The Family of Faith

Based on Col 3:18-21 (and elaborated in Eph 5:21-6:4)

1. Fathers do not embitter (exasperate or discourage) your children but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Your children are your disciples to bring up in the Lord. Encourage and build them up.

2. Children obey your parents in everything for this pleases the Lord. If children honour their parents, it will go well with them and they will have long life.

3. Husband love your wife as Christ loved the church. Do not be harsh with her. He who loves his wife loves himself. Love often means sacrifice so ask God for strength and perseverance in loving your wife.

4. Wife submit to your husband as to the Lord. This is the 'special weapon' that God has given you for transformational change in your marriage. You hold the key for as you submit, God will change you and then will change your husband. So submit to and respect your husband.

Then Paul goes on to say we need to take up the full armour of God and pray (Eph 6:10-20)
All the above can only happen as we stand in faith and prayer against the enemy of our souls who is out to destroy marriages and families.

The armour of God has 5 defensive portions and 2 offensive portions:

Defence - Belt of truth,
                 breastplate of righteousness,
                 footwear of peace,
                 shield of faith and
                 helmet of salvation
Offence - Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God spoken in faith)
                Praying in the Spirit (intercessory prayer in faith)