PREFACE
- We spend a lot of time in deliverance dealing with
family problems. If you want to have a successful
family, you must have godly counseling, teaching,
deliverance and discipline. We believe that God
considers the family more important than the church!
If you want godly churches, you must have godly
families.
INTRODUCTION
- Read introduction from How to Cope with a Broken
Home, "How to Cope with Life's Problems" by Dr. Lester
Sumrall: "Marriage is the greatest and oldest
institution known to man. Marriage was created by God
in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:24). God performed the
first wedding ceremony bringing Adam and Eve together.
Marriage was ordained before man had sinned. Home was
created during the unblemished state of innocence in
Eden. Marriage was in force before man had rebellion
in his heart or before he had lost his blessed estate
in Eden.
Before there were
any parents on this earth, God commanded that a man or
woman should leave their fathers and mothers, and
cleave to their wife or husband.
Marriage laws
pre-date governments, judges, lawyers or any other
human institution.
Revealing His great
concern for the home, Christ honored a wedding with
His presence, and here He performed His initial and
first miracle (John 2:11)."
OUR FAMILY -
Earline, Marie and I were having problems in our
relationship. One Saturday we decided to see what the
Word of God had to say. The Bible helped us very much.
God began to help us work out our problems. From this
experience, God gave us a message for others. It took
us four years to develop this lesson. It is basically
an outline of the Scripture that pertains to the
family. If you will take your family and go through
the Holy Bible studying each of these verses, you will
have a good overview of what God has to say about the
family. Then begin to put into practice what you have
learned.
PERFECT
FAMILY - COL. 3:18-31 1. Husbands love your
wives! 2. Wives submit to your husbands! 3. Children
obey your parents! 4. Fathers do not provoke your
children! 5. Memorize and follow these four
scriptures. They tell you how to have a perfect
family. Fathers do not stimulate your children to
anger - to become exasperated to anger - to force
contrary to nature.
PERFECT RELATIONSHIP
TO GOD (SUBMISSION) GOD (COMMUNICATION) CHRIST CHRIST
(PRIEST & HEAD OF CHURCH), HOLY SPIRIT HUSBAND
(PRIEST & HEAD OF FAMILY), HUSBAND WIFE (QUEEN),
WIFE (Children submit to parents; wife - husband;
husband - Christ; and Christ - God.) (God and Christ
talk about us; the Holy Spirit then brings the
message.)
KEY WORDS
FOR FAMILY 1. Husbands - "Agape Love" - to
love much (in a social or moral sense): beloved; of
the heart; embracing especially the judgment and the
deliberate assent of the will as a matter of
principle, duty and propriety. 2. Wives - "To Obey" -
be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto,
(be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection
(to, under) submit self unto. 3. Children - "Honor"-
(numerous, rich, honorable), to make heavy, weighty,
honored. 4. Children - "Obey" - to hear under (as a
subordinate),to listen attentively; to heed or conform
to a command or authority; hearken, be obedient to,
obey.
SCRIPTURES
- (Key words and chapters from concordance) (FAMILY:
HUSBAND ----> WIFE ----> CHILDREN) (Read I Cor.
7 and I Pet. 3 which are the whole duties of the
married state.)
HUSBANDS
- Responsible for the family to Christ; are priests
and heads of the house; and must obey Christ. The key
word and action is "LOVE". A husband should also honor
and have knowledge of his wife. I COR. 7:3 BENEVOLENCE
(Act of kindness) EPH. 5:25 LOVE (1) EPH. 5:28 LOVE
(2) EPH. 5:33 LOVE (3) COL. 3:19 LOVE (4) I PET. 3:7
KNOWLEDGE (To know, understand, allow, be aware (of),
feel, have) knowledge, perceive, be resolved, can
speak, be sure) I PET. 3:7 HONOR
WIVES
- Must be in subjection to their husbands in
everything. The key word is "SUBJECT" (SUBMIT). EPH.
5:22 SUBMIT EPH. 5:23 HEAD EPH. 5:24 SUBJECT IN
EVERYTHING (1) EPH. 5:33 REVERENCE COL. 3:18 SUBMIT I
TIM. 2:11 SUBJECTION (2) I TIM. 2:12 NOT TO USURP
AUTHORITY I PETER 3:1 SUBJECTION (3) I PETER 3:5
SUBJECTION (4) I PETER 3:6 OBEYED, CALLING HIM LORD
Earline submits to my leadership when we minister in
churches and in other places. She does what I ask her
to do and I maintain control of the service. A husband
and wife team is scriptural: Aquila and Priscilla (I
Cor. 16:19). The woman should not try to usurp
authority over the man or the church.
CHILDREN
- Must obey and honor their parents. The key actions
are to "OBEY AND HONOR". EXODUS 20:12 HONOR (1) LEV.
19:3 FEAR DEUT. 5:16 HONOR (2) EPH. 6:1-4 OBEY, HONOR
(3) COL. 3:20-21 OBEY (4)
SOME
SCRIPTURAL CAUTIONS TO PARENTS EX. 20:5
(Idol worship - 3 to 4 generations of spiritual
problems) PSA. 15:4-5 (Vile person is despised.) PROV.
13:10 (After pride and insolence comes contention and
trouble.) PROV. 18:19 (A child offended is hard to win
or correct.)
PROV. 22:8 (He that
soweth iniquity shall reap calamity and failure.)
PROV. 28:13 (He that covereth his sins shall not
prosper - confess.) MARK 11:25-26 (Forgive ought
against any or prayers are unanswered.) EPH. 4:26-27
(Neither give place to the Devil; anger = demons.)
COL. 3:13 (Forbearing and forgiving one another; be
gentle.) 2 THES. 5:22 (Abstain from every sort of
evil.)
DUTIES OF A
GOOD WIFE GEN. 2:18-25 (Help meet means
counterpart, to complete, adaptable.) GEN. 3:16
(Desire shall be to husband) PROV. 1:8 (Mothers should
teach children.) I COR. 7:3-5 & 15-16 (Duties of
the married state) I COR. 11:1-7 (Covering of head and
head of woman) I COR. 14:34-35 (Women are forbidden to
speak in church) EPH. 5:21-24 (Duties of wives) EPH.
6:1-9 (Duties of children and servants) COL. 3:18
(Duties of wives) I TIM. 2:9-15 (Women are not
permitted to teach) I TIM. 3:11-13 (Qualifications of
wives) I TIM. 5:9-15 (Rules for widows) I PETER 3:1-6
(Old women to teach young women) (Duties of wives to
love husband and God: subjection, conversation, hidden
man of heart, meek and quiet spirit, trust God,called
him lord, fit in, pure behavior, Godly lives,
beautiful inside, gentle and quiet spirit, obey
husband and honor him).
Summary - Bear
children; bring-up children well, welcome husband's
affections; husband is master; wife is responsible to
husband; allow non-Christian mate to leave; marry only
once; no longer has full right to her own body; be
silent during church meetings; quiet and sensible in
manner and clothing; live kind, good and loving lives;
listen and learn quietly and humbly; be clean minded,
not heavy drinkers, gossipers, lazy and nosey; be
thoughtful and faithful, respectful and sensible; take
care of homes; spend time there; help those who are
sick or hurt; teach goodness; train younger women; and
love husband and children.
SONG OF
SOLOMON - A picture of Christ's love for
the Church which should be a picture of the husband's
love for the wife. (EPH. 5:32, II COR. 11:2, REV.
21:2) (READ THE WHOLE BOOK OF SONG OF SOLOMON.)
HUSBANDS AND
WIVES ARE "ONE FLESH" GEN. 2:23-25 (Cleave
unto his wife and be one flesh) GEN. 31:14-16
(Stranger in parents' home) PS. 45:8-12 (Forget
parents and own people) MATT. 19'4-6 (Cleave and one
flesh) MARK 10:5-9 (Cleave and one flesh) I COR.
6:13-17 (One flesh with a harlot or one spirit with
God) EPH. 5:31-32 (One flesh with mate) Cleave: Cling,
adhere, catch by pursuit, abide fast, cleave fast
together, follow close hard after, be joined together,
keep fast, overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. One:
First, agree, one another.
