Questions about Husbands

Text: Colossians 3:19, Ephesians 5:21, 25-32

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Col 3:19] Think about what type of love is being mentioned here.  In other words, how is a husband supposed to love his wife?

2. [Col 3:18-19] Paul takes extra effort to address wives and husbands with separate commands.  This is done to intentionally “delink” the two verses.  Why is this important?  Also, do you think the order of the verses have any significance?

3. [Ephesians] Read Ephesians 5: 21, 25-32 as it is an extension of Colossians 3:19.  Discuss what “head of the household” means in this context.

4. [Ephesians] Should husbands be prepared to follow Christ in ways that might make them feel uncomfortable?  Why or why not?  (Note: This is a trick question. The answer is “yes.”)

5. [Eph 5:25-27] Look again at Ephesians 5:25-27.  How does a husband do these things?  What happens in a marriage where this is happens?

6. [Eph 5:28-29] What is Paul getting at when he writes that husbands should love their wives as their own bodies?

7. [App] Although a disputed translation, harsh could also mean embitter.  Politely, discuss situations where you have embittered someone.  How can we adjust ourselves so this doesn’t become habit?

8. [App] Politely, discuss a situation where you have been subject to embitterment.  How should we address our loved ones when we’ve been hurt.

Questions about Wives

Text: Colossians 3: 18, Philippians 2: 5 - 8

Sermon: Rev. Anne Kennedy

1. [Lead-In] How has cultures viewed and treated women throughout different geographical regions and time periods?

2. [Lead-In] Specifically, how does American culture treat women today?  Feel free to use personal experiences.

3. Why is it so important that Paul addresses wives with this command as opposed to their husbands?

4. The word submit can also be translated to subject.  What does true submittal or subjection look like outwardly (in actions) and inwardly (in heart and mind)?

5. Read Philippians 2: 5 – 8.  Discuss how a wives submittal to a husband imitates Jesus’ submittal to Christ.

6. Consider the phrase “as is fitting in the Lord.”  What are some examples or limitations where wives should not submit to their husbands?

7. “As is fitting” does not mean wives will be comfortable or even at peace in their submittal.  Considering the conversations and questions from last week, what can wives do secure themselves in this command?

8. [App] The way wives submit to their husbands is uniquely different.  If you are married, share some of the ways you have worked this verse out.  If you are a woman who is single, dating or engaged, try to describe how this study has changed your view on being a future wife.