Monday, October 31, 2011

October 31, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:31, Matthew 25:1-13

In what way do you see the wedding ceremony in the parable of the virgins symbolizing Ephesians 5:31?

What similar symbols do you see taking place in weddings today? Give examples.

How should this impact the way a man and woman approach their roles as husband and wife?

Saturday, October 29, 2011

October 29, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:28-30, Proverbs 31:10-31

What does Paul mean when he tells husbands to view their wives as their own body?

How is this both a role and responsibility for husbands? What are the practical implications?

How can this get misinterpreted today? How does Proverbs 31 help explain the truth of Ephesians 5:28?

Friday, October 28, 2011

October 28, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-24, 28-30, Genesis 3:1-20

Describe the roles and responsibilities that God gave Adam and Eve.

How do these roles provide a backdrop for the marriage in Ephesians 5:22-24, 28-30?

How do you see this model being inverted today? What is God teaching you in your marriage?

Thursday, October 27, 2011

October 27, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:28, Matthew 22:34-40

What is assumed when Christians are told to love their neighbor as themselves?

How does Paul relate this truth to a husband and wife? In what way is it the same or different?

If you are married, how are you living this out? Why is this critical for pre-marital counseling?

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

October 26, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:25-27, 1 Timothy 3:1-5

What is assumed to be taking place prior to qualifying a Pastor for ministry?

How does this define the role of a husband toward his wife and kids? How does this make you feel?

As a husband, what can you do to be more intentional with your wife? How can a wife be a support?

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

October 25, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:27, 2 Corinthians 11:1-3, Revelation 19:1-8

Explain the bridegroom metaphor and how it relates to Christians following Jesus.

How have Christians been prepared for this future wedding day? (i.e., who, what, when)

In what way is a husband responsible for continuing this process? What steps will you take today?

Monday, October 24, 2011

October 24, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:26, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Titus 3:3-8

What is Paul describing that takes place in the life of a Christian by using a washing metaphor?

How does the “Word” relate to this washing? (John 1:1, 14) Why is this important? How does this define Christianity?

What are the implications of this truth for a husband and how he should lead his wife?

Saturday, October 22, 2011

October 22, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:25, John 10:22-30, 2 Timothy 3:14-16

Why is it important to continually study the word of God? How does it help you know Jesus?

What implicit truth does Paul present when it comes to loving your wife? (i.e., Jesus model)

Make a spiritual growth commitment today and write out specifically what you will do.

Friday, October 21, 2011

October 21, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:25, Matthew 27:27-50

What connection does Paul make between the role of a husband in marriage and Jesus on a cross?

Consider the implications of this truth and write down ways God is challenging you to change.

In what way should this impact marriages today by counting the cost before saying “I do”?

Thursday, October 20, 2011

October 20, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:25, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Given that “love” has multiple definitions today, how is a biblical view of love different?

List the different ways Paul describes love. What pattern do you see? (Hint: feelings vs. choices)

Why do you think it’s important for a husband to practice biblical love for his marriage?

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

October 19, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:25, Philippians 2:1-11

In one sentence, summarize how Paul describes Jesus to the Philippian church.

Knowing that Paul’s message was to all Christians, what should be the impact on husbands?

Describe how this may redefine a worldly view of marriage. Why is this important?

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

October 18, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:25, 2 Peter 1:5-11

Why is it important for every Christian to be growing in their walk with the Lord?

Why is it especially important for husbands? What is at risk if they don’t? Why?

How do you see this playing out today? How does this impact a husband’s leadership style?

Monday, October 17, 2011

October 17, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:25, James 4:1, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

What connection do you see between spiritual maturity and relational conflict?

Given that 50% of Christian marriages fail today, what does this tell you about spiritual maturity?

Why does a husband need to lead the way for spiritual maturity? How can this get inverted today?

Saturday, October 15, 2011

October 15, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:22-24, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

What did Paul mean when he talked about being unequally yoked? How could this relate to marriage?

Why would it be extremely difficult to be married to a non-Christian given the biblical marriage roles?

In what way do you see that pre-marital counseling would be vital for a healthy marriage?

Friday, October 14, 2011

October 14, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:24, Acts 5:12-32

What was Peter’s dilemma as he was brought before the supreme court of Israel? (i.e. Sanhedrin)

Given his response, what does this teach about priorities and whom to obey when push comes to shove?

Why is this important when it comes to a wife’s role in marriage? How does this qualify Ephesians 5:24?

Thursday, October 13, 2011

October 13, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-24, Genesis 3:1-7

What can be learned about the enemy and marriage knowing that the enemy tempted Eve away from Adam.

Explain how the first sin highlights an inverted model for a healthy marriage.

What is God teaching you about the subtle ways a wife can usurp a husband’s leadership?

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

October 12, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:24, 1 Peter 3:1-6

In what way is a wife called to “let go” when it comes to supporting her husband? (Hint: “in everything”)

How does being quiet and gentle relate to being a supportive wife?

How do you feel about Sarah as a role model? How does this challenge your perspective and approach?

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

October 11, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-24, Romans 12:1-8

Explain the model Paul tells wives to pattern their lives after within the context of marriage.

How does this help define their calling to “submit”? What are the practical implications? Give examples.

Describe a successful marriage you have observed and how it compares to a biblical marriage.

Monday, October 10, 2011

October 10, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-24, Genesis 2:18-24

Explain why God made woman. In what way was God solving a problem?

Why is it important to remember that both man and woman were created in God's image?

How should this truth impact marriage today? What has been your experience?

Saturday, October 8, 2011

October 8, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, Ephesians 2:1-10

As you review Ephesians 2:1-10, how does Paul explain the transition from the wide road to the narrow road?

How would you respond to someone who says, “I hope God considers me good enough to go to heaven”?

Take some time right now to get right with God. Pray for forgiveness, repent, and thank Him for saving you.

Friday, October 7, 2011

October 7, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 18:9-14, 18-30

What was the primary problem that caused the Pharisee and rich man to be rejected by Jesus?

How does this relate to the narrow road and the broad road? How does this relate to repentance?

What road are you on? In what way is God challenging your priorities?

Thursday, October 6, 2011

October 6, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 13:22-30

Explain how Luke 13 and Matthew 7 relate to one another. What do they teach about Christianity?


What does weeping and gnashing of teeth describe? What is taught about second chances?


How do you see eternity portrayed today compared to Jesus’ description? Why is this important?

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

October 5, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 16:19-31

What were the primary issues that Jesus was communicating through the rich man and Lazarus?

What do you find to be the most sobering part of the story? How does this make you feel?

Based on the truth of this story, how do you see the Gospel today being minimized? What needs to change?

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

October 4, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, John 3:1-21

Describe what you know about a Pharisee. (i.e., background, training, heritage, etc.)

How would a Pharisee have had a false sense of spiritual security? Give a modern day example.

How does Jesus redefine religion to Nicodemus? How does this redefine religion today?

Monday, October 3, 2011

October 3, 2011

Read:  Matthew 7:13-14, John 6:25-66

Explain the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ encounter with the crowd. Why did He confront them?

In what way was He illustrating an all or nothing proposition? (i.e., implied by eating/drinking?)

How did the crowd respond to Jesus? Why? What does this say about becoming a Christian?

Saturday, October 1, 2011

October 1, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:21, John 13:1-17, 1 Peter 5:5-6

What were the cultural implications of washing someone’s feet? How are they the same today?


Why did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet? What was he modeling? How does this relate to Ephesians 5:21?


How do you see this playing out in Christianity today? What do you think needs to change?