After completing these questions, read the following scriptures:
Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 7:1-11, 33, 34, Ephesians 5:21-33
Read aloud your answers to your fiancé, and then discuss the similarities and differences.
Write specifically what you think your needs are for each of the four areas below. Then indicate what your spouse can do to fulfill those needs.
How perceptive are you to each others needs?
Without telling them how they can fullfill each need, simply share your needs from each box and take time it listen to best believe they can do to meet those needs.
✍️Taking notes here can be a lot of fun!
Responsibilities of the Husband
Scripture readings: Genesis 3:16; Ephesians 5:21-33; I Timothy 3:4, 5; I Peter 3:7; I Corinthians 7:3-4; Proverbs 5:15-19; Philippians 2:3, 4. I.
The Husband is to be the wife’s LEADER.
Ephesians 5:23; I Timothy 3:4, 5; I Corinthians 11:3.
We must think biblically here.
a. Biblical concept of a leader is a servant, concerned with meeting the needs of others (Matthew 20:20-28).
1. He is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the Church (Ephesians 5:25).
2. Jesus’ model in leadership was to be a servant (Philippians 2:6-8). Whatever Jesus does, He does for the sake of the Church. In the same way the husband is to be his wife’s servant leader, keeping her best interest at heart.
b. Examples of Jesus’ leadership.
1. He lead by continuous association, spent much time with His disciples (Mark 3:14, 6:30-31). Husbands should spend quality time living with their wives (I Peter 3:7).
2. Jesus led by example. He not only taught them but set the example for them. Husbands should be an example for their wives (Philippians 4:9).
3. Jesus led by making decisions and delegating responsibilities to His disciples (John 4:12; Mark 6:35-43). Husbands should delegate responsibilities to their wives and allow them to be part of the decisionmaking process, expressing their creative ideas. The wife should be his chief advisor, resource person, and consultant.
II. The Husband is to be his wife’s LOVER (Ephesians 5:25-33).
a. The husband is commanded three times in these verses to “love his wife.” Twice (V. 28, 33) he is told to love his wife as himself, his own body. He is to provide for, protect, satisfy and sacrifice for her as her would for himself.
b. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.
This kind of love is:
1. Unconditional – Romans 5:8
2. Unending – Romans 8:39; I Corinthians 13:8a
3. Sacrificial – Ephesians 5:25
4. Unselfish – I Corinthians 13:5
5. Patient – I Corinthians 13:4
6. Forgiving – Ephesians 4:32
7. Purposeful – works for our improvement, happiness, welfare Ephesians 5:26, 27
c. The husband is to love his wife in an understanding way (I Peter 3:7).
1. Communicate it verbally – “I love you!”
2. Provide for the satisfaction of her needs, physically, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and sexually (I Timothy 5:8; I Corinthians 7:3-5). 4
3. Allow her to really share your life; doing things she enjoys, spending quality time with her, etc.
4. Let her know that after Jesus Christ, she comes first in your life.
5. Express your appreciation for her and praise her generously (Proverbs 31:28).
Responsibilities of The Wife
Scripture readings: Ephesians 5:22-24, 33; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:4-5; 1Peter 3:1-6; Genesis 2:18-25.
I. The wife is to be her husband’s COMPLETER.
(Submission) a. Biblical submission is not:
1. Merely a concept for women. (Ephesians 5:21; Hebrews 13:17; Romans 13:1)
2. Forbidding a women to open her mouth. (Proverbs 31:26)
3. Implying that the wife is inferior to husband. (1Corinthians 11:3; John 5:30; Galatians 3:28)
b. Biblical submission means:
1. It is the wife’s responsibility to make herself submissive. (Ephesians 5:22; 1Peter 3:1)
2. It is a spiritual matter – “as to the Lord.”
3. It is a positive, not a negative concept.
4. It involves attitudes as well as actions. (Proverbs 31:13; Ephesians 5:33)
5. It is comprehensive while limited. (Ephesians 5:24; Colossians 3:18)
c. Exercise in submitting:
1. Marriage, more than any other relationship, includes many areas calling for mutual submission.
a. What are these areas? To what extent are you submissive?
b. Are you having difficulty with the idea of submitting?
c. In what ways do you make it difficult for your mate to submit to you?
d. How can you become a more submissive person?
