Last week
Giving – Jesus our example
- Gave Himself – I Timothy 2:5-6
- Left heaven – John 3:13
- Served His creation – Matthew 20:25-28
- Sacrificed His life – John 10:14-18
Importance of marriage relationship (Ephesians 5:25-33)
- Ordained by God – Genesis 2:24 (not new in Ephesians 5:31)
- Requires great knowledge of each other – John 10:14
- Lasts for life – Matthew 19:6
- Much like the most important spiritual relationship
Likeness of marriage
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The marriage relationship is:
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Established in love
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Maintained in purpose
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Sustained in service
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Steadfast in all things
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Sealed in sacrifice
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Marriage
Established in love
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A commandment to husbands – Ephesians 5:1-2, 25
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What kind of love?
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Much like “love your neighbor” from Luke 10:25-37
Maintained in purpose
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What purpose?
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Similar figure in Revelation 21:2; Colossians 1:21-22
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Requires God-ordained leadership – Colossians 3:18
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Relationship of one in subjection
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Similarity of Christ-church relationship
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Importance of respect – Ephesians 5:23
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Two-way street
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I Peter 3:7 – Compare uses of “honor” in I Peter 2:17.
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Leadership is gentle – I Peter 3:7
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Leadership is responsibility, not privilege.
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Sustained in service
- To become the greatest in a marriage – John 13:3-15
- Comparison of Matthew 20:25-28; 23:11
Steadfast in all things
- Example of Jesus’ steadfastness – Romans 8:38-39
- Steadfastness in consistency – Hebrews 13:8
Sealed in sacrifice
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Giving of self – Ephesians 5:25
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Time
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Effort
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Resources
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Love
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Consideration
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Respect
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Concern
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Ear
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