1. Part 2

2. “ Marriages that please God and are pleasing to men are no accident ! They do not merely ‘ happen,’ but come about as a result of hard work and a commitment by a man and woman to God and to one another. “ Spouses, are you committed ?” ( Jarrod Jacobs, The Old Paths, 2/6/11) - Inherit a blessing, or the wind ? 1 Peter 3:8-9; Proverbs 11:29 2

3. And you will fail to see your marriage as a blessing, 1 Pet 3:7And you will fail to see your marriage as a blessing, 1 Pet 3:7 –Eve was God ’ s special blessing to Adam, Gen 2:21-23 –Proud and boastful heart is unthankful, 1 Sam 25:3, 33, 37 –Ruth and Boaz, Ruth 3:11; 4:11-12 Courtesy and gratitude show thoughtfulness and care, 1 Tim 4:4Courtesy and gratitude show thoughtfulness and care, 1 Tim 4:4 –See the good things your spouse does for you, Prov 19:22 3

4. Self - indulgent greed destroys marriage, Prov 15:27Self - indulgent greed destroys marriage, Prov 15:27 –Sacrifice, Eph 5:25 –Scatter blessings, Prov 11:24-26; 21:25-26 –Different forms : Gambling, waste, worldly pleasures, etc. –Be generous to each other and blessings will return to you, Eccl 11:1- 2 (1 Pet 3:9) 4

5. Husband who does not honor his wife is laying the groundwork for destruction, 1 Pet 3:7Husband who does not honor his wife is laying the groundwork for destruction, 1 Pet 3:7 –Live joyfully, Eccl 9:9 – “ Bone of my bones… ” Father who provokes and discourages his children also damages his marriageFather who provokes and discourages his children also damages his marriage –Kills honor and respect 5

6. Worthy woman yields to her head from a meek and quiet spirit, 1 Pet 3:1-6Worthy woman yields to her head from a meek and quiet spirit, 1 Pet 3:1-6 –Domineering wife / Passive husband –Honor him by “ doing him good ” and you will be praised, Prov 31:10-12, 28 Does your husband know he is the most important person in your life ? How does he know ?Does your husband know he is the most important person in your life ? How does he know ? By your respectful submission from a gentle, reverent spiritBy your respectful submission from a gentle, reverent spirit 6

7. God joined you together, Matt 19:6God joined you together, Matt 19:6 –He was there at the beginning …but is He there now ? –God ’ s love must surround you, shield you and strengthen you all your life, Phil 4:5-7 –When God is forgotten, marriages struggle and fail, Mal 2:14-16 7

8. “ He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind.” ( Prov 11:29) - Repent of every sin that is hurting your marriage - Repent of every sin that is hurting your marriage - Revive yourself and your marriage in God ’ s love ( Psa 119:88) - Revive yourself and your marriage in God ’ s love ( Psa 119:88) 8