Sermon INTRODUCTION Home Grown Resolutions

The good news and hope of the gospel is that God’s love for us in Christ is despite, not because of, our failures or our obedience

Make the husband – wife relationship the priority in marriage

Men, the best thing you can do as a dad is to love your wife well. Ladies, the best thing you can do as a mom is to love your husband well.

The FOUNDATION of your marriage - THE BIBLE The FOUNTAIN of your marriage – The Gospel The FOCUS of Your Marriage – the Glory of God.

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, [2] when they see your respectful and pure conduct. [3] Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear

4] but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. [5] For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, [6] as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.

And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. [7] Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

8] Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. [9] Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

[10] For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; [11] let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:1-12 ESV)

What is at stake? – The possibility of having God’s Face being against us because of the evil of our lips.

-all of you be "harmonious” -all of you be "sympathetic“ -all of you be "brotherly” -all of you be "kindhearted" -all of you be "humble in spirit."

All five of those words are descriptions of what we are on the inside, not primarily how we act. Peter is telling us to avoid the relational verbal downward spiral

What does it sound like? Name calling and insults Sarcasm or ridicule A contentious man - Prov. 26:17-21 A nagging wife – Prov. 21:9

By contrast we are called to “give a blessing instead”. Praise to God - What positive traits can you praise him or her for verbally? Benefits /bestowed gifts - What benefits or presents/ gifts can you bestow upon your spouse?

Giving thanks to God for His gifts and favor – What qualities of your spouse are you thankful for, and how can you express that? To Call God’s favor down upon – What specific areas of your spouse’s life can you pray for and ask God to bless?

Make it a RESOLUTION to give a blessing with your words. The same Holy Spirit who lived in Jesus lives in all who know Christ by faith.

Have any of us every been reviled the way Jesus was? The worst thing your spouse has ever said to or about you is only a fraction of what could have been said had your true heart been exposed.

We CAN give a blessing instead when we consider Him who was sinless and took our sin upon Himself so that we might receive the blessings of forgiveness and eternal life