The Basic Cause of Marriage Problems
Lesson 1.
1 Corinthians 7:3 “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.”
Anything that God does is perfect. In the account of creation in Genesis, the Bible tells us that when God finished the creation of all things, it was very good. After creating all the material things on earth, he created living creatures. All of God’s creatures (except for one) are guided by instinct; that is, an inborn pattern of behavior, that impels the creature from within to do what it does. A male and female goose will mate for life. If one dies, the other will not mate again. Many animals and birds will protect their young at the expense of their own life. On the other hand, some will not protect their young and even kill them. The one exception is man, who was created in the image of God.
“In wedlock separate ownership of the person ceases.” As Matthew Henry stated, “the wife becomes that man’s second self.” The Bible teaches that the wife is to be in subjection to the man in the marriage (Ephesians 5). However, in the intimate relation, the husband and wife are on equal plain. Paul makes that clear in this verse and shows the responsibilities are tantamount between the two. In other words, agreeing exactly in value and effect.
Paul approaches this subject in the most delicate way; however, by the context, there is no doubt as to the subject at hand. In verse 3, the word “benevolence” means “kindness and/or goodwill. The word “due” means “a debt owed.” In verse 4, the word “power” is defined as, “to have full and entire authority over the body.” This is completely contrary to the feminism philosophy which teaches its followers that man is a necessary evil to be used and tolerated. One presidential candidate (Mike Huckabee) this winter was criticized for stating his position that the wife was to be subject to her husband. That is why the feminist hate the word of God and Christian men and women. We will study the rest of this text in a future lesson.
God created something for mankind that is unique. He created the ability for men and women to experience an intangible, loving relationship. The institution of marriage was created by God so that a man and woman could have a unique loving relationship and be bonded together by a contract. Man was given a free will, being the exception to the rule of instinct, and was given a will and a volition to carry out that will. Everything was just fine until he corrupted his will through sin. Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Because of man’s sinful nature, it was necessary for God to give mankind a covenant in order to give the man and woman a sense of responsibility before God. Because of man’s corrupt will and nature, marriage, in every case without exception is less than perfect. In many cases one or both of the mates instead of rendering, “due benevolence,” will neglect their responsibility or violate God’s principles and guidelines, thereby corrupting their relationship with one another and their children.
It is everyone’s responsibility who enters into this institution to preserve it and keep it pure. You must see that the marriage vows which you have or will enter into are kept wholesome and modest and pure. Hebrews 13:4 Marriage [is] honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. It is of the utmost importance that you understand the gravity of that contract. As I mentioned before, In wedlock separate ownership of the each marriage partner ceases. It is a partnership with each partner holding an equal share. No one should assume that their marriage is so perfect that it cannot be improved upon. [continued] E-mail, johnpruitt@frontiernet.net
The Basic Cause of Marriage Problems
