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A Strong Husband Commits to His Wife

In yesterday's blog,  we discussed the first requirement for a strong husband from 1 Peter 3:7. A strong husband submits to God. Today let’s consider a second requirement: if you want to be a strong husband, you must COMMIT TO YOUR WIFE.

This is taught in 1 Peter 3:7, which says: 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. 

That word “live with” implies more than just sharing the same address. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, it’s used to refer to the physical intimacy between a husband and his wife. Notice that this degree of intimacy is exclusive, it’s reserved between a husband and his wife. Husbands, we’re called to be committed to our wives.

Our culture will tell you that the strongest man is the one with the most women. The Bible tells you that the strongest man is the one who is committed to one.

Husband, are you committed to your wife? Are you flirting with unfaithfulness? Have you developed an emotional attraction to another woman? Do you find yourself thinking about her? Have you begun to act on these affections? Perhaps you’re listening and you’re justifying yourself because you would never touch another woman other than your wife. How’s your thought life, husband? Where do your eyes roam in the gym, when you’re watching television, or when you’re surfing the internet? Remember, the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:27-28—“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ (28) But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart

By the way, singles, before we move on it’s important for me to say a word to you. Hear me carefully: the only permissible outlet for sexual gratification is within marriage between one man and one woman. That’s incredibly unpopular, and I know it’s a type of suffering for some of you. But it is the unquestionable and consistent teaching of Scripture and Christian tradition for two thousand years.

Sometimes we talk about “pre-marital sex” as if the only issue was a matter of timing. It’s so much bigger than that. Engaging in physical intimacy even one hour before a marriage begins preaches a completely different message than the same act after the vows are said. If marriage is supposed to be a picture of Jesus and His love for the church, engaging in intimacy outside marriage preaches a demonic false gospel with our bodies. We’re saying that Jesus takes from His bride before He commits to His bride. God forbid.

Whether you’re a husband, a wife, or a single, listen to what God commands of you in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8—For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; (4) that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, (5) not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; (6) that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. (7) For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. (8) Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

If you’ve fallen short here, there is grace for you if you will confess your sin and turn from it. Proverbs 28:13 says Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. That’s your marching orders after reading this post. You stop hiding your sin. Whether that’s roaming eyes and lustful thoughts, porn use, an emotional affair, adultery, or some other sexual immorality. You confess it. To God first, and then to all those who have sinned against. And perhaps even to others who can help you fight your sin. Then you turn away from that sin. You forsake it. You stop. And you find freedom in the grace of forgiveness.

Being a strong husband requires you to commit to your wife.