1 Peter 3:1-7

The Family

(1) THE DEFINITION OIF MARRIAGE – v1

-the Bible is what we believe in and go by as believers

-the Bible gives us the definition of marriage

-1 Peter 3:1 – husbands and wives

-Genesis 2:21-24 – the Lord defines marriage

-Genesis 3:16 & 4:1 – the Lord says to have children – you need a man & a woman

-the Bible teaches equal rights for everyone, but not the redefinition of marriage

*Watch out for outside influences – stand on the Word of God…….

(2) MARRIAGE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE – 1 Corinthians 7:8-9

-the Lord has called some people to remain single

-if you have the desire to be married – do not marry an unbeliever – 2 Cor 6: 14-18

-Marry the right person –

-let the Lord decide who to marry

-wait on the Lord – the word wait means to serve – Matthew 6:33

-go after the Lord, be with people and let the lord decide…

3. WHEN IT COMES TO MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, HAVE SOME FIGHT IN YOU

We have a Promise in the Word of God…

1. Fight Spiritually

-prayer, fasting, authority, the Word, faith

-even when your eyes see the opposite of your prayers

-stay filled up – your conduct will have an effect on your marriage/walking in the Spirit will have an effect on your marriage

2. Fight Verbally

-By making verbal & Bible declarations to the Lord, spouse, and family

3. Fight Physically

-we put time into cars, hobbies, jobs and our bodies, what about putting some time into our marriages

4. Fight Mentally – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

*pull down all the darts from the enemy against your children and family

*the enemy plays mind games with you

*never declare separation or divorce