbands to tell us every move to make. This goes along with pleasing them all the time. We know most of their wants and desires. And if we don't, then we should try to find out. I haven't heard of a husband complaining because his wife was trying to please him in everything. Be imaginative, be diligent in doing all you can to make your husband feel like a king. Don't make him have to hold your hand and tell you every little thing he wants done. Put surprise in his eyes when he comes home. Don't we all like nice surprises? Make him anxious to come home to you. If he already knows every little thing you've done for him, why should he rush to get there? But, just make sure you don't leave the rest undone.

Matthew 25: 14 - 30
                 There's alot in the context to look at here. First, lets look at verses 21 & 23. The servant that took his " job " and increased it was praised by his master, then rewarded. It's the same for us. When we take our job as a wife, and not only fulfill it, but go beyond and increase, then our husbands will praise us. The virtuous woman ( Proverbs 31: 10 - 31 ) tells us this. She went beyond what her duty was. In verse 26, it shows us the " slothful wicked " servant. He took his job and hung onto it, and did not increase it. When we take our job as a wife and lnly fulfill that which is our duty to do, then we are the same as the slothful wicked servant. We are lazy, and only doing what is necessary. It is not being in complete subjection, because, what is subjection? It is pleasing them in all things, serving them with singleness of heart, giving place to all their wishes, serving them heartily in love, doing all you can for them with humbleness, quietness and meekness. Look at the results of being unprofitable. In verse 28 his job was taken from him and given to a faithful servant, and in verse 30, he was cast into outer darkness. ( see Colossians 3:25 )
VII. TO TEACH OTHERWISE

I Timothy 6:3 ( 1 - 10 )
                 This shows us that to teach other than the doctrine of God would eventually put us destitute of the truth. Also it tells us that we are to withdraw from anyone who teaches otherwise. ( verse 5 )

VIII. WRONG TREATMENT

Genesis 16:9 ( 1 - 16 )
                 In the first place, Hagar was wrong for despising Sarai. But when Abram gave Hagar into Sarai's hand, Sarai dealt hardly with Hagar and she fled. ( verse 6 ) So, the angel told Hagar to go back and submit herself to Sarai ( verse 9 ). Whether or not we receive wrong treatment from our husbands, we are to submit to them. We are still to serve them as unto Christ. In verse 10 Hagar received a blessing. Her seed would be greatly multiplied. If God is for us, who can be against us? If we receive wrong treatment, then give it to God, let Him take care of it. Don't go about trying to establish your own righteousness!

Jeremiah 34:11 & 16 ( 8 - 22 )
                 In applying this to a man and wife, its like when a man gives his wife liberty in something. He is not to re-neg on it. For example, if your husband decides to give you control and freedom over the finances, then down the road he decides to take it back. He takes away your liberty. He is breaking the covenant he has made with God to give you liberty in it, and he will get burned. But, it is not for you to revenge. If he wants it back, give it to him, and then start praying, not with malice, but that God would use it to help him and yourself to grow spiritually. If your heart is right towards your husband, you won't desire their hurt, only their good.

IX. UNBELIEVING HUSBANDS

I Peter 2:18 - 19
                 This tells us plainly that we are to serve the froward as well as the good. Remember this " subject " means not only obedience, but all the rest also. This is the same word. The only exception would be if he told you to do something contrary to God. In I Corinthians 7:13 is shows us " if he is pleased to dwell with us, then we are not to leave. " Now remember, he would be consenting to dwell with us as a " believer ". He would be saying, " I am pleased to dwell with a child of God ". This includes the actions of a child of God. If he is not pleased to do this, then he would leave and you would not be under bondage to him. ( see verse 15 )

II Timothy 2: 24 - 26
                 We are to be gentle unto all men. Let them see our gentle, meek spirit that they might be won to the Lord. But, remember we are women, so if you have an unbelieving husband, don't try to instruct him. It's not your place. Man is the head of the woman. Thats not to say that if he asks you about the Lord, or his ways that you can't answer. But this is best left to another man.

I Peter 3: 1 - 6
                 It is to be our conversation ( behavior ) that wins them to the Lord. What greater witness could there be? Let your actions speak for you. Let the spirit convict him. God is big enough. Just pay attention to what your behaviour is saying to him.

X. NOT COP - OUT

Titus 3: 1 & 2
                 We are to be ready to every good work. Don't use your subjection to your husband for a cop - out on God. We are still accountable to God to be ready to every good work. Don't say that you are so busy pleasing your husband that you don't have time for reading, or praying, or helping the lady down the street. This is a cop - out. I have been guilty of this, so I ought to know. This is a simple matter of disciplining yourself and arranging your time. Think of a godly woman you know. Her house is in order, her husband and children are well attended to, and yet she always seems to have time for ministering to the needs of others, and time spent with God in prayer and study. Use her for a role model, ask her for help, pray!

