Sunday, April 13, 2008

Lux Vent Reading Group

The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
Chapter 3: A Wife's Understanding of Sin

In reading this chapter we see two things that Martha Peace wanted us to look at

  • Our understanding of sin
  • God's provision for eternal life in Him

If we don't have a correct view of sin we can never know the true God of the Bible. "Mans sin affects every area of life including the relationship between husband and wife." Page 20.

A Correct View of Sin and Our Provision for Sin
  • Sin is universal, no one is exempt
  • Sin may be obvious to others
  • Sin cannot be hidden from God
  • Sin is justly punished
This is how Martha Peace puts it all together, "All men sin. Their sin may be open and obvious or hidden thoughts and motives. Because God is omniscient, He knows every thought and deed of a man. Because He is holy, He has to punish sin. Fortunately for mankind, God, out of His heart of love and mercy, provided a payment for the penalty of sin. God's provision was the Lord Jesus Christ." Page 21.

Having an incorrect view of sin, along with a lack of understanding of what Christ has done for me has caused me to view the shortcomings of my husband with anger and selfishness, not love and forgiveness.

If I really looked back and saw where God has brought me and how he has washed me, how he has justified me, and how he is sanctifying me, I would have a difficult time being so impatient with my husband.

But my merciful God has a provision for me in this state, Repentance. Martha Peace says, "Repentance is a process that usually involves more then just confessing to God or our spouse. It takes time and work. That's why we are instructed to, ...discipline yourself for the purpose of Godliness. 1Tim 4:7.

Our salvation comes by what Christ did on the cross, but to live a Godly life, in everyday situations, we will need to do something, replace our old thoughts and habits with Godly ways of responding and acting.

1 Peter1:17-19,
was a verse Martha Peace quoted at the end of the chapter. The beginning part of this verse says, "...conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon the earth;..."
I see this "Fear" as the fear of the Lord. Pro 15:33 says, "The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." Wisdom that is so needed for us to be godly wives.

This I remind myself each day,
2Pe 1:3 , "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,..."

He has made provision for me. Thank you Lord. If you would like to join us in this wonderful book study, or even if you just want to read what the other ladies have shared, stop by Lux Vent, for Leslie's thoughts and links to others.

2 comments:

Adzele said...

Yes, there is no such thing as innocent sin...even when it is 'just words that comes out of our mouth, or the tone of voice that we say something with...I was faced with my own sin when I hear 'rudeness and ugly voice coming out my Son's mouth'...As parents sometime we asked "where did he got that from?", well in my case, he got that from me....and it is a painful reality..one that I am working to correct with God's help...and with his Grace

Kyjo said...

Hi Linda,

Thanks for your comment. I take it you came by my blog through Kim's blog, Hiraeth?

I am done with the WCF series but you are of course welcome to take as much time as you like going through the chapters and my few notes. Not sure what kind of material I'll be doing next but I have a few ideas in mind.

God bless you!