• Last week
    • Subject of giving
    • Looked to Jesus for example of giving
      • Gave Himself - I Timothy 2:5-6
      • Left His place in Heaven - John 3:13
      • Served His creation - Matthew 20:25-28
      • Sacrificed His life – John 10:14-18
    • We look to the same example when studying husbands and wives.
  • The Likeness of Marriage to the Relationship Between Christ and His Church – Ephesians 5:25-33
    • Importance of marriage relationship
      • It is ordained by God
      • It requires a great and always growing knowledge of each other
      • It produces a family
      • It lasts for life
      • It is much like the most important spiritual relationship there is
    • Established in love
      • John 3:16
      • Ephesians 5:1-2
    • Maintained in purpose
      • Revelation 21:2
      • Ephesians 5:27
      • Colossians 1:21-22
    • Sustained in service
      • Romans 8:38-39
      • Hebrews 13:8
    • Sealed in sacrifice – Ephesians 5:25
  • Established in Love
    • Commandment – to love your wife
    • What kind of love? Agapeo – social, spiritual love; seeks the best for the object of the love
      • John 3:16
      • Romans 5:8
      • I John 4:8
      • Same as in Luke 10:25-37 – Compassionate, complete, unqualified love
  • Maintained in Purpose
    • What is the purpose? - Ephesians 5:27
    • Husband as leader (head)
      • Wife is to be in subjection to her husband – Colossians 3:18
        • What is a subject?
        • What is a sovereign?
        • Is the Christ-Church relationship similar?
      • Privilege or responsibility?
        • Quotes from Kings (I Kings 14:15-16; 22:51-53; II Kings 3:1-3; 10:31)
        • God held them to account for their leadership
        • Good/Poor leadership vs Effective/Ineffective leadership
        • Respect is important to the process – Ephesians 5:33
          • Wife is to respect her husband
          • She will be encouraged by her husband’s respect
          • Mutual respect is more attainable and sustainable
        • Gentleness – I Peter 3:7
        • Example of leading gently – Psalm 23
    • Be the leader. Lead. Be an example. Lead with kindness, compassion, respect, and love. Submission and respect will almost surely follow.