PROVERBS
TALKS ABOUT MEN AND WOMEN 2:16-22 (Safety
from company of an evil woman) 5:15-20 (Be happy with
wife) 6:20-35 (The mischief of whoredom) 7:1-27 (The
cunning of a whore) 9:13-18 (The error of folly of a
foolish woman - I Thes. 5:22) 11:22 (Moral virtues and
their contrary vices)
12:4 (Moral virtues
and their contrary vices) 14:1 (Moral virtues and
their contrary vices) 18:22 (Moral virtues and their
contrary vices) 19:13-14 (Moral virtues and their
contrary vices) 21:9 & 19 (Moral virtues and their
contrary vices) 22:14 (Moral virtues and their
contrary vices) 23:26-28 (Moral virtues and their
contrary vices) 25:24 (Sundry maxims and observations
of Solomon) 27:15-16 (Sundry maxims and observations
of Solomon) 29:3 (Sundry maxims and observations of
Solomon) 30:20 (Sundry maxims and observations of
Solomon) 31:2-3 (King Lemuel's lesson of chastity and
temperance) 31:10-31 (The praise and properties of a
virtuous woman) (READ THE WHOLE BOOK OF PROVERBS.)
ABORTION
PS. 139:13-16 (We are made by God.) ISAIAH 29:15-16
(Potter and the clay) ISAIAH 42:5 (God gives us breath
and spirit.) ISAIAH 43:1 & 7 (Called thee by thy
name) ISAIAH 44:24 (Formed thee from the earth) ISAIAH
45:9 & 12 (Created man upon the earth) ISAIAH 49:1
& 5 (Made mention of my name in the womb) ISAIAH
63:16 (Father is the lord) ISAIAH 64:8 (Works of thy
hand)
WE ARE GOD'S
WORKMANSHIP JER. 1:5 (Knew, sanctified
& ordained before conception) MATT. 1:20-21
(Conceived by Holy Ghost) LUKE 1:15 & 41 (Filled
with Holy Ghost in womb) ROMANS 9:20-21 (God formed
us.) GAL. 1:15-16 (Separated by God from mother's
womb) EPH. 2:10 (Christians are workmanship) (Abortion
is murder and we have no right to take a child's life,
our life or anyone else's life. We are created by God
for his purpose; not ours.)
ADULTERY
EX. 20:14 (Adulterer and adulteress) LEV. 20:10
(Adulterer and adulteress put to death) PROV. 6:32-33
(Put to death - woman breaketh wedlock) MAL. 3:5 (Put
to death - woman breaketh wedlock) MATT. 5:27,28,32
(Commit adultery with divorced woman) JOHN 4:17-18
(Five husbands - no husband now) I COR. 6:15-20
(Adultery, fornication, sin, harlotry) GAL. 5:16-21
(Adultery, fornication, uncleanliness, lasciviousness)
HEB. 13:4 (Bed is undefiled - God will judge
whoremongers) JAMES 4:4 (Adulterers and adulteresses)
Ten Commandments: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
(Adulterer and adulteress are equally guilty.)
DIVORCE
DEUT. 24:3-4 (Going back to former husband after
living with another) MAL. 2:14-16 (Dealing
treacherously with wife) MATT. 5:31-31 (Except it be
for fornication) MATT. 19:3-9 (Except it be for
fornication) MARK 10:11-12 (Adultery - put away mate
and marry another) LUKE 16:18 (Commit adultery thru
remarriage) ROMANS 7:1-3 (Adulteress if husband is
living)
I COR. 7:10-17,
(Bond should not be dissolved lightly.) 7:20 & 24
Divorce now affects at least one out of two families
and one out of two remarried families also. Frequently
a person has multiple divorces. The percentage of
divorce will continue to increase in the future. There
is only one way to stop divorce, and that is for the
family to learn and obey the Holy Bible.
Summary 1. Do not
commit fornication before marriage. 2. Get married and
do not commit adultery. 3. Do not get divorced except
for adultery. If possible, forgive mate and live in
peace. 4. If divorced, do not get remarried, or go
back to same mate after not fornicating with others.
5. If mate is put away for adultery, mate can remarry
without committing adultery. Do not marry a divorced
woman.
THE CURSE OF
AHAB AND THE CURSE OF JEZEBEL - Read these
tracts. Jezebel is for women; Ahab is for men. These
are strong tracts. Every family has problems in this
area of relationships. Adam and Eve had these problems
and they have been handed down thru the generations to
the present time. These tracts were written by Jim
Croft and Steve Bell respectively (Gen. 3:1-24, Ch.
16-17 & 25- 27; I Kings 16:30-Ch. 22; II Kings 9)
EFFECT ON
CHILDREN BY AHAB/JEZEBEL PARENTS - Children
are open to violence or death, even early death,
because of tensions, confusions, hurts and insults
given them by the family structure being out of order
(I Kings 21:21, 24; II Tim. 3:1-8). Confusion,
frustration, disgust, hate, etc. lead to to suicide.
In trying to find their place, these children
frequently give in to spirits which drive them to love
of power, money, praise, fame, etc. (I Kings 21:20-
29).
Children have fear,
insecurity, frustration and difficulty learning. It
leads to potential corruption, discord, growth in
occult and cults, selfishness, doubt, inability to
achieve, fake sickness, hypochondriacs and church
splits.
If someone does not
stop the pattern of living in the curse, they will go
from generation to generation. A mother who is a
Jezebel will raise Jezebel daughters and Ahab sons.
Ahab fathers will raise Ahab sons and Jezebel
daughters. If sons do not see their father as
respected in his office of father, they have no other
example to the contrary and will follow him. Likewise,
the girls will probably choose a husband like their
father. We set the wrong pattern for our children to
follow. The children spend the rest of their adult
lives trying to live normal lives.
Children will be
rebellious, upset and will have rivalry with each
other. Drugs, sex and music will attract them as they
seek love and satisfaction in life. They are under
pressure to prove their love to their parents. Male
children will doubt their manhood and tend towards
homosexuality. Female children will doubt their
womanhood and tend towards lesbianism.
Ahab fathers place
curses on male children; Jezebel mothers - female
children. Children will have broken marriages and
families like their parents. Jezebel mothers cause
children to be manipulative. Finally, children are
open to satanic attack and will usually become like
their parents!
Read Isaiah 3:12. It
says clearly, "As for my people, children are their
oppressors, and women rule over them. 0 my people,
they which lead thee (children and women) cause thee
to err, and destroy the way of thy paths." For
instance, Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham and Abraham did
not refuse; look at the warring between the Arabs and
the Jews it started.
AHAB /
JEZEBEL FAMILIES IN THE BIBLE - Learn to
identify mistakes the people made as you read their
stories. The only person that didn't make any mistakes
was the Lord Jesus Christ! The following is a short
study of Isaac, Rebekah, Esau and Jacob (Genesis
chapters 25 and 27 give a report of contention, strife
and wearing down of the families). Jezebel women lead
men away from God even when they say they are
Christians: Gen. 3:1-17 (Eve became unsatisfied with
her estate and began to be seduced by Satan with greed
to rule over Adam. Adam gave in. The first curse on
man was giving heed to voice of wife rather than God.)
Gen. 25:23 (Rebekah knew Jacob was to rule over Esau -
why didn't she just let it happen?) Gen. 25:29 (Jacob
got a Jezebel spirit from his mother - he connived to
get Esau's birthright.) Gen. 27:1-29 (Rebekah and
Jacob again connive to get Esau's blessing.) Gen.
27:41 (Esau hated Jacob because he had stolen the
elder son's blessing and birthright.)
WINNING THE
MATE TO THE LORD I COR. 7:12-16 (Duties to
unbelievers) I PETER 3:1-7 (Duties to each other)
(Otherwise, simply live a Christian life so that an
unbeliever would want what we have.)
