Taught by Roger and Kama Parlour, 10/26/2008
We apologize that there is no audio for this lesson. But read the notes below.

What do you consider a husband’s role in the marriage should be? What about the wife’s role? People have all kinds of opinions on this and the world around has a lot to say on the matter as well. But what does God say? Out of love he has created specific roles for men and women that will lead to a great marriage. God can use a marriage where both parties are committed to their roles to change a family, a community, even the world.

Genesis 1:26-27 Men and women were created in God’s image. Do you see God when you look at your spouse (or soon to be spouse)? What about them? Write down and communicate those things. Do people see God when they look at you?

Genesis 2:15-23 God is deeply concerned about us – see how he meets Adam’s need. Our marriage relationships will not glorify God unless we are living in our roles. Woman is to be a helper and companion to the man. The man is the leader and the one who needs help.

Ephesians 5:22-33 Man is the head of the household (v. 23). Practically, the husband should love the wife and give himself up for her (v.25). Sacrifice is giving up something of value for something of greater value. What does it take? Faith in God’s way, humility, perseverance, deep concern, and unconditional love. He should lead spiritually – cleansing with the Word (v. 26) to present her radiant. Wives are to respect the husband and to submit to him as to the Lord (v. 33 & 22). For many women these two things seem so difficult, but they are little compared to the many responsibilities God has given husbands. In this passage it is like God is saying, “Look at all I have called him to, you need to respect him.”

Genesis 3 Who is responsible for the original sin? Some may think Eve is solely responsible because she sinned first and offered the apple to Adam. But Adam and Eve were both out of their God given roles when the sin occurred. Eve wasn’t submitted and Adam wasn’t leading. Romans 5:12 holds Adam responsible. When we are out of our roles, we open the door to sin.

1 Peter 3:1-2; 1 Peter 3:5-6 A woman’s behavior has more impact than her words. The priority should be first go to God, get her heart right, then act accordingly. A woman needs to get open and confess sin to another woman so that she can get help with her heart and actions. She also needs to be open with brothers so that they can communicate to and disciple her husband. The woman’s role is not to disciple her husband.

John 13:1-16 Both husband and wife have the role to be servants. If we’re not serving each other in marriage, we are not serving God. We need to find out what the other needs. Ask: “What can I do to be a better husband/wife?” or, “What can I do to serve you in our marriage?”

Genesis 2:18-24 See the intimacy? God could have created woman, like he did the animals, out of thin air. But instead he made woman from a part of man. Suitable means fit. When we are living in the roles God designed, there is intimacy and oneness in the marriage.

God can use a marriage where both parties are committed to their roles to change a family, a community, even the world.

Categories: Articles, Marriage
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