THE BLOOD OF JESUS CLEANSES YOU FROM ALL SIN AND GUILT (1 JOHN 1:7).
JESUS IS THE DELIVERER!!
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
1. Children submit to parents; wife - husband; husband - Christ; and Christ - God.
2. God and Christ talk about us; the Holy Spirit then brings the message to us.
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. 40-41God'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
7. 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