FORBIDDEN TO
MARRY UNBELIEVERS GEN. 24:3 (Looking for a
wife for Isaac) GEN. 28:1 (Looking for a wife for
Jacob) DEUT. 7:3 (Heathen) ------------ EZRA 9:12
(Strange marriages)------- Heathen NEH. 13:25 (Strange
wives)------- II COR. 6:14 (Unequally yoked together
with unbelievers) II COR. 6:17 (Unclean things -
unbelievers) EPH. 5:11 (Have no fellowship with works
of darkness.) (Unbelievers are strange to Christians
and should be avoided in marriage.)
VARIOUS
SCRIPTURES ABOUT FAMILY GEN. 2:18 (Help
meet for the man) GEN. 29:32 (Bearing children
desirable for the wife) LEV. 21:7 (Priest's wife
should be holy) ESTHER 1:20 (Honor husbands) ISA. 54:5
(God is husband of widow) JER. 31:32 (God is husband
of Israel) JOHN 2:11 (Wine for the wedding) I TIM. 3:2
& 12 (Husband of one wife) TITUS 1:6 (Husband of
one wife)
DUTIES OF
HUSBAND GEN. 31:50 (Not to afflict wife)
EX. 10:2 (Instruction to children) DEUT. 4:9-10 &
(Instruction to children) 11:19 PS. 78:3-8
(Instruction to children) PROV. 1:8 (Fathers should
instruct sons.) PROV. 22:6 (Instruction to children)
PROV. 13:24;
(Correction of children) 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15
& 17 I COR. 11:3 (Head of home) EPH. 6:4
(Correction not to be unjust) COL. 3:21 (Correction
not to be unjust) I TIM. 5:8 (Provide for family; have
responsibility for finances.) REV. 1:6; 5:10 (Priests
of God) & 10:6
DUTIES OF A
GOOD HUSBAND - Husband to love and honor
your wife, do not provoke your children, priest and
head of family, obey Christ, cleave unto wife and
become one flesh, be happy with wife, give instruction
and correction to children, provide for family, enjoy
wife sexually and welcome her affections, allow
non-Christian mate to leave, marry only once, no
longer has full right to his own body, be kind to and
have knowledge of wife, follow instructions of the
Bible and live a Christian life.
HUSBANDS ARE
PRIESTS AND HEADS OF HOMES - Husbands
command household to keep way of Lord, tell the sons,
teach the children, talk about the Bible, house will
serve the Lord, our fathers told us, correct
children's behavior and do not provoke children.
Husband to rule over
wife, is lord of wife and head of woman. Wife is under
obedience to husband, subject to husband in
everything, to submit to husband and not to usurp
authority of man.
PRIEST OF
HOMES GEN. 18:19 EX. 10:2; 12:26-27; 13:8
& 14 DEUT. 4:9-10; 6:7 & 20; 11:19; 32:7 JOSH.
4:6 & 21; 24:15 PS. 44:1; 71:18; 78:3-8 PROV.
13:24; 19:18; 22:6 & 15; 23:13-14; 29:15 & 17
JOEL 1:3 EPH. 6:4 II TIM. 3:15
HEADS OF
HOMES GEN. 3:16; 18:12 I COR. 11:3; 14:34
EPH. 5:22-24 COL. 3:18 I TIM. 2:11-12 TITUS 2:5 I PET.
3:1, 5 & 6
FINANCES OF
HOMES - The following excerpts were taken
from "Manners and Customs of Bible Lands" by Fred H.
Wight: Payment for Goods - Concerning the money in the
sacks of Joseph's brethren, Scripture says: "Every
man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in
full weight" (Gen. 43:21). Thus "Abraham weighed to
Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience
of the sons of Heth" (Gen. 23:16). The parable Jesus
told of the unjust steward refers to men who owed
their lord various amounts such as "an hundred
measures of oil," and "an hundred measures of wheat"
(Luke 16:5-7).
Money Changers:
These men change people's money from one type of
currency to another, and also provide change within
the same currency. The money-changer sits beside the
narrow street and behind a little glass-top table,
under which his coins are on display. When the Jewish
nation was numbered, it was required by the law of
Moses that every male Israelite who was twenty years
or older, pay into the temple treasury a half-shekel
as an offering to the Lord (Ex. 30:13-15).
Bankers: Two
references from Jesus indicate it was done in his day:
"Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the
exchangers, and then at my coming I should have
received mine own with usury (interest]" (Matt.
25:27). "Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into
the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine
own with usury (interest]" (Luke 19:23).
Proverbs 31:10-31
describes the diligent woman. Verses 14, 16, 24 and 29
tell of her buying and selling. Except for Proverbs
31, the Bible generally tells of the men handling the
money. The wife in Proverbs 31 probably had the
husband's permission to buy and sell.
The person that
controls the money controls the organization: family,
church or business. We believe that the husband should
control the finances of the family; pastor-church. The
control should be done in love and with consultation
of other members of family and church. Problems arise
when the wife controls the finances; this is usually
an Ahab / Jezebel relationship.
WHEN THE
HUSBAND DOES NOT FULFILL HIS DUTY - What
should a woman do in submission when her husband is
not fulfilling his duty of being priest and head of
their home? 1. To whom does the wife and mother do her
duty? It is God that tells us to submit to our own
husbands! No husband has been instructed by God to
make his wife submit. We see a lot of this teaching
today, but God told the wife to submit."Rebellion is
as witchcraft, and stubbornness as idol worship" (I
Sam. 15:23). 2. Take a good look at yourself. Ask God
to show you yourself as he sees you, so that you can
see the results of your attitudes and actions within
the family. 3. Make an earnest study of your duties as
wife and mother. 4. Let's look at I Peter Chapter 3:
Vs. 2 - I've never seen a woman live up to this
totally. I have tried and seen women who have tried.
I've never seen a perfect woman yet, but it is worth
keeping up the trying. Vs. 3 - Don't use outward
beauty and domination to hold family together. Vs. 4 -
Inward beauty of heart is required. Vs. 5,6- Examples.
Vs. 7 - Men cannot blame troubles 100% on wife; at
least 50% of the failure rests on them. Vs. 8 - How do
you get along with a problem husband? Vs. 11 - Go for
it! Vs. 12 - How to get your prayers answered. 5.
After you begin your work of self-discipline in the
Gospel, the people around you will test you; they have
every right to. We are instructed to test every
spirit. They must see a real change that can stand the
test of time (Jer. 12:5).
A WISE AND
UNDERSTANDING WOMAN - The people
(characters) in I Sam. 25:3-42 are Nabal - foolish and
wicked; Abigail - joy of the father, and David -
anointed King of Israel. The following is a verse by
verse explanation of this story: Vs. 3. We meet Nabal,
rough and evil descendant of Caleb, and Abigail, woman
of good understanding and beautiful. Probably father
chose Nabal for her. Vs. 4. David needs provisions and
hears of Nabal's sheep shearing (custom to have a
celebration at shearing time).
Vs. 5. Sends envoy
to request food; David humbles himself. Vs. 6. Salute
him warmly, respectfully and peacefully. Vs. 7.
Recount our protection over him and his flocks. Vs. 8.
Send whatever you have. Vs. 9. David's men obey. Vs.
10. Nabal reviles David and refuses to send food
ignoring David's & 11 protection. Nabal does not
follow area custom of receiving guests and showing
gratitude. Vs. 12. Men return empty-handed and recount
their experience. Vs. 13. David loses his head and
becomes angry enough to shed innocent blood. After
rejection, bitterness and rebellion follow very
quickly. David forgot God's decree. He was willing to
involve 400 men in his sin. Vs. 14. A faithful servant
(even the servants knew Abigail to be wiser than
Nabal) reports the incident correctly. Vs. 15. Reports
David's kindness and protection. & 16. Vs. 17.
Gave advice to Abigail. Abigail not too proud to
consider advice from servant; both the servant and
Abigail knew the house was in grave danger because
Nabal did not act according to custom. Vs. 18. Abigail
made haste. David asked for whatever they had. She
sends the best and more than was asked: 200 loaves, 2
skins of wine, 5 sheep already dressed, 5 measures
parched grain, 100 clusters of raisins and 200 cakes
of figs. Abigail did not have to take time to fast or
pray - she was on target with God and completely
understood her husband. Did not consider her life.
David might have attacked and not talked. Only the
men's lives were in danger, not hers. Did not consider
herself as separate from her husband. Had full
understanding of marriage relation and responsibility.
