Knowing God's Purpose in Our Marriages - Zac Poonen - April 7, 2012
RLCF Spring Conference 2012 Session 4: April 7, 2012 http://rlcfchurch.org River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker contrasts the revelation of God's purpose in the Old Covenant versus the New Covenant, noting that while Old Testament prophets' personal lives were largely irrelevant to their ministry, the New Covenant places significant emphasis on a believer's home life. Specifically, the speaker cites 1 Timothy 3, detailing that an elder must be above reproach, temperate, and capable of managing their own family well, a standard that would disqualify many Old Testament figures.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why home life didn't matter in the Old CovenantIn the Old Covenant, prophets like Moses and Samuel could have dysfunctional family lives while still speaking God's word, because their ministry did not depend on how they lived at home.
The New Covenant requirement for leadership at homeIn the New Covenant, an overseer or elder must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, serving as a practical training ground for caring for God's church.1 Timothy 3:2
The three-story building of the Christian lifeThe Christian life is built like a three-story building: God's love as the foundation, personal walk with God as the first floor, family life as the second, and the church as the third.
Who should take the first step to restore peace?Following God's example of taking the first step toward fallen humanity, the more spiritual partner in a marriage should humble themselves first to restore peace.
Progressing from clash to peace to fellowshipJust as a fight requires two cooperative hands, if one person is willing to die to self, there is peace; if both are willing, there is true fellowship.
Viewing each other as the wife of your youthHusbands must view and value their wives as the desire of their eyes and the wife of their youth, following the positive examples found even in the Old Testament.Malachi 2:14
Guarding the eyes and the heartBelievers must guard their hearts and eyes against ungodly desires and look past the superficial distractions of the world.Proverbs 6:23
What does biblical headship and submission mean?Husbands are called to be the head by acting as a loving brain that serves and protects the body, and wives are called to be subject to their husbands as unto Christ.Ephesians 5:21
Winning a disobedient spouse through conductWives with disobedient husbands should not constantly preach, but rather win them through a gentle and quiet spirit and godly conduct.1 Peter 3:1
The greatest inheritance of peace for childrenParents should resolve their disagreements away from their children to provide them with a secure home rooted in peace rather than conflict.
The power of agreement in prayerWhen a husband and wife are in a symphony of agreement before God, they can bring their family challenges to Him and expect answers.Matthew 18:19
