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Husbands and Wives
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of
the church of Christ at Granby, MO
Understanding God-Given Roles
Our culture has worked hard to blur the God-given distinctions
between men and women, yet from the very beginning, God designed men
and women with different strengths, traits, and roles. These
differences were not meant to divide but to complement and
strengthen each other, especially within the marriage covenant. God
equipped men with leadership and responsibility, and women with
nurturing influence and strength. When both spouses recognize and
embrace these roles, marriages thrive.
Submission Is Not Inferiority
Submission is often misunderstood in modern society. Many equate
submission with inferiority, but biblical submission is about
functional roles, not value or worth. Just as a teacher may submit
to a principal without being inferior, so also does a wife submit to
her husband as a part of God's order. This role distinction is for
the benefit and harmony of the home, not a statement of superiority
or inferiority.
The Husband's Role:
Leadership and Sacrifice A husband is
called to lead his family spiritually. This means practicing
self-discipline, planning for the future, and being the moral and
spiritual guide of the household. Husbands must model godliness for
their wives and children by reading the Bible, praying, and making
worship a priority. Most importantly, they must love sacrificially
and strive to help their families reach heaven.
The Wife's Role: Nurturing
and Influence God declared it was not good
for man to be alone and created woman as a suitable helper. This
helper role is not lesser but essential. The wife wields enormous
influence within the family. She nurtures, supports, teaches, and
strengthens the household. Her role, especially during the early
years of raising children, helps mold the character and values of
the next generation.
Working Together in Harmony
Marriage is not about competition; it is about completion. Husbands
and wives are to respect and support one another, acknowledging that
their differences make them stronger together. A wife gives up a
great deal of independence in marriage, and husbands must appreciate
and honor that sacrifice. Both must recognize the sacred nature of
their covenant and be committed to helping each other spiritually
grow.
A Biblical Picture of
Marriage Scripture paints a beautiful
picture of marital roles. Proverbs 14:1 reminds us the wise woman
builds her house, while foolishness tears it down. 1 Peter 3:1-7
emphasizes both the strength of godly submission and the importance
of husbands honoring their wives. Godly homes are built on love,
humility, and obedience to His will. When husbands and wives walk
according to God’s design, they form a powerful and God-honoring
union that blesses their children, the church, and society.
Sermon Outline: Husbands and
Wives
- God Made Men and Women
Different
- Genesis 2:18 – God made
woman as a suitable helper
- Emotional, physical,
and spiritual differences were intentional
- Understanding Roles, Not
Inferiority
- Ephesians 5:22-25 –
Wives submit, husbands love sacrificially
- Submission is about
function, not value
- The Husband's
Responsibility
- Lead spiritually (1
Corinthians 11:3)
- Exercise
self-discipline and love (1 Peter 3:7)
- Set a godly example
- The Wife's Influence
- Nurturing role (Titus
2:3-5)
- Builds her house
(Proverbs 14:1)
- Submission is an
adornment (1 Peter 3:5-6)
- Working Together as One
- Mutual respect and
understanding
- A united goal: helping
each other reach heaven
Call to Action:
If we want stronger homes, churches, and communities, we must begin
with godly marriages. Each spouse must understand and embrace their
God-given role. Men, take spiritual responsibility for your homes.
Women, build up your homes with wisdom and influence. Let us commit
to honoring God by honoring His design for husbands and wives.
Scripture References:
- Genesis 2:18 – God made
woman as a helper
- Proverbs 14:1 – The wise
woman builds her house
- 1 Peter 3:1-7 – Wives’
submission and husbands’ honor
- Ephesians 5:22-25 – Marital
roles
- 1 Corinthians 11:3 – Christ
is head of man, man head of woman
- Titus 2:3-5 – Instructions
for wives
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The
church of Christ
