Spouses and Serving the Lord

The sermon opens by emphasizing the undeniable and crucial importance of spouses and family in serving the Lord. A spouse can be either the greatest source of encouragement or the greatest obstacle to their partner's ministry. Whether desired or not, when someone serves in the church, their spouse will also be placed in a position that demands more from them. The influence of a spouse extends to everyone they contact and to the church's ministries, potentially bringing joy or creating difficulties for the entire ministry.

The sermon establishes two difficult but essential principles: the spouse must share the same calling as the servant of God, and must possess the same character as the servant of God. Drawing from Proverbs 31, the sermon analyzes four characteristics of a good spouse. First, the treasure of a good spouse lies in virtue—integrity and righteousness in living. Scripture links the value of a good wife to love and trust. Complete trust in one's spouse is the most important element; if that trust is broken, marriage and service to God will face lifelong obstacles. Second, the work of a good spouse reflects voluntary and willing service, not coercion but calling. The spouse of a servant of God must willingly serve God and the church, allowing God to use their abilities to bring blessing to family and church. A good wife is industrious, health-conscious, energetic, and generous.

Third, the reality of a good spouse is that she becomes her husband's praise. At the gates of the city, her husband is known because she strengthens him, supports his weaknesses, advises him wisely, builds his confidence, corrects his character, and makes his path smooth. Fourth, the testimony of a good spouse is evident in her role as a valued wife and mother above all in the world. A virtuous wife is praiseworthy because "among all women she excels." The sermon then details specific character traits from 1 Timothy 3:11: the spouse must be serious (valuing God's calling, showing self-respect and maturity), not slanderous (avoiding accusation, fault-finding, and false reports against brothers and sisters), temperate (sober-minded, self-controlled, careful), and faithful (trustworthy to others and trusting in God and His appointed leaders). Slander, false accusations, or divisive speech that harms church unity is irresponsible and potentially causes serious harm.

The sermon concludes by reminding that the spouse of a servant of God holds a very important position and role in the church. The influence and value of a virtuous spouse who loves God cannot be measured. Just as a righteous and influential person has a spouse at their side or behind them, so too does an active and effective servant of God.