Luke 12: 37 & 38 ( 31 - 40 )
                 When Christ comes will you be ready? We are to be subject to our husbands in the fullness that we have learned, and at the same time be ready for Christ. Don't use your husband for an excuse. God doesn't want to hear a bunch of " yah - buts ". He wants you to be that watchful servant.

XI. PARABLES

Matthew 24 : 42 -51
                 This also shows us to be ready. And, in applying it to our husbands, serve them with your heart at all times. I can't stress enough the importance of this. If you do this, you will truly be blessed, and have your husband's love and admiration. They deserve your best. Don't be counted with the hypocrites, give them your all.

Matthew 18: 23 - 35
                 The key verse here is 35. This goes for wives, husbands, all of us. If we can't forgive one another, how can we expect God to forgive us? If your husband treats you wrong, forgive him. If we don't treat our husbands like they should be, they should forgive us. If we don't have enough compassion in us to forgive one another, then we're not walking in the Spirit of Love.

Mark 13: 32 - 37
                 Christ has given us our " work " to do. Let's do it so that we will be ready at His coming, and not sleeping.

Luke 12: 42 - 48
                 In verse 44, the good servant was made ruler over all the household. When we are the faithful servants, then our husbands can trust us with more and more, and they can feel free for spiritual work. The unfaithful servant again was counted with the unbelievers. ( verse 46 ) In verse 47 it shows us that when we know our husband's wishes and desires, and don't do accordingly, then we will suffer for it. And in verse 48, it shows us that when we don't realize it, we may be punished, but not so badly. In applying it to our husbands, the punishment we receive should be from God and it is only to teach us, and it will get worse if we don't listen. If everything went beautiful for us all the time, we would get so content that we would never grow. So, praise the Lord for trials. Praise the Lord for His chastening! Praise the Lord that He loves us enough to correct us when we are wrong, and lead us in the way we should go!

XII. BLESSING

Acts 2:18
                 By being faithful servants to God, He fulfilled His promise to us when we repented and decided to do things His way. He poured out His spirit to us. We are to continue to search and learn more of Him.

Romans 6: 16 - 23
                 We are the servants of righteousness, and shall receive everlasting life, because we have obeyed from the heart the doctrine which was delivered to us. What greater gift could there be?

Ephesians 6:8
                 It is not in vain that we do good, for God is a rewarder. ( see Hebrews 11:6 )

Colossians 3: 23 - 25
                 We shall be joint heirs with Christ. This is great for me. I can't express in words the joy this gives me, but it is wonderful!

Matthew 25:21
                 Here it is: the Joy of the Lord! The good and faithful servant is invited into the joy of the Lord!

XIII. NOT LOWLY OR DIRTY

Philippians 2:7 ( 1 - 11 )
                 Christ took the form of a servant. The Holy One of God, our Savior took the form of a servant. Are we too good to be a servant?

I Chronicles 29:24 ( 23 - 24 )
                 Princes and mighty men, and the sons of King David submitted themselves. It is not lowly!

I Peter 3:22
                 Angels, authorities, and powers are subject to Christ. Being subject is not a low position, it is a duty.

Luke 7: 3 & 10 ( 1 - 10 )
                 Verse 2 shows us that the servant was very dear to his master. Verse 3 shows us that he was so dear that the master sent the elders of the Jews to seek and bring Jesus. We can and should be this dear to our husbands. He should cherish us as Christ does the church.

I Corinthians 15: 27 - 28
                 All things shall be subject unto Christ, and Christ shall be subject to God. He certainly isn't lowly or dirty, to be looked down upon! He is simply fulfilling God's word. Don't exalt yourself, yet don't think low of yourself either. We are sons of God!

John 15: 14 - 20
                 We are chosen of God. Is that lowly? No, indeed it is not! I can't call anything that God has made or chosen, low or dirty.

Galatians 4:7
                 We are heirs of God. We do serve; but it is a duty, a position. We are simply fulfilling the will of God. We are striving to be virtuous women.

I Corinthians 7: 17 - 24
                 Abide in the calling wherein ye are called. We as women are called serving our husbands. This is God's perfect way. In Genesis 3:16 ( 1 - 24 ) it tells us that our desire shall be towards our husbands, and they shall rule over us. Serve your husband from your heart. Set out to please him in every way. Read over the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, and strive to be that woman. Make your husband " king " and he will be able to trust you with his life. To me, this is really an honor, to know that your husband trusts you to care for him completely.

I pray that all who read this will pray for the Lord to guide them and help them to be a faithful and wise servant. I pray that no one feels bound by this: but free! It is meant to free us as women, and bring us into a closer relationship with our husband and God.

Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus, and may He bless and watch over you.