TOPIC:
SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE: Whose Responsibility?
(The man or the woman)
Marriage is a lawful relationship between a man and a
woman as husband and wife. It is a life-time contract which both parties
involved need to play their individual role to keep the relationship on as unto
God. If a partner in marriage is the only one saddled with responsibility to
make the marriage work, the other partner may be irresponsible. God is not
calling irresponsible people into marriage, but responsible ones to keep the
marriage vows thereby serving as examples to the heathen and giving glory to
the Lord. The roles of the man and woman are clearly defined in the
scriptures.
The
role of the man
1. Love for his wives (Ephesians 5:25; Col.
3:19; Ephesians 5:33a)
2.
Leadership role (1 Tim. 3:12, 1 Tim. 3:4-5)
3.
Provide for his own household (1 Tim. 5:8)
4.
Must leave and cleave (Genesis 2:24; Eph. 5:31; 1 Tim 3:2; Deuteronomy
24:5)
5.
Live with her in knowledge of God ( 1 Peter 3:7; James 1:5)
The
Role of the Woman
1.
Submission (1 Peter. 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:11-14)
2.
Respect the husband (Ephesians 5:33b)
3.
Help mate: A wife's role is to be her husband's helper (Genesis 2:18, Proverbs
31:11)
4.
Care for the home: responsible to take care of the children and the home (Titus
2:5,6)
5.
Glory of the husband (1Corinthians 11:7-12.)
6.
Examples to the young ones (Titus 2:4,5)
Converging
Role of both Man and Woman
1.
Love : 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Proverbs 31:11-12
2.
Trust: this is foundation in holding a marriage together
3.
Faithfulness: you are required to be faithful stewards. 1 Cor. 4:1-2
4.
Submit to each other's body: 1 Corinthians 7:5
5.
Oneness: 1 Corinthians 11: 8,9
6.
Keeping a sexual partner: Romans 12:1
7.
Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence; and likewise also the
wife unto the husband: 1 Corinthians 7:3-9
CONCLUSION:
The
journey to a successful marriage depends on knowing the author of marriage
(GOD) by the parties involved (man and woman). God gave us the scripture as a
manual for life. It is full of hope and wisdom that we can lean on to help us
build a successful marriage. The bible
has clearly defined the roles of both parties in marriage. Building a Christian
home and keeping it strong requires work.
The husband needs to fulfill his duties to the wife, and likewise the
wife to her husband.
