Thriving Family: Charting the Course | Week 4
Chris Meade | Ephesians 5:22-24 | November 7, 2024
Message Recap: Pastor Chris Meade continues the "THRIVING FAMILIES" series by focusing on the role of wives in marriage as outlined in Ephesians 5. He emphasizes that the biblical concept of submission is rooted in mutual respect and love, calling for a voluntary choice made out of obedience to Christ rather than coercion. Acknowledging the tension surrounding this topic, Pastor Chris reminds the congregation that submission should never equate to enduring abuse or compromising one's relationship with God. Ultimately, he highlights that God's design for marriage aims for oneness, personal sanctification, and reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church.
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments
2. Read Ephesians 5:22; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:8
a. Men: share your thoughts, concept, and ideas of what it means for wives to submit. What can/does this look like?
b. Men: how do men/husbands make this hard?
c. Women: share your thoughts, concepts, and ideas of what it means for wives to submit. What can/does this look like?
d. Women: what makes this subject so hard?
e. Group: How do your thoughts, concepts, and ideas differ?
3. Read Ephesians 5:22 and 33
a. Men: what does it mean and look like to feel respected? What about this means so much?
b. Women: what does it mean and look like to be loved and cherished? What about this means so much?
4. Read Gen 3:16. Part of the fall and the consequence of sin—God says that from that point on, there will be relational strife between the husband and the wife
a. Chris has talked about the premise of the book “Sacred Marriage” that the reason for marriage is not primarily for our happiness—but even more so for our holiness.
i. How do the roles of marriages working to “reverse the curse” shape our idea of the kind of sanctification (becoming more like Jesus) that Jesus is looking for?
ii. If you are (or have been...) married, how have you seen God use the ups and downs, the blessings and struggles to mold and shape you like Jesus?
Thriving Family: Charting the Course | Week 3
Pastor Chris Meade | Ephesians 5:25-27 | November 10, 2024
Message Recap: In his message, Chris emphasizes the distinction of Christian marriage, particularly the role of husbands. He dives into the concept of agape love, urging husbands to emulate Christ's selfless love for the church by loving their wives sacrificially and unconditionally. Highlighting the challenges posed by societal norms and personal struggles, Chris encourages husbands to actively choose to serve their wives, fostering a genuine oneness in their relationship. Ultimately, he reminds listeners that loving like Jesus is impossible without a deep connection to Him, as He models the perfect love that should flow into every marriage.
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Challenges in Practicing Agape Love: Chris defined agape love as: “a love disassociated with need. It is complete and self-sufficient, as it desires to only give.” Think about and brainstorm all the implications of this kind of love.
o What are some common obstacles that prevent us all from fully practicing agape love in our relationships?
o How can these challenges be overcome? How does understanding the Gospel, and Jesus’ agape love for us shape how we love others (especially our spouses, if married).
o How does this shape our view of the kind of love we pursue vs. what is in the movies?
3. Biblical Leadership and Servanthood:
o How do Paul in Ephesians 5:25-27 and Jesus in Mark 10:42-45 help define the concept of headship marriage and leadership?
o What does it mean for a husband to lead by serving, and how can this be practically applied?
4. What Spiritual Growth and Support:
o If you were to give advice to a husband on how he could support his wife’s spiritual growth, according to Ephesians 5, what would you say to him?
o What role does prayer, being empowered by the Spirit, and becoming more like Jesus play in strengthening a Christian marriage? How?
A HUSBANDS AGAPE LOVE: This is a LOVE that then LOOKS TO HER BEST…that BENEFITS HER.
A HUSBAND’S LOVE IS: VOLITIONAL, SACRIFICIAL, LOOKS TO HER BEST
1. CHOOSE HER DAILY.
2. DIE TO SELF…
3. BUILD HER UP TO SEEK HER GOOD AND HER GROWTH (spiritually, emotionally, socially, etc.) Don’t stand by passively.
QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE IN:
1. HOW CAN I MAKE YOU FEEL LOVED TODAY? ASK IT DAILY. AND THEN DO IT!
2. HOW IS YOUR HEART? Is there a need you have that I can meet? ASK IT WEEKLY.
3. WHAT IS JESUS DOING IN YOUR LIFE? How is He speaking to you? ASK IT REGULARLY.