Biblical Marriage

Session Five

The Acts of Marriage: Wife and Mother

Ephesians 5:21-33 / 1 Peter 3:1-6 / Proverbs 31 

Outline 

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives…(1 Peter 3) A proper understanding of the role of wife and mother in Biblical marriage takes much study in our culture. The negative stigma associated with submission in our culture is difficult to overcome. Think about your cultural heritage. If you are a woman born in the United States you were taught your country’s history; the struggle to be free from religious oppression; the dark time of slavery; women’s suffrage; racial inequality; prejudice; …and the list goes on.

In spite of the cultural overtones, the Bible paints a portrait of womanhood, fearlessly trusting in the promises of God, clothed in strength and dignity, able to laugh into the future. (Proverbs 31:25) Biblical submission has nothing to do with slavery; nothing to do with inequality or prejudice. Submission has everything to do with the Gospel. In order for the Gospel to be clearly seen in the marriage, husbands must be leading, through unconditional love, wives who are willingly submitting to the husband’s headship. In other words, submission is free, not coerced. The Christian woman is a free woman. When she submits to her husband she does it out of freedom, not out of fear.

In this session we will explore the role of the Christian wife and mother. We will define through Scripture what submission is, and what it is not.  

Definition of Submission

Submission is the divine calling of a wife to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts.

Submission is not exclusive to wives…

Jesus in submission to the Father (John 14:24) (Luke 22:42)

All Christians submit to authorities (Romans 13:1-7) (1 Timothy 2:1-7)

(1 Peter 2:13-3:6)

Submission is NOT: (based on 1 Peter 3:1-6)

1. Submission does not mean agreeing with everything your husband says.
2. Submission does not mean leaving your brain or your will at the wedding altar.
3. Submission does not mean avoiding every effort to change a husband.
4. Submission does not mean putting the will of the husband before the will of Christ.
5. Submission does not mean that a wife gets her personal, spiritual strength primarily through her husband.
6. Submission does not mean that a wife is to act out of fear.

Submission is: 

1. Delighting in following and carrying out, Christ and Gospel exalting, family initiatives.
2. Growing and flourishing in the role of executive officer.

What Submission Looks Like: (based on Proverbs 31)

1. Perfect Allies (vs 11-12)
2. Passionate provider (vs 13-14)
3. Skilled in business (vs 15-16)
4. Profitable (vs 17-18)
5. Compassionate (vs 19-20)
6. Fearless (vs 21-25)
7. Wise (vs 26-27)
8. Praised (vs 28-31)

LIFE APPLICATION 

God has ordained the wife to flourish under Christ-Like Servant Leadership

Affirming your husband’s headship multiplies his ability to properly lead.