Husband and wife; oneness in marriage

TEXT: GENESIS 2:18-25

INTRODUCTION: The union of husband and wife merges two persons in such a way that little can affect one without also affecting the other. Oneness in marriage does not mean losing your personality in the personality of the other. Instead, it means caring for your spouse as you care for yourself, learning to anticipate his or her needs, helping the other person become all he or she can be. The creation story tells of God’s plan that husband and wife should be one (Genesis 2:24), and Jesus also referred to this plan (Matthew 19:4-6). A study of the Bible pattern for the home is important. How should husband and wife treat one another? What are the duties of the husband, wife? How important are love and commitment in marriage? For what cause may spouses divorce and remarry? Who should exercise authority as head in the home? Who should provide family income and who should care for the home? How diligent should parents be in teaching and training the children? Who should care for elderly parents? God’s word gives inspired instruction to guide us to happy homes. If we are to enjoy God’s blessings in our homes, we have to know what the Bible says about God’s purpose for husbands and wives. In order to   experience matrimonial happiness, we have to live according to his plan. What instructions does God’s word provide to help us have homes that please Him and accomplish His will?     

THE ROLES OF THE HUSBAND

1. He must NEVER take wife for granted, but will honour and respect her as his equal (Read 1Pet.3:7) God commands the husband to treat his wife as an equal and grant her the highest honour! If not God says he will not answer your prayers! Selfishness is a marriage killer. For many men they think they are better than their wife simply because they are men. These men have made a serious judgment error. Husbands, tell your wife how important and valuable she is to you. Watch for the loving smile on her face when you do! The Proverbs writer said “An excellent wife, who can find? (Read Prov.31:10-12). Notice how the wise husband trusts his wife’s judgments and realizes how fortunate he is to have her.

(A) DISCUSS why many men disrespect their wives. (b) How may this be corrected? (c) Let the men in attendance at this meeting freely say what they expect their wives to do or be, to gain their respect.

2. The husband’s highest allegiance, except God, shall be his wife, not his relatives or friends (Gen.2:24)

Many husbands honour their blood family over their own wife. Such is a recipe for disaster! In-law problems are often the result of a husband who allows his mother and father to interfere in his relationship with his wife.

DISCUSS the limits the in-laws should be allowed in husband-wife affairs

3. The Husband should frequently tell his wife how important &valuable she is to him (Phil.2:3; Prov.31:10-12).

Selfishness is a marriage killer. For many men they think they are better than their wife simply because they are men. God gave women the authority to make important decision too: They are workers in and managers of the home (1Tim.5:14; Tim. 2:5). A wife’s judgment can be better than her husband’s. For example, Nabal and Abigail: 1Sam.25. Men should learn to express their appreciation to their wives.

When someone’s saying  “I love you,” he always ought to give a lot of details: Why does he love you? How much does he love you? When and where did he first begin to love you? And even though he insists it would take forever to count the ways he loves you, let him start counting.                                

 MEMORY VERSE: …..rejoice in the wife of your youth (Prov.5:18c NLT)

Church of Eternal Life Jos, Plateau state.