In last weeks lesson, we discussed the Bride of Christ's (the church's) responsibilities. We will continue that discussion this week.
4. Be a helpmeet to her husband
a. A bride should help with hospitality. In the church, we are to offer the water of life that Jesus talked with the woman at the well about (John 4:13-14). We welcome those in that desire that water. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17
b. A bride should help to pass on the family name and bear children. In Acts 11, the church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas out to preach the word. In verse 2 it says that many people were added to the Lord because of the work that Barnabas had done. The church must do the work, but God will add the increase (1 Cor. 3:6).
c. A bride helps with rearing/nurturing children. “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:16) The body (church) should edify itself.
d. A bride is to help with disciplining of children and self discipline. - A church should practice discipline of its members. “But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” (1 Corinthians 5:13) If you have a basket of fruit and one piece of fruit is molding, you want to throw it away before the mold spreads to the good fruit. In the same way, a church should put away the bad influences in the church to keep the other members spotless from the world.
e. A bride should be a good companion. A bride should listen to her groom, talk to him, eat with him, and be with him. The church should participate in Bible study (listening), praying (talking), eating with him, (Lord's Supper) and being with him in worship. What kind of relationship do we have if we don't spend time with that person? The more time spent with a spouse, the better the relationship with them. Why do some people think they can only worship on Sunday mornings and never attend any other assemblies of the church or open their Bible during the week? Relationships cannot be built with so little time. Priorities must be in the proper place as well.
Next week we will conclude the Bride's responsibilities.