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