Memory Verse
"I am the vine ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing". John 15:5
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 3:5-10
INTRODUCTION
As believers, we are co-labourers with God. We need God in the business and God needs us, but we need God more than He needs us. May the grace to make ourselves more available in partnership be given to us as we study at His feet in Jesus' Name.
OUTLINES
1. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES
2. THE ROLE OF THE HUSBAND AND THE WIFE IN PARTNERSHIP
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES
God is the vine and we are the branches. The vine needs the branches and the branches need the vine more. You God and God needs you, but you need God more than .He need God is the Creator of Heaven and the Earth. God can do well without you but without God you can do nothing - John 15:5. God, in His with all His power and might, is faithful in playing His part and in the keeping of His covenant Numbers 23:19; Psalm 62:11. So, for you to enjoy the maximum benefit of the relationship, you must be:
- Saved -John 3:3 -5.
- Faithful- Hebrews 11: 6. 3. Holy- Hebrews 12:14.
- Obedient - Isaiah 1:19.
- A cheerful giver- 2 Corinthians 9: 7.
DUTIES OFTHE MOTHERS IN THE HOME
Mothers are tremendous assets; hence, the major duty of a wife is to love to serve Jesus Christ Luke 14: 26. The wife is to obey her husband - Eph 5: 22. Sarah is a good example to follow - 1 Peter 3:6. Wives are not only to respect their husbands but they are to love them too - Titus 2:4. Husbands need a great deal of affection, too. The woman is not to be adorned with ornaments -1 Tim. 2:9-10. Instead, wives are to be adorned with good work, including modesty and sobriety, meekness and have a quiet spirit - 1 Peter 3:4-5. A Christian wife must be trustworthy, hardworking and be an early riser Proverbs 31: 11, 13, 15. The responsibility of the wife is great but Jesus will give grace to those who ask Him.
THE ROLE OFTHE HUSBAND AND THE WIFE IN PARTNERSHIP
God instituted marriage for a purpose but it takes the effort of both the man and the woman for the marriage to work. Both of them must work towards a common goal. An excellent example is procreation. This is. Virtually impossible except a man and a woman come together for this common purpose. Then, God will now shower His blessings on them Gen.1:22; 1 Cor. 3: 6; Amos 3:3.
HUSBAND'S ROLES
He is the human head of the family - Eph. 5: 25-33. He must be able to rule his family well- CoI.3:20. He must love his wife - Ephesians 5: 25.
He is the priest of the family. He must establish and direct the family altar - Eph. 6:4; Colossians 3:20-21.
WIFE'S ROLES
She must be a good help meet to her husband - Eph.5:22-24.
She must love and respect her husband.
She must be submissive to her husband.
She must adorn herself with holiness and sobriety.
CONCLUSION
In partnership, there is need for team work with one goal, one vision and one purpose since both the husband and the· wife are God's representatives on earth. The day of accountability is coming, so, they must sacrifice everything possible to keep the relationship together in unity of purpose and with one spirit, all to the glory of God and their own blessing.
QUESTIONS
1. Mention the role of the husband in a marriage relationship.
2. Mention the relationship between God as the Vine and we as the branches.
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: 1 Timothy 2:11-15 - God's order for the Christian home is clear enough.
TUESDAY: Galatians 3:13 - Homes turned to Christ are redeemed from every curse and become a blessed one.
WEDNESDAY: Proverbs 31:10-31 - Are you a virtuous mother or wife?
THURSDAY: Hebrews 12:7-8 - Do not neglect discipline in your home.
FRIDAY: Titus 2:9-10 - Let every member of the home, including servants, be alert to their responsibilities. .
SATURDAY: 1 Samuel 3:13 - God will not spare parents who fail to correct their children who err.
SUNDAY: 2 Timothy 1: 5 - Let us take a cue from Lois and Eunice as parents.