If she hated her husband she could have just waited
until David killed him. Vs. 19. Husband was mean even
when not drunk. Wisdom - didn't tell him when he was
drunk. Courageous - "If you do right, and let nothing
terrify you, not giving way to hysterical fears or
letting anxieties unnerve you" (I Peter 3:6). Desire
to appease enemy quickly (Luke 14:32). Didn't look for
someone else to assume her duty. Motive was to protect
and defend family and servants, not to disobey .
(Husbands and wives had joint interest in their
worldly possessions - when used for common good - not
to waste or spend recklessly. Reckless use is to
defraud the family.) Sounds good even for today. Aim
was to prevent destruction from reaching family and
household, and destroying it. Vs. 23. Humble and
respectful approach to David - hasted off donkey
(respectful custom to high-rank people) and fell on
her face. Fearless - David could have killed her when
she approached. Vs. 24. Took guilt of husband on
herself. Husband and wife are one flesh. Asked
permission to speak. Vs. 25. Apologized for husband -
explains type of husband he is without being bitter
against him. Vs. 26. Reminded David very gently of the
curse of shedding innocent blood. Vs. 27. Allayed
David's resentment by wise and humble speech.
Endeavored to & 28 bring David out of his
passionate rage for revenge and reminded David of the
cost of revenge. Vs. 29. Reminded David of his
anointing to be king, his safety in God, and God's
sure house for David as a reward for David's fighting
God's battles. You'll have no staggering grief over
getting revenge. Vs. 30. Reminds David of God's
long-term plan for David. Don't waste life on &31
one man like Nabal. Vs. 32. David blesses God for
sending Abigail. Vs. 33-35 He recognizes her wisdom.
He accepts her apology and gifts. Vs. 36. Abigail
reports all to husband when he is over drunk spree.
Vs. 37. He becomes paralyzed - his heart died. Vs. 38.
Ten days later he is dead.
Vs. 39. Hearing of
Nabal's death, David sends for Abigail to be his wife.
Vs. 40-41 God's reward to Abigail for her right
attitudes and motives before Him.
IMPORTANT
ATTITUDES AND MOTIVES WE LEARN FROM ABIGAIL
1. Understand God's idea of the married state. 2.
Consider ourselves one with mate even if we do not
agree with hem in all things. 3. Never let rejection,
bitterness or rebellion come into you because of your
circumstances. 4. Recognize mate's weaknesses; part of
being a help mate. 5. Defend the home and marriage
from all enemies. 6. Let wisdom guide your actions. 7.
Always be prayed up and ready because of the weakened
condition of the family unit due to unsaved mate. 8.
Don't look for some way out or someone else to to your
job. 9. Be humble, respectful and full of forgiveness.
10. Always give best to God. 11. Serve the husband and
family with gladness out of obedience to God's
commandments. 12. Walk humbly with your God and before
mankind.
SEXUAL
RELATIONS - Comments on what God has shown
us about sexual relations. There should be a joy in
your relations to your mate. Pray and ask God to help
you achieve satisfaction. You should enjoy your mate
and no one else. Desire each other's affections. Your
body belongs to your mate. You are "one flesh" through
sex. This part of your body requires regular exercise.
Prov. 5:15-21 (Be
satisfied with your wife's breasts.) Heb. 13:4 (The
marriage bed is holy and undefiled.)
SEX AND THE
SINGLE CHRISTIAN MALE - It is surprising
and dismaying to realize how the Devil can work on a
fellow when he does not understand some of the simple
physiological mechanics of his own body. Because the
sex drive is so very strong (second strongest in the
body), it is something with which you will always have
to live. The strongest drive is the right to live.
Because human beings
are physically able to become parents long before they
are mature enough to assume the duties and
responsibilities of parenthood, there has to be a wise
reason in God's economy for this. I believe it is that
God has determined this to be a time in which fellows
and girls are to learn self- control. As James points
out, the raw material from which patience is
manufactured is trial and testing (James 1:2-4).
Even in marriage,
there is not unlicensed satisfaction of sexual drives
for there are times when abstinence and continence
must be practiced. At times the menstrual cycle,
periods of geographical separation from the wife and
during pregnancy, sexual relations are either
undesirable or impossible.
The basic problem is
to learn to live with the sex drive, and avoid sexual
impurity and the punishing guilt which follows such
involvements. Satan will urge a man to satisfy himself
and prove his virility by sleeping with a girl.
Actually all that
such episodes prove is that the man has a penis and
testicles, and that they work as they were intended to
function. Dogs, cats, cattle, horses and pigs are all
capable of copulation which leads to the production of
offspring.
When a young man
becomes a Christian and renounces the past including
sexual sins of impurity, Satan immediately sets about
to trip him up in the matter of this strong sex drive.
Although this practice of masturbation usually does no
physical harm, the aftermath of shame, guilt,
condemnation and failure are debilitating.
Masturbation is a form of self-indulgence and
self-love, strictly a selfish pleasure.
To accomplish his
designs, Satan works on the vanity of the male ego. He
also bends to his purpose physiological facts of male
anatomy of which many young men are unaware. The more
times a man has crossed the sexual lines of
demarcation in the past, whether in masturbation,
heterosexual or homosexual activities, the more
difficulties he will have in breaking with the past.
Regarding the
morning erection; the Devil lies, the man is not
over-sexed at all. If he will go to the washroom and
urinate, most of the time the erection automatically
deflates. There are other times when passion presses
strongly Again, there is at least a partial reason for
this, from a physical standpoint.
During these
periods, the penis may erect partially or completely,
on the slightest or practically no stimulation. If not
relieved by masturbation, the man will soon have a wet
dream (nocturnal emission) which will bring a sense of
deep relief to the sexual system outside of marriage.
Even when a wet
dream has provided a physical relief, Satan tries to
rob the man of its value. Seeking to destroy the
feeling of relaxation and well-being following the
emission, the Devil immediately begins to accuse of
lewdness.
When the accuser
comes, he must be rebuked in Jesus' name. Praise the
Lord because Satan is a liar and the person so
attacked is not really that awful wretch anymore,
although he might well have been once.
Now a problem
arises. A man knows I Cor. 10:13, and understands all
the mechanics of physical sex pressure and even the
psychological warfare Satan wages to lead into sexual
sin. In spite of all this, he falls by going beyond
that he knows and lets the Devil goad him into
masturbating.
The Devil is quick
to supply an answer, "Give up, you can never change".
Do not be hoodwinked by his lies. All that is proved
is the well-known fact that we are very sexual
creatures.
Don't waste time
with vain recriminations over your failure. Use I John
1:9, admitting your slip to the Lord, and letting him
forgive you and cleanse you. Forgive yourself also.
The episode may have opened your mind and body to sex
spirits, therefore pray something like this: "Satan, I
rebuke you in Jesus' name and command that every
spirit of Masturbation, Lewdness, Uncleanness,
Adultery, Fornication, Perversion, Pornography, etc.,
leave me now". Stop praying and breathe slowly and
deeply three or four times. Be persistent, and repeat
until they leave.
Analyze the
circumstances which lead up to your failure. Avoid
that pathway the next time Satan attempts to maneuver
you into it. Usually the heaviest temptations come
when you are alone. Study God's Word and pray; get
plenty of physical exercise in sports and other
physical outlets you find rewarding.
Find methods which
are helpful to you personally and use them to
reinforce your good resolutions. As Paul admonished
young Timothy, "Keep thyself pure," and "Flee youthful
lusts" (I Tim. 5:22, II Tim. 2:22, I Cor. 9:27).
These excerpts were
taken from CONQUERING THE HOSTS OF HELL. Rev. Win
Worley has written seven books which I consider to be
an advanced course on deliverance. More information on
sexual relations of family members may be found
therein. There are also lessons here for the single
Christian female. We consider him to be the foremost
deliverance minister in America and we have used his
writings to help many people.
THE SINGLE
FEMALE - Under the guise of female liberty,
the American woman has lost a lot. She has been told
she has sexual liberty and can, if she so desires,
pickup a man and have sex - no strings attached. While
this may sound very interesting, even exciting to
some, let's examine the results of such actions.
