Messages with tag - Authority

Like relationships within the Godhead, the divine institution of marriage is defined through roles, with equality in person and distinctness in role. Authority and submission are foundational. Without authority we are left on our own, doomed to failure in our relationship with God and every relationship that flows from that pattern. If the idea of submission makes you want to fight for control, look carefully at the submission of our Savior. Successful marriages function through roles God has prescribed. Circumstances, feelings and cultural trends don’t alter Truth. See the effective analogy of dance and marriage; success in marriage is a function of the correct application of authority and submission carried out within marriage’s unique framework of intimacy, love and respect.

This passage is for every member of the family. Key words addressed to women, here and in parallel passages, are submission, fear (respect), authority, suffering, humility, and obedience. These concepts have application in everyone’s life. Originally woman was meant to co-rule. The Fall changed everything. The redemption solution for women emphasizes submission. Do women want to be part of the solution or contribute to the intensification of the consequences of judgment? If suffering and sacrifice are related to submission, they are temporary teachers, necessary for growth and as a witness to angels and men. Submission is addressed to the woman’s volition and may require patience and endurance, but through obedience, God is honored, we are blessed and rewards are granted.

This lesson also includes 1 Peter 3:1-6 and Titus 2:3-5.

The family is where the next generation is trained. Its health is related to the health of a society. Honoring parents shows humility and respect which is the essential response to authority. A leader must first learn to follow. Observe a child’s response to the parent of the opposite sex as an indicator of the way he will relate to his spouse. In Proverbs, verses concerning how to train children are practical guides of implementation. See the nature of Proverbs as wisdom sayings, not promises. Understand what it means to “train up a child” and when that begins. When is the “rod of correction” appropriate? What is the common starting point of every baby? Is discipline always negative? What is the direction of our culture regarding child rearing? How does discipline relate to God’s love for us? What was God’s ultimate expression of judicial punishment?

Proverbs recognizes the family as the first environment for learning. Proverbs exhorts children to listen attentively and learn. Knowing is to comprehend facts. Wisdom is that knowledge applied. Wisdom begins with recognition of God’s authority. The facts that are applied as wisdom are taken from the manual God has provided in His Word. Any other source of wisdom taught in the home is a path to destruction. The chain of command over the child resides in both parents, beginning with the priority role of the father. Learn about the metaphors and their ties to antiquity, which describe the rewards for the child who obeys these commands. Wisdom is application of God’s absolute Truth. Wisdom is the parents’ legacy to their children which will defend, guard, protect and become their basis for rewards.

To spank or not to spank? That is the question. Most child psychologists and social workers will tell you it is harmful and cruel. Listen to this lesson to discover that the Word of God insists that physical punishment done right and lovingly is necessary. Find out how to correctly train each child individually according to his personality to help him find a successful path for his life. Accept that parenting is hard work and principles must be taught over and over.