Relationships! “Hints for Husbands and Wives.” Text: Ephesians 5:25-27
Doctor Gary Chapman says: “ Before I got married I dreamed how happy I was going to be. Six months after, I was… miserable- and so was my wife. I’d entered marriage with the attitude that I know how to have a good marriage. Listen to me and we’ll have one. There was just one problem: she wouldn’t listen!”
The Bible (God’s word) calls for every husband to accept responsibility in leadership over his family. At the same time that same Spirit of self-giving and devotion is what Jesus Christ gave and gives to His church. Listen, all believers are called to live in mutual submission to one another! The husband is called to be willing to lay down his life for his wife. He is to sacrifice his own interest in order to enhance hers. His role is to nourish, and to support her growth. The wife is called to submit to her husband “as to the Lord.” To respect, regard and deeply care for him. She is to reverence or to be in awe of. She is to build him up!
A. Wives: I Peter 3: 5-6 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
B. Women, you want to build your husbands up, "speak words of faith over him." Tell him, “You are the best looking, hardest workingman I’ve ever known!” (You just do something to me on the inside!)
C. You might say, Pastor, “that would be a complete lie!” Then I would say back to you pray for him so you can start seeing him as your priest! Remember, we are to speak faith at all times! Hebrews 11:6 Faith pleases God.
D. I Peter 3: 1-4 1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
E. A wife with a truly sweet Spirit, a selfless attitude, sweet words, and an encourager will see their whole family saved! (There’s an ole saying, “When mom’s happy everyone will be!”)
F. Ephesians 5: 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. [Husbands, don’t be guilty of loving in words only, or just when you want something].
G. Ephesians 5:1-2 1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
H. Husbands, the Lord spoke a strong word to me about this verse, “ He spoke to my heart and said, “ When men refuse to honor and do whatever for their wives their actually living as though I died in vain!”
I. Men remember, 1. Your wife is your partner. 2. Communicate with her. 3. Make her your top priority after God.
J. 4 ideas for marriage enrichment: 1. Practice unselfish love. 2. Discover each other’s needs and try to meet them. 3. Again I say, “communicate-talk with sentences." 4. Grow together spiritually!
K. Let’s stand up, " If your mate is here get them by their hand. Friends, Seniors, I want you to look for Single mom’s or Dad’s and pray for them.