She is forming soul
ties with each man (I Cor. 6:15-16). This means that
she is attached in her soul to every man she has had
sex with; this tie will interfere with her total
relationship with her husband. Each man goes to bed
with her and her husband, and interferes with their
sex life. Because of attitudes which she has formed
about life, men and herself, she will usually not be
able to be happy even if she should marry a good man.
She may not be able to persistent in hard times.
She may get sexual
diseases for herself and even pass them on to her
children or they may kill her children. She may become
pregnant and bear a child; an act she did not even
consider at the time of the sex act. If she has an
abortion these curses will be upon her and also the
father (Ex.21:12,Deut. 19:10, Pro.617, Lev.20:2).
She invites the
curse of the bastard upon herself and gives it to ten
generations of her descendents (Deut. 23:2). This
curse will follow her into a marriage and fall on all
of her children. Some of the attributes of this curse
are: family members do not get along, they do not feel
at home in the church, create more bastards, are cruel
and unkind.
She will not escape
the psychological and spiritual attacks of Satan
through curses and the demons. She suffers shame,
feelings of being degraded, maybe becomes truly
degraded, emotional illness torments her, feelings of
lose and dread follow her, she will feel fragmented
and loose the ability to trust herself, men and God.
Sexually transmitted diseases may not be curable.
After a time she will either loathe her life or go
beyond the point of having any desire to return to
God.
It is strange but in
my school classes very young children have a knowing
that it is wrong for mom or dad to associate in
intimate ways with someone not their mate. They know
this without ever having anyone tell them. This
knowing can be abused but cannot be denied and sooner
or later will convict the woman. In later life her
lose will become more evident to her and bring even
more grief or suicide. There is no sadder person than
the old woman who has been destroyed through unlawful
sexual activity, and has lost the respect and love of
her children and husband .
Let's take a look at
the average young lady who has followed the so called
"new liberty". This may surprise you; she is generally
in her early to mid- twenties. This is very young to
have ruined your life and maybe your children's lives.
She has usually been married, may have a child, has
become envious of others, considers her life boring,
over or to much for her, and she would like to live in
a fantasy world. The pasture looks brighter out there.
She divorces her mate or just leaves. Next step is the
job market; there she finds sexual favors will get
what she thinks she wants, but again she is cheated.
Now she is often alone because the courts will give
the children to the husband if she is not a fit
parent. She finds that men talk sweet and walk out
fast.
After all this, a
few come to their senses and repent in true
repentance. They get saved and begin to change their
life, but the demons they have collected will not
leave them alone and exert pressure to return to the
old life. If she holds out and comes to Jesus Christ
for deliverance, she will still have to be diligent in
her resistance to immorality if she is to regain her
life. If she does not hear of nor get deliverance, the
chances are very great she will go back to the old
life.
We have seen that
those getting deliverance and teaching about how to
win over Satan and the demons can persevere and
recover almost or all that they have lost. We've seen
many return to their homes and families and make
beautiful Christian wives and mothers. We have seen
sexual diseases cured, and mental and physical health
restored. This is the reward we get which keeps us
filled with desire to see everyone win over Satan.
I urge all young
ladies to treasure what God has given. Don't fall for
Satan's lie and become polluted, filled with demons
and laden with guilt. Get yourself delivered from the
curses that have been handed to you by your ancestors
and enjoy a clean life with God .
There is one young
man in the Bible that I feel is smarter even than
Solomon. He is in I Chron. 3:9-10. He cried out to God
that he be kept from evil so that he would not be hurt
by it. The request must have pleased God for it says
He granted him his request.
As you can see,
there are curses, pain and punishment for all who
transgress God's laws on sex. When you think you have
succeeded in hiding it, guess who saw you. When you
think you got away scot free, wait a few years and you
will see. When you are tempted to think you have hurt
no one but yourself, see what happens to your
children. If this has been your life or if you are
beginning to think that a life of sexual promiscuity
would be fun, see now that the price is too great.
Pray, out loud,
putting all your guilt before God: "Father in Heaven I
now recognize my sin or sins and I ask for the
cleansing power of Jesus Christ's blood to cleanse all
of these sins. I forgive all ancestors who have cursed
me by their sexual sins. I ask that my descendents
will be able to forgive me for the curses I have
placed on them. Father, I ask you to forgive me for
not protecting those you entrusted to my care. I now
break all soul ties with every man or woman (name each
one to God) that I have ever had any sexual relations
with. I ask that you completely sever all these ties.
I forgive all who have hurt me in any way. I ask you
to forgive me for having unforgiveness in my heart for
others. I ask you to send health and healing to my
body and soul. Lord, please begin a restoration of our
family and please begin with me. Lord I am so thankful
you have provided a way for me to be forgiven. I turn
from my sins and follow you. I ask these things in
Jesus Christ's name. Amen."
LIVING THE
CHRISTIAN LIFE - Living an effective
Christian life contributes to a happy family and
proper relationship to God. Overnight, you are not
going to become a perfect Christian or have a perfect
family. You will work all your life trying to be more
like Jesus. You will succeed in the degree that you
are willing to work at these tasks.
The ideal is for
both husband and wife to be Christians. They should
then learn what the Holy Bible says and follow its
instructions.
These principles
will work even if you are not a Christian. However,
they are much harder to apply if you don't have the
help of Jesus Christ.
PIGS IN THE
PARLOR, Ch. 8 "Seven Steps for Retaining
Deliverance" and Ch. 9 - "Filling the House" (with
Jesus), pp. 35-47, are the same as seven steps for
living the Christian life. This book is about basic
deliverance; every Christian should have a copy. You
cannot succeed in your family relationships without
godly counsel, deliverance from demons, and discipline
of your life!
SEVEN WAYS
TO DETERMINE THE NEED FOR DELIVERANCE - The
presence and nature of evil spirits can be known by
two principle methods - discernment: I Cor. 12:10
lists "discerning of spirits" as one of the nine
supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, and detection:
The second method of knowing the presence and nature
of evil spirits. Detection is simply observing what
spirits are doing to a person (Mark 7:24-30): 1.
Disturbances in the emotions which persist or recur.
2. Disturbances in the mind or thought life. 3.
Outbursts or uncontrolled use of the tongue. 4.
Recurring unclean thoughts and acts regarding sex. 5.
Addictions to nicotine, alcohol, drugs, medicines,
caffeine, food, etc. 6. Many diseases and physical
afflictions are due to spirits of infirmity (Luke
13:11). 7. Involvement to any degree in religious
error can open the door for demons as follows: a.
False religions, e.g. Eastern religions, pagan
religions, philosophies and mind sciences. b.
Christian Cults - all such cults may be classified as
bloodless religions "having a form of godliness, but
denying the power thereof" (II Tim. 3:5). c. Occult
and Spiritism - Any method of seeking supernatural
knowledge, wisdom, guidance and power apart from God
is forbidden (Deut. 18:9-15) d. False Doctrine - a
great increase of doctrinal errors will be promoted by
deceiving and seducing spirits in the last days (I
Tim. 4:1).
SEVEN STEPS
TO DELIVERANCE 1. One must be honest with
himself and with God if he expects to receive God's
blessing of deliverance. Ask God to help you see
yourself as He sees you and to bring to light anything
that is not of Him (Psalm 32:5 and 139:23-24). 2.
Humility involves a recognition that one is dependent
upon God and His provisions for deliverance (James
4:6-7). It also involves a complete openness with
God's servants ministering in the deliverance (James
5:16). 3. Repentance is a determined turning away from
sin and Satan (Amos 3:3). One must loathe his sins
(Ezekiel 20:43). 4. Renunciation is the forsaking of
evil. Renunciation is action resulting from repentance
(Matt. 3:7-8). If one has repented of religious error,
he may need to completely renounce it by destroying
all literature and items associated with that error
(Acts 19:18-19). 5. God freely forgives all who
confess their sins and ask forgiveness through His Son
(I John 1:9). He expects us to forgive all others who
have ever wronged us in any way (Matt. 6:14-15).
