The document discusses the role of a wise Christian wife in supporting her husband and enhancing their marriage in line with biblical teachings. It contrasts modern cultural notions of female independence with the traditional view of a wife's desire being directed towards her husband. The document emphasizes that by fulfilling their marital roles and maintaining faithfulness, wives can foster trust and promote a blessed marriage.

1. What a wise Christian wife does to bless her husband Your Desire Shall Be For Your Husband

2. “ I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” Laura Ingalls Wilder

3. Introduction Today’s culture teaches women to be independent. On the surface this not only seems practical but even wise.

4. From a Ukrainian woman: What is married life like in Lebanese culture for the woman? I'm American and in my culture the women aren't submissive.... In the Lebanese culture women are VERY submissive. They bear the children, cook all meals, clean everything (even when the children are older) And everything they do is for the husband and children. Nothing is about them. I've dated on before and in the beginning he put me on a pedestal and made me feel like a queen... But when they feel the "have" you it's a different story.. (That's when I ran the other way) If your sister is submissive and wants to just cook, clean, and raise a family then it can't be that bad. But if she wants a career and wants to be independent in any way, then she's picked the wrong man.

5. Introduction Today’s culture teaches women to be independent. On the surface this not only seems practical but even wise. To suggest that a woman’s desire is to be for her husband contradicts this “independent” mindset that has indoctrinated our society over the last two generations.

6. Introduction But, is this what God wills for those who give their live to Him? Cp. Gal. 2:20 God’s people are made up of transformed lives living in a culture persuaded by the Lord’s will. It is His will, His wisdom, and His life that shapes and guides our lives into a divine and holy calling. Ultimately, when our will is attached to the will and pleasure of our God, untold blessings begin to unfold in our lives.

7. Introduction In this lesson we look at ways women can hinder or fulfill their desire for their husbands. We start by looking at some negative behavior that wives can be guilty of doing in tearing down or possibly destroying their desire for and relationship with their husbands. We finish by looking at wise (and positive) ways wives can show their desire for their husbands. Ultimately, this not only fulfills God’s will, but enhances a biblically blessed marriage.

8. Difficulties That Hinder A Wife’s Desire For Her Husband She is initially in a vulnerable position when getting married. In a godly upbringing, she leaves the comfort and security of her father’s headship and guidance. While she trusts her new husband, it is the unknown that places her in an understandably vulnerable position. This is a critical time in the early marriage: her husband may do things differently than the way she thinks should be done or how her father did while she was under his headship.

9. Difficulties That Hinder A Wife’s Desire For Her Husband While vulnerability is an initial difficulty, long lasting hindrances include: Some women criticizing or undermining their husbands. Prov. 21:9, 19; 27:15 Some women take headship if things aren’t done the way they think things are done “the right way.” Cp. Prov. 30:21-23 Some are bitter toward their husbands. Some simply lack reason, taste, or understanding, which is often a downfall to her husband (including his reputation). Prov. 11:22; Prov. 12:4

10. Difficulties That Hinder A Wife’s Desire For Her Husband The result is a bad situation for her, her husband, and their marriage. A number of wives – through various hindrances – enable their husbands not to be leaders. Many husbands also despise their wives for the noted behavior. Bottom line: when women do not have a desire for their husbands: They fail at fulfilling God’s commandment. They create or contribute stress and an incomplete

11. Her Faithfulness to Her Husband What makes a woman excellent is that she uses her virtuous qualities to promote her husband’s service to God. Prov. 12:4 In a biblically idealistic scenario…she (and her family) would have been preparing her for this very beautiful calling in life. But, many women are not brought up in the way of the Lord or raised to submit to their husbands. No matter what past scenario, women have the opportunity to be transformed by the renewing of theirs minds (Rom. 12:2) in making a commitment to the Lord regarding their faithfulness to their husbands.

12. Her Faithfulness to Her Husband She is loyal to her husband. Starting with the pronouncement of her wedding vow – she is now covenanted to her husband. While there is a covenant obligation, her marriage to him will not be successful unless she fully desires His will to be hers. Cp. 1 Pet. 3:1-6 Thus, the wise and virtuous woman does her husband good all of her life. Prov. 31:12 It is not just that she is faithful to him, but that her faithfulness brings about a trust he has for her.

13. Her Faithfulness to Her Husband She speaks highly of her husband. Prov. 31:23 Many men and women have been guilty of speaking less than highly of their spouses. When speaking specifically of women who speak highly of their husbands: It reveals her love and desire for her husband and brings forth the best reputation of a man that can be given (the home being the most difficult place to live faithfully before the Lord). It speaks highly of herself.

14. Her Faithfulness to Her Husband The result of her faithfulness. The heart of her husband trusts in her. Prov. 31:11 Her husband and children rise up to praise her. Prov. 31:28-29 A good woman can make an average man great. A great woman can make a good man superior. Doug Phillips (The Wise Woman's Guide to Blessing Her Husband's Vision)

15. Conclusion More than a covenant agreement, women who love the Lord will follow God’s will since the beginning of time: your desire shall be for your husband . May this sermon encourage women to desire their husbands and enhance their marriages to be biblically blessed.