Saturday March 9

Read: Colossians 3:18-19, Ephesians 5:22-33

“The best defence is a good offence.”

This simple tactical principal has been used in relation to warfare for centuries. The idea is simple. The best way to defend yourself against an enemy is to proactively take the fight to them. This same principal can be applied to fighting for our marriages.

 

Today’s readings give both men and women instructions on how to take the initiative to fight for and preserve our marriages and, if you aren’t married yet, how to build a good foundation for your future marriage. The principal is the same over both passages: women should submit to their husbands and men should love their wives. Let’s spend a moment to consider how these principals practically work out in a marriage.

 

“Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” These words of Paul’s in both Ephesians and Colossians demonstrate how Christian women are to behave in marriage. These words do not allow your husband to harm you or abuse you and you are not called to submit to your husband if he is asking you to sin. Rather, the idea here is respect for the husband and submission to his authority as the leader of the home. It is amazing how simple gestures of respect can encourage a husband and grow a marriage. How can you show respect to your husband today?

 

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” It seems that the wives might have the easy end of the deal! Husbands are to love their wives to the extent that Christ loved the church and gave His life up for the church! Men are called to self sacrificial love in every aspect of their marriage! Are you living up to the challenge? Are you loving your wife even at great cost to yourself!? If you have not been meeting this standard I encourage you to repent, to pray and today to show love to your wife.

 

Marriage is two sinners committed to each other and following Christ. As such these things will never be practiced perfectly. There is always room to grow, but don’t wait for the other spouse to make the first move! Show your spouse love or submission today!

 

Prayer:

Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

Adoration:

 

Confession:

 

Thanks:

 

Supplication:

¥ Pray that God would work in your marriage today to preserve and strengthen it. Pray that you would be able to show Godly submission or Christ-like love to your spouse today and that God would work in their heart to reciprocate. If you aren’t married pray that God would help you to grow in relationship with Him and, if it is His will, prepare your heart for  your future marriage.

Pray that God’s word would be preached with power and authority tomorrow as God’s people gather together to worship Him. Pray that God would prepare the hearts of those who follow Him to hear the word

¥ and apply it to their lives. Pray that God would draw people who don’t know Him to church tomorrow and that their lives would be changed as they meet Jesus.

 

My Additional Prayer Points.

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Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. What are some practical ways that a wife can demonstrate Godly submission to her husband?

2. What are some practical ways that a Husband can show Christ-like love to his wife?