Willingness to forgive is absolutely essential to
deliverance (Matt. 18:21-35). 6. In prayer ask God to
deliver you and set you free in the name of Jesus
(Joel 2:32). 7. Prayer and warfare are two separate
and distinct activities. Our warfare against demon
powers is not fleshly but spiritual (Eph. 6:10-12 and
II Cor. 10:3-5). Use the weapons of submission to God,
the blood of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and your
testimony as a believer (James 4:7,Rev. 12:11 and Eph.
6:17). Christ cannot fail! He is the Deliverer (Mark
16:17, Luke 10:19 and Psalm 18:2)!
SEVEN STEPS
FOR RETAINING DELIVERANCE
1. Put on the whole
armour of God as set forth in Eph. 6:10-18. There are
seven pieces of armour: a. Loins girt about with
truth. b. The breastplate of righteousness. c. Feet
shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. d.
The shield of faith. e. The helmet of salvation. f.
The sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. g.
Praying in the Spirit. Refuse the thoughts that demons
give you and replace them with spiritual thoughts
(Phil.! 4:8). 2. Positive confession is faith
expressed. Negative confessions characterize demonic
influence and will open the door to the enemy (Mark
11:23). 3. Jesus withstood Satan's temptation by using
Scripture. The Word is a mirror to the soul (James
1:22-25); it is a lamp unto the feet for guidance
(Psalm 119:105); it is a cleansing agent (Eph.
5:25-26); it is a two-edged sword, laying bare the
heart (Heb. 4:12); it is food for the spirit (I Pet.
2:2 and Matt. 4:4). No person can long maintain
deliverance apart from the Word of God as a primary
factor in his life (Psalm 1:1-3)! 4. Take up your
cross daily and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). If fleshly
appetites, desires and lusts are not brought to the
cross, a way for demons to return will be left open
(Gal. 5:19-21 and 24). 5. Develop a life of continuous
praise and prayer which silences the enemy. Pray in
the Spirit (in tongues) and also in the understanding
(I Cor. 14:14). "Pray without ceasing" (I Thes. 5:17).
6. Maintain a life of fellowship and spiritual
ministry. It is the sheep that wanders from the flock
that is most endangered. Desire spiritual gifts and
yield to their operation through you within the body
of Christ (I Cor. 12:7-14). 7. Commit yourself totally
to Christ. Determine that every thought, word and
action will reflect the very nature of Christ. Faith
and trust in God is the greatest weapon against the
Devil's lies (Eph. 6:16).
Doing these seven
things will insure that your "house" (life) is filled
after having been cleansed. Do not settle for anything
less (Romans 5:10)!
AN ATTITUDE
OF GRATITUDE - Sometimes to understand what
something is, it is good to know what it is not. Let's
consult Webster's Dictionary: "Ingratitude - n.,
ungratefulness, lack of gratitude; adj., unthankful,
unmindful, thankless." And what it is: "Gratitude -n.,
thanks, thankfulness, appreciation, indebtedness;
adj., to be beholding, indebted, in one's debt."
"Thanks" ,
"thanksgiving" and "thankful" are used 137 times in
the Bible. If the ingredients of gratitude were
counted, it would include praise, joy, rejoicing, etc.
If all these were counted, the number of times
"gratitude" appears in its many forms would be
staggering.
I began a study
about gratitude to God. This is what I found: I Chron.
16:4, & 7-11 is the first account of God's people
(Levities) appointed to give praise and thanks to God
continually. II Chron. 20:21-22 shows praises go
before the people for victory against overwhelming
odds. Acts 16:25 says Paul and Silas were delivered
out of prison after they continually sang praises to
God.
Read these accounts
for realization of the value of gratitude to God:
Deut. 28:47-48 Amplified Bible, "Because you did not
serve the Lord your God with joyfulness of mind and
heart in gratitude for the abundance of all with which
He both blessed you, therefore, you shall serve your
enemies whom the Lord shall send against you, in
hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in the want of
all things: and He will put a yoke of iron upon your
neck until He has destroyed you."
See James 4:7-8 and
Heb. 3:17-18. The Devil does not flee from you because
you have not submitted yourself to God. You should
rejoice in your salvation even if all else fails.
It is very important
to serve the Lord with joy; joy being a large part of
gratitude: Eph. 5:20, Amplified Bible, "At all times
and for everything giving thanks in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father." I Thes. 5:18,
"Thank God in everything no matter what the
circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks; for
this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you." Here thankfulness is emphasized by its double
usage.
You will never
escape the fact that you are in charge of your
attitudes. Attitudes reside in the mind. You are in
charge of that mind in your head (II Cor. 10:5). The
way you allow your mind to think will eventually
become YOU (Matt. 12:35-37)!
Here are some verses
to clarify your thinking: Ezra 3:10-13 & 6:16-22,
account of triumph and joy at the destruction of idol
worship and renewed worship of God; Prov. 4:23, guard
your heart - life flows from it; Matt. 12:35-36, you
are what flows out of you; Prov. 18:21, death and life
are in your tongue (watch it, man); Prov. 12:25,
anxiety - heavy heart, encouragement, help; Josh. 1:8,
formula for good success. Phil. 4:8, think on these
things; Col. 3:16, let Christ's words live in you;
Mark 11:23, you have what you believe and say; Ps.
50:23 order your conversation rightly (if you say with
your lips yea", but in your heart "nay", you just
cancelled); and II Tim. 3:2, ungrateful is high on the
list of signs of the end times in personal life.
HOW TO BE
MISERABLE
1. Think only about
yourself. 2. Talk only about yourself. 3. Use "I" as
often as possible. 4. Mirror yourself continually in
the opinion of others. 5. Listen greedily to what
others say about you. 6. You be suspicious of others.
7. You expect to always be appreciated by others. 8.
You be jealous and sensitive of others. 9. You never
forgive others. 10. Trust nobody but yourself. 11. You
insist on consideration and respect by others. 12. You
demand agreement with your own views. 13. Sulk if
people are not grateful to you. 14. Never forget a
service you have rendered. 15. Be on the look-out
always for a good time for yourself. 16. Shirk your
duties when you can. 17. You do as little for others
as possible. 18. Love yourself supremely. 19. You
always be selfish towards others. 20. Think only of
me, I and mine, and you, yours and yourself.
ANALYSIS OF
THE HOLY BIBLE , BOOK 16. THE FAMILY,
twenty pages of scriptures about the family and its
different functions (we recommend that you look these
scriptures up in your Bible and read them to the
family):
Chapter 1. Virginity
1. VIRGINS
MENTIONED: GEN. 24:16; NUM. 31:35; JUD. 21:12 2. DRESS
OF VIRGIN PRINCESSES: 2 SAM. 12:18 3. THE CHARMS OF
THE SHULAMITE: SOL. 6:4-10 4. ANOTHER PICTURE OF THE
SAME: SOL. 7:1-9 5. VIRGIN CAPTIVES SPARED: NUM.
31:13-19 6. THE PERPETUAL VIRGINITY OF JEPTHA'S
DAUGHTER: JUD. 11:30-31, 34-36, 39-40 7. THIS
VIRGINITY BEWAILED: JUD. 11:37-38 8. BROTHERS GUARDING
A SISTER'S HONOR: SOL. 8:8-9 9. HER CHASTITY
INVINCIBLE: SOL. 8:10-12 10. NOT TO BE MARRIED, LOOKED
UPON AS A CALAMITY: PS. 78:63-64 11. PAUL THOUGHT IT
BETTER NOT TO BE MARRIED, AS THINGS THEN WERE: COR.
7:1, 7, 8, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38 12.
BUT BETTER TO MARRY THAN TO BURN: I COR. 7:2, 9 13.
THE GIFT OF CONTINENCE: MAT. 19:10-12 14. CONTINENCE
REWARDED: REV. 14:4
Chapter 2. The
Institution And Laws Of Marriage 15. MARRIAGE A DIVINE
ORDINANCE: GEN. 2:18, 20, 22, 23; 3:20; 5:2; 9:1, 7; I
COR. 11:11-12 16. BUT ONLY FOR THIS LIFE: LUKE
20:27-36 17. MARRIAGE COMMENDED: RUTH 1:9; PROV.
