Domestic Problems Series

HINDRANCES TO PRAYER

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LESSON #9 DOMESTIC PROBLEMS

TEXT: I PETER 3:1-7

REVIEW:

What was last weeks lesson?

Idolatry.

What is a biblical definition of an idol?

Any object, person, thing, or passion you would place above god.

What are some common things that can become an object of idolatry if we are not careful?

Family, job, hobby, etc…

Why do we have to guard our hearts from this spirit?

Because many things will try to take dominance in our hearts.

What kind of God do we serve?

A Jealous God.

READ TEXT:

1 Pet 3:1-7

1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

(KJV)

Many times the reason a man’s prayers are not answered or the reason they are hindered is because he

- Has failed in his responsibility toward his wife

- Or has not fulfilled his duty towards his family

It is also true the possible reason behind most women’s unanswered prayers

- Is that they have failed in their responsibility towards their husband

- Or not fulfilled there duty towards there families

You can have a man come to church

- He is active

- He is on outreach

- He never misses a service

- He seems to be the model Christian

But at home he is something totally different

- He shows no consideration of his wife

- He is unkind

- And even mean at times

- Or possibly brutal

I have seen women come to church

- They are the picture of a Godly woman

- They smile all the time

- Their helpful and kind

- They are never in the middle of church turmoil

But at home they are something totally different

- Their mean and nasty

- Treat their husbands with neglect

- Always screaming at the family

- Always complaining

Yet I have seen these people wonder why their prayers are not being answered

We have the answer here in our text

I don’t want this to turn this into a marriage seminar but I do want to look for just a moment at some requirements for a good home

Define marriage?

A joining together of a man and a woman

The bible says the two become one flesh

Marriage was the first institution ordained by God

Marriage is the building block behind everything else. Churches, cities, nations all stand on the strength of the family.

All life is built on the family

When the family begins to break down so will everything else

In the garden of Eden God united Adam and Eve in marriage and blessed it.

Marriage is not for

- Convenience

- Or because it is the thing to do

- Temporary

- Disposable

- Manmade

- A tug of war

Marriage is

- Gods plan

- Lifelong

- A partnership

What makes a good home?

Discipline

By this I mean both self-discipline and parental discipline

Self discipline

The value of any kind of discipline is orderliness

If your home is

- Disorganized

- Fragmented

- Not united

Then it is suffering from a lack of discipline

The first step to having a disciplined home is

- Disciplining yourself

How are you at personal discipline?

- Do you leave things laying around

- Do you leave things until the last minute

If you are not disciplined you will not be able to discipline your family.

There are also “spiritual disciplines” that need to be evident in your home

In second Tim. 2:15 Paul says

“Study to show yourself approved unto God”

This word “study” means to “give diligence” or “be disciplined”

It will take discipline if you are going to

- Establish a daily prayer time

- A time to read the Word of God