Husbands and Wives

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

1. God Made Men and Women Different
   • Genesis 2:18 – God made woman as a suitable helper
   • Emotional, physical, and spiritual differences were intentional
2. Understanding Roles, Not Inferiority
   • Ephesians 5:22-25 – Wives submit, husbands love sacrificially
   • Submission is about function, not value
3. The Husband's Responsibility
   • Lead spiritually (1 Corinthians 11:3)
   • Exercise self-discipline and love (1 Peter 3:7)
   • Set a godly example
4. 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)
5. 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