18:22; 31:10-12; HEB. 13:4 18. ASCETICISM REBUKED: I
TIM. 4:3; 5:14-15 19. MONOGAMY: GEN. 2:24 -----1.
Implied in the original institution of marriage: Gen.
2:24 -----2. In what is said of the wives of Noah and
his sons: Gen. 7:13 -----3. And in what Christ said
Mat. 19:5-6; Mark 10:7-8. 20. POLYGAMY AND CONCUBINAGE
PRACTISED: -----1. A Cainite the first polygamist:
Gen. 4:19 -----2. The Patriarchs: Gen. 25:1-6; 36:2-3;
29:25-28, 30 I Kings 11:1-3; SOL. 6:8; 2 Chron. 11:21
3. Gideon the Judge: Jud. 8:30 4. Elkanah the Levite:
I Sam. 1:2 5. Trouble from it: I Sam. 1:6-8; Gen.
21:14; Gen. 16:4-6 6. Saul: 2 Sam. 3:7; 7. David: I
Sam. 27:3; 2 Sam. 5:13; I Chron. 14:3 8. Solomon: I
Kings 11:13; Sol. 6:8 9. Rehoboam: 2 Chron. 11:21
21. POLYGAMY NOT
PROHIBITED BY MOSES, BUT RESTRAINED AND DISCOURAGED:
1. Two sisters not to be taken together: Lev. 18:18 2.
The firstborn to have his right: Deut. 21:15-17 3.
Ceremonial burdens imposed: Lev. 15:18 4. Citizenship
Denied to Eunuchs: Deut. 23:1 22. MARRIAGES WITH
GENTILES: 1. Objected to: Gen. 24:3-6, 37-38; 27:46;
28:1-2; Jud. 14:1-3; Gen. 34:13-14 2. But sometimes
happened: Lev. 24:10; Gen. 41:50; Num. 12:1; I Kings
3:1 3. In the case of Samson by divine appointment:
Jud. 14:4 4. Circumcision required: Gen. 34:15-17 5.
Female captives in war, if not Canaanites: Deut.
21:10-14 23. MARRIAGES WITH NEAR RELATIONS: 1.
Prohibited by the Mosaic Law: LEV. 18:6-17; 20:11-12,
14, 17, 19-21; MARK 6:17-19 2. But had been allowed
before the giving of the Law: Gen. 12:13, 16-20; 20:2,
9-14, 20:16; 26:7; 27:9-11; Ex. 6:20; Num. 26:59 24.
LEVIRATE MARRIAGES: 1. In the Patriarchal Period: Gen.
38:8-11 2. As regulated by Moses: Deut. 25:5-10 3.
Boaz and Ruth: Ruth 2:1, 10-13; 3:2, 4-18 25.
HEIRESSES: NUM. 36:1-8, 10-12; I CHRON. 23:22 26.
HEBREW PRIESTS: LEV. 21:7-8, 13-15; EZEK. 44:22 27.
CHRISTIAN MINISTERS: I TIM. 3:2, 12 28. THE MOSAIC LAW
OF DIVORCE: DEUT. 24:1-4 1. Metaphorical use: Is. 50:1
29. THE CHRISTIAN LAW: MAT. 5:31-32; 19:3-9; MARK
10:2-12; LUKE 16:18; I COR. 7:10-17
Chapter 3. Modes Of
Getting A Wife 30. BY VIOLENCE: JUD. 21:1, 14, 16,
18-23 31. BY PARENTAL AUTHORITY: GEN. 31:26, 31; JUD.
14:20; 15:1-3, 6; I SAM. 18:17-24; 25:44; 2 SAM.
3:13-16; 13:13 1. In requital of military prowess:
Jos. 15:16-17; I Sam. 18:25-27 32. CHOSEN OR PROCURED
BY OTHERS: 1. By parents: Gen. 34:4, 6, 8-10; 38:6;
Jud. 14:10 2. By a household servant: Gen. 24:1-9, 49
3. By messengers: I Sam. 25:39-43 33. PROPOSALS: 1.
Refused: I Kings 2:19-22; Sol. 6:13 2. The suitor
slain: I Kings 2:23-25 3. Parable of Joash: 2 Chron.
25:18; 2 Kings 14:9 34. CHOICE BY THE PARTIES
THEMSELVES: 1. In accordance with the wish of parents:
Gen. 28:5-9 2. Consent of the bride: Gen. 24:57-59 3.
After that of relatives: Gen. 24:51, 60; 25:20 4.
Independently of Others: Gen. 38:1-2; 11:29-30; Ex.
6:23, 25 5. Moved by ardent affection: Gen. 29:11,
18-20; 34:3, 18-19; I Sam. 18:28; Ps. 45:10-11; Sol.
1:2-4; 3:1-5; 8:5-7 6. The Christian rule of choice: 2
Cor. 6:14, 17
Chapter 4. Betrothal
And Wedding 35. BETROTHAL: 1. Betrothal presents: Gen.
24:21-23, 53 2. Blessings from friends: Ruth 4:11-12
3. Feast: Gen. 24:54-56 4. Exemption from military
service: Deut. 20:7 5. Spiritual Betrothal: Hos.
2:19-23; 2 Cor. 11:2
36. THE BRIDEGROOM:
1. His companions: Jud. 14:11; Mat. 9:15; John 3:29 2.
Comes by night, and is met with torches: Mat. 25:1,
5-9 3. Longing for the bride: Sol. 4:7-16 37. THE
BRIDE: 1. Her bath: Ruth 3:3 2. Veil: Gen. 24:62-65 3.
Attire: Rev. 19:7-8; Ps. 45:14 4. Jewels: Is. 61:10;
Jer. 2:32 5. Dowry: Gen. 34:11-12; Ps. 45:12 6.
Response to the bridegroom: Sol. 4:6, 16; 5:2-8;
8:1-4, 13-14 7. The bride of the Lamb: Rev. 21:9 38.
THE WEDDING: 1. Guest: Ps. 45:15; Mat. 25:10-12; John
2:1-2 2. Wedding Garments: Mat. 22:11-13 3.
Festivities: Gen. 31:27-28; Is. 62:5; Jer. 7:34; 25:10
4. Entertainments: Jud. 14:12-14, 18 5. Consummation:
Gen. 29:21-23; 24:66-67; Sol. 1:12-17; 2:1-7; 5:1 6.
Tokens of virginity: Deut. 22:13-21 7. Exemption from
military service: Deut. 24:5; 20:7
Chapter 5. Married
Life 39. THE MARRIED STATE: 1. It joys: Ruth 3:1; Ecc.
9:9 2. Its cares: I Cor. 7:34-35 3. Metaphorical: Jer.
3:14 40. MARITAL RIGHTS: GEN. 26:8; 30:15-16; I COR.
7:3-6 1. Ablution: Lev. 15:18 41. DUTIES OF HUSBANDS:
GEN. 31:50; PROV. 5:15-20; EPH. 5:28, 31-33; COL.
3:19; I TIM. 5:8; I PET. 3:7 42. DUTIES OF WIVES: GEN.
3:16; I COR. 7:39; 11:8-9; EPH. 5:22-24; COL. 3:18; I
TIM. 2:11-14; TIT. 2:1, 4-5; I PET. 3:1-2, 5-6 43. A
GOOD WIFE: PROV. 11:16; 12:4; 14:1; 19:14; 31:16-18,
20, 25-31 44. A BAD WIFE: 1. Contentious: Prov. 19:13;
21:9, 19; 25:24; 27:15-16 2. Insolent: 2 Sam. 6:20-23
3. Treacherous: Jud. 14:15-17 4. Tempting to idolatry:
Jud. 3:5-6; Jer. 44:9-10, 15-16 5. Jezebel an
instance: I Kings 21:7, 14-15, 25 6. Deserting her
husband: Jer. 3:20 45. THE HEBREW WIFE'S POSITION: 1.
Preparing food: Gen. 18:6 2. Dispensing hospitality: 2
Kings 4:8 3. Siding with the husband against the
father: Gen. 31:14-16 4. Pacifying an enemy: I Sam.
