There are so many different things to distract us with the lies that are presented there.  I can’t remember the name of the movie that, at the end of it, had one of the greatest, I don’t want to call it a rant, per se.  But this man and woman were on the verge of divorce.  They had both tried dating and different things.  They were picking up their children, and the woman starts off reciting all of these things that he did that irritated her and, “Blah, blah, blah,” and they went on and on.  Then she said, “But what I’ve learned is this:  I’ve been out around other men, and they’ve all got problems.  So why should I leave you, go to one of them, and have to learn all of their problems when I already know yours.  We might as well work it out.  I don’t have to learn new stuff.  I know what we have to do to fix this thing.”  The truth in that is amazing because none of us is perfect physically, socially, emotionally, or spiritually. 

Just a few days before Janet passed, she was basically just a skeleton with skin pulled over it, eighty pounds or so, and I saw that there was a little tear trickling down from her eye as I was changing some things on her.  So, I asked, What’s wrong?”  She said, “Look at me.  Look at me.”  I said, “I am looking at you, and you’re just as beautiful as the day I first saw you.”  Physicality can change, sometimes in a moment.  One flash of fire in your face; an accident that cripples you.  We’re not in love with the physical; we’re in love with the person—spirit, soul, and body (amen?)—the whole being.  You should continually be pursuing; and, wives, you should continually be seducing.  This is the commandment to us.

If we’re going to protect ourselves and protect our union and not allow the strange woman to come into this conversation, I don’t care how old you are, you never get too old for the principle, “Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:27).  We’ve had people here in our fellowship ask, “What do you mean?  Are we supposed to act like the teenagers and not text others?  I’m fifty‑five years old.”  What’s that got to do with anything?  It could be worse for you because you’re so frustrated by now.  Kindle one flame and you’re gone.  These laws are written to humanity.  First Corinthians 7 speaks to you married men too.   Don’t touch a woman who is not your wife; amen?  Just so you understand 1 Corinthians 7, read it through; it’s very important. 

In First Peter are a couple of comments that are very important for us men if we’re going to love our wives as Christ loves the church and give ourselves for them in washing them with the water of the Word.  Men, the way you wash your wives with the water of the Word is to wash yourselves first so that you can be a living example.  You lead by example; you guide by example.  Our wives are not inferior in any way in their ability to pursue God.  Our wives are not less capable so that you need to be the instructor and teacher.  They can hear from God as well as, or better than, you can.  God has chosen to put you in the position of oversight and leadership, and has given you the responsibility to make sure that the home is orderly.  This washing with the Word is not a reproof and rebuke; it’s a refreshing and a strengthening.  The Word comes and strengthens and purifies us.  Oh, there might be times when there has to be some reproof or instruction.  So, when that time comes, men, make sure you’re spiritually mature enough to do it.  First of all, be scripturally and doctrinally pure; secondly, be humble and gentle and loving; amen?  Then you’ll get the results that you seek.

The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 3:7, speaking to the husbands, “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge.” Likewise, ye husbands, be like Jesus (amen?) and let’s set an example. 

Father, we thank You for Your presence and Your love for us.  We thank You for the gift of our wives.  Father we just stand and say, “Amen!” to the passage, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord.”  Help us to dwell with them according to knowledge.  Lord, help us to love our wives and not be harsh, cutting, or short, in our dealings as overseers.  In our role of superintendent, let us be kind and gentle and full of the fruit of the Spirit.  Help us, Father, as we move into that realm of oversight, that You might be glorified, that we would dwell together, and that our prayers, then, would not be hindered.  Show us that grace; show us that strength; give us that peace in Jesus’ name; amen.