25:14, 25-26, 35 5. Saving the husband's life: I Sam.
19:11-12, 14-17 6. Devoting a son to the Lord: I Sam.
1:22, 25-28 7. The law of a wife's vow: Num. 30:6-8,
10-16 8. The trial of jealousy: Num. 5:12-15 a. The
ordeal water: Num. 5:16-18 b. The woman's oath: Num.
5:19-22 c. The divine judgment: Num. 5:23-31
Chapter 6. Parents
and Children 46. CHILDREN THE GIFT OF GOD: GEN. 4:1,
25; 30:2, 5-6, 17-21, 24; 29:32-33; 33:5; PS. 127:3;
RUTH 4:13; I SAM. 1:19-20 47. CHILDREN A BLESSING AND
A CREDIT: GEN. 5:29; JOB. 21:11; PROV. 17:6; RUTH
4:14-15; PS. 107:41; 127:4-5 48. PROMISED AS A REWARD:
DEUT. 7:12, 14; JOB 5:24-25; PS. 45:16-17; 128:2-6;
IS. 48:19 49. TAKEN AWAY IN PUNISHMENT: DEUT. 28:32,
41; 2 SAM. 12:14; JOB 18:19; 27:14 -15; PS. 21:10-11;
HOS. 9:12 50. BARRENNESS: 1. An affliction: Gen.
15:2-3; Jud. 13:2; Luke 1:7, 24-25; Gen. 11:30; I Sam.
6:1-8 2. Miraculously removed: Gen. 18:11-13, 15; Luke
1:36 51. ABORTIVE BIRTHS: JOB. 3:16; 10:18-19; JER.
20:15-17; HOS.9:11, 14; PS. 58:8 52. DESIRE FOR
CHILDREN: GEN. 30:1, 3-4; I Sam. 1:11, 26, 27 53.
CONCEPTION AND PREGNANCY: NUM. 11:12; PS. 139:14-16;
ECC. 11:5; LUKE 1:41 54. BIRTH: GEN. 29:34-35; 30:7,
9-10, 12; 38:3-5; 41:50; EX. 2:1-2; I KINGS 3:17-18; 2
KINGS 19:3; PS. 7:14; 22:9-10; 71:6; IS. 26:17-18;
42:14; JER. 4:31; 20:14, 18; MICAH 4:9-10; JOHN 16:21;
I TIM. 2:15; REV. 12:2 55. TWINS: GEN. 25:24-26;
38:27-30 56. DEATH IN CHILDBED: GEN. 35:16-18; I SAM.
4:19-20 57. MIDWIVES: EX. 1:1521 58. TREATMENT OF
NEWBORN CHILD: EZEK. 16:4-6 59. NAMING AT BIRTH: GEN.
21:3; 30:8, 11, 13; 41:51-52; EX. 2:22; RUTH 4:17; I
SAM. 4:21-22; I CHRON. 4:9 60. DEATH OF INFANT BY
OVERLYING: I KINGS 3:19-21 61. CARE OF INFANTS: 1.
Nursing: Ex. 2:7-9; Ruth 4:16; Acts 7:20 2. Weaning:
Gen. 21:8; I Sam. 1:23; I Kings 11:20; Ps. 131:2; Is.
28;9 3. Teaching To Walk: Hos. 11:3 62. ADOPTION: GEN.
48:5-6; EX. 2:3-6, 10; ACTS 7:21; GEN. 16:2; 30:3-7,
9-13; ROM. 8:15-23; GAL. 4:5; EPH. 1:5 63. NOTEWORTHY
FAMILIES: GEN. 29:16-17; NUM. 26:33; I SAM. 14:49; 2
KINGS 10:1 64. PARENTAL AUTHORITY: GEN. 18;19;
50:15-18, 21; NUM. 30:3-5; 2 SAM. 14:23-24 65.
EXAMPLE: PS. 49:13; 2 TIM. 1:5 66. INSTRUCTION: EX.
10:2; 13:8-10; DEUT. 4:9-10; 11:19; I SAM. 2:26; PS.
78:3 -8; PROV. 22:6 67. CORRECTION: 1.Should be
effective: Prov. 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15,
17 2. But not unjust: Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21 68.PARENTAL
INDULGENCE: 1. In the case of Eli: I Sam. 2:22-24 2.
Penalty denounced: I Sam. 3:13-14 3. And inflicted: I
Sam. 4:13-14, 16-17 4. David's care for Absalom: 2
Sam. 18:5 5. His inefficient wrath at Amnon: 2 Sam.
13:21 69. DUTIES OF CHILDREN TO PARENTS: 1. Reverence:
Deut. 5:16; 27:16; Lev. 19:3; Is. 45:10; Luke 18:18,
20-21; Eph. 6:2-3 a. Reverence and irreverence
exemplified: Gen. 9:22-23 2. Obedience: Prov. 6:20-22;
23-22; Jer. 3:4-5, 19; Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20 a. The
penalty of disobedience: Deut. 21:18-21; Prov. 30:17
3. Docility: Ps. 34:11; Prov. 1:8-9; 4:1-4, 10-13,
20-22; 8:32-33; 12:1; 13:1; 15:5; 20:11; 23:19 70.
OFFENCES AGAINST PARENTS: 1. Robbing: Prov. 28:24;
19:26 2. Smiting: Ex. 21:15 3. Cursing: Ex. 21:17;
Lev. 20:9; Prov. 20:20; 30:11; Mat.15:4-6; Mark
7:10-12 71. THE GLADNESS AND SHAME OF PARENTS: PROV.
10:1; 15:20; 17:21, 25; 23:15 -16, 24-25; 27:11; 28:7
Chapter 7. Widows
And Orphans 72. THE BITTERNESS OF THEIR LOT: RUTH 1:5,
19-21; JOB 24:3; PS. 94:6-7; JER. 15:8-9; LAM. 5:2-3;
IS. 51:18 73. THEIR CLAIM TO PROTECTION: DEUT. 24:17;
JOB 29:11-13; 31:16-23; I TIM. 5:16; JAMES 1:27 74.
GOD THEIR AVENGER: EX. 22:22-24; DEUT. 10:18; 27:19;
JOB 22: 9-11; PS. 68:5; 146:9; PROV. 15:25 75. WIDOWS
TO BE HONORED, IF WIDOWS INDEED: I TIM. 5:3-7 1. A
notable example: Luke 2:37 76. A WIDOW'S VOW BINDING:
NUM. 30:9 77. FOR SERVICE IN THE CHURCH: I TIM. 5:9-13
Chapter 8. Family
Affections 78. THE OLD HOME: GEN. 31:3; EX. 4:18-19
79. PARENTS IN LAW: EX. 18:1-4, 27; RUTH 1:7-8, 10-18,
22 80. GRANDFATHER: GEN. 48:8-12, 20 81. UNCLE AND
NEPHEW: GEN. 29:12-14 82. PARENTS AND CHILDREN: 1.
Love to children: Gen. 21:15-16; 31:55; 42:36; 45:28;
46:29-30; I Kings 3:26; 2 Sam. 13:37-39 2. God's love
like that of a father: Deut. 1:31; 2 Cor. 6:18 3.
Gifts to children: Gen. 25:5; Jos. 15:18-19; 2 Chron.
11:23; Luke 11:11 -12 4. Favorite children: Gen.
25:28; 37:3-4, 35; 42:4, 38; 43:13-14 44:19 -22,
27-31; 48:22; 2 Chron. 11:22 5. Rebekah's unscrupulous
favoritism: Gen. 27:8, 12-13 6. The blessing stolen in
consequence: Gen. 27:18-20, 24, 26, 29 7. Esau's
disappointment and grief: Gen. 27:32-38 83. BRETHREN:
1. Brotherly love: Gen. 42:7-8; Ex. 4:27; Jud. 8:19;
Ps. 133:1-3 2. Hatred and injury by brethren: Gen.
27:41-45; 37:11, 18-22, 24, 26-27, 30; 2 Sam. 13:22;
Prov. 18;19 3. But not revenged: Gen. 33:4; 42:24;
43:30; 45:1-4, 13-15, 22-24