April 30, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:28-29, Matthew 6:31-34, 22:34-40

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

How does this relate to a husband’s responsibility? Describe its two-part application. (i.e. income/expense)

In what way have you delegated your responsibility? Be specific. How will you step into change?

April 29, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:26-27, 2 Timothy 3:14-16, 2 Peter 3:10-12, James 5:16, Hebrews 9:27

What is the implicit truth Paul presents when it comes to loving your wife? (i.e. being a pastor)

How does this relate to bible study and prayer? How can a healthy fear of God and eternity help?

What specific spiritual growth steps will you take this week for both you and your wife?

April 28, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Titus 3:3-8

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

How does the “word” relate to this washing? What does this imply about a husband’s role with his wife?

How can these roles get reversed? What specific adjustments is God prompting you to make?

April 27, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:25, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, Matthew 27:27-50

Given that “love” has multiple definitions today, how is a husband’s love for his wife different?

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

How does this raise the bar for husbands? How does this challenge you and your marriage?

April 25, 2015

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 God’s marriage roles?

In what way do you see Christian pre-marital counseling being vital for a healthy marriage?

April 24, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-24, Genesis 2:24-3:8

Who took a leadership and submissive role when Adam and Eve first sinned against God?

What does this highlight about an inverted marriage model? Why is this important to not minimize?

How have you seen this happening today? What protective steps do you need to take in your marriage?

April 23, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:24, Colossians 3:18, 1 Peter 3:1-6

What does it mean for a wife to submit to her husband in “everything?” How does Eph. 5:23 clarify this?

Why is this important given a husband’s responsibility in marriage? How can being quiet & gentle help?

How do you typically respond to hearing “no”? As a wife, what are some ways you need to pull back?

April 22, 2015

Read: Ephesians 5:22-23, Romans 12:1-8, Galatians 5:16-26

Explain Paul’s approach to Christian living in Romans 12 and Gal. 5? How can this apply to a wife’s calling?

What does this imply about your walk with Jesus and marriage? Why is this important?

How have you seen this play out in your marriage? What is God teaching you?

April 21, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-23, 33b

Explain what it means to “submit”? How does being supportive and deferring relate?

Why is this necessary? How can this get inverted? How does submission and respect work together?

In what way can fear prevent submission? How can Ask, Share, Defer (ASD) help you step into this truth?

April 20, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-23, Genesis 2:18-24

Explain why God made woman? How was God solving a problem? How does this relate to marriage?

Why is value and worth not the issue? (i.e. “image of God”) How can this get misunderstood?

How do you see marriage roles being defined today? In what way is Eph 5:22-23 counter cultural?

April 18, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:21b, Proverbs 9:10, 2 Cor. 4:17-18, Philippians 2:12-13, Rev. 19:1-10

What does it mean to “fear” the Lord? How does this challenge the way you have viewed God?

Why is a fear of the Lord a healthy perspective in marriage? (i.e. humbling, obedience, etc.)

How can you practice eternal thinking on a daily basis? How can you include your spouse? Start now!

April 17, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:21b, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Peter 3:7

How will the Bible and prayer impact your walk with Jesus? How will it impact your marriage? Why?

In what way is the Bible a marriage book and prayer a marriage seminar? How have you undervalued it?

What practical steps will you take to read your Bible and pray next week? Be specific.

April 16, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:21-25, Luke 14:25-26, 2 Peter 1:1-8

How often is “Christ” mentioned in the Ephesians 5 reading? What does this imply about Jesus in marriage?

How does your walk with the Lord relate to a healthy marriage? How can this get inverted?

What inverted priority is God revealing to you in your marriage? What changes will you make?

April 15, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:21a, 1 Corinthians 3:1-7, James 3:13-18, 4:1-2

Describe the root issue that is taking place when there is relational division and fighting. Be specific.

How can this get overlooked in the heat of the moment? Describe the last time this happened to you.

In what way is a marriage problem a heart problem? What is God teaching you about your marriage?

April 14, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:21a, Philippians 2:3-8, James 4:10

What is required to be submissive? How did Jesus model this truth? How does this impact marriage?

What is required in order to grow in humility? What does this imply about how marriage may “feel”?

How do you need to allow God to humble you? Take some time and pray about this, asking God for insight.

April 13, 2015

Read:  Ephesians 5:15-27, Matthew 18:1-4, John 13:1-17, James 4:6

What is the connection between Christian relationships and a marriage relationship? Why is this important?

What does “submit” mean? Give an example of what this could look like with a friend and your spouse.

How will selfishness destroy a marriage? How is God challenging your marriage approach and expectations?

April 11, 2015

Read:  Matthew 27:62-28:20, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Describe the two responses to Jesus’ resurrection in Matthew 27. How do you see this taking place today?

Why is the Easter message critical to following Jesus? How easy is it for you to believe in Easter?

What is often overlooked when it comes to Easter? (i.e. eye witnesses) How can it help the discussion?

April 10, 2015

Read:  1 Corinthians 15:12-26, 1 Peter 1:3-6

In what way does the resurrection of Jesus relate to human mortality and death?

How can a resurrection provide either hope or concern? What determines the difference? Be specific.

How often do you think about your death? Why? How can Easter make it a hopeful discussion?

April 9, 2015

Read:  Colossians 2:6-14, Romans 6:4-11, Mark 10:32-34

Why does the New Testament include a discussion about the cross with the resurrection?

Specifically, what is at stake if this isn’t done? What does this imply about the Easter message year round?

How often do you talk about the resurrection? Why? How is God challenging you?

April 8, 2015

Read:  Luke 19:1-10, John 3:16-17 , Titus 3:4-8, Romans 5:5-11

Try to describe the mission and purpose of Jesus’ life and ministry in one sentence.

How was Jesus distinctly different than other religious leaders throughout history? Give an example.

Why is this important when talking to non-Christians about Jesus? How can Easter help?

April 7, 2015

Read:  Matthew 26:57-66, John 5:16-30, 10:24-30, Romans 1:1-4

In what way did Jesus claim authority? How would this have been challenging to His audience?

How was Jesus taking a major risk? In what way have you seen the world try to make Jesus safe?

How would you respond to this approach? How does this contradict Easter? Why is it dangerous?

April 6, 2015

Read:  John 2:12-22, 11:17-45

What was Jesus trying to teach Martha? What was Jesus trying to teach the Jews in the temple?

Why did Jesus refer to His resurrection? What does this imply about the importance of the resurrection?

How have you previously viewed Jesus’ resurrection? Why is it critical to the Christian message?

April 4, 2015

Read:  Matthew 10:1-14, Romans 1:13-17

How do you feel when you read about Jesus’ and Paul’s attitude toward the Gospel? How are you different?

Why do you think Christians are quiet about Jesus today? What do you think is replacing the discussion?

How has God been speaking to you this week? Specifically how has it helped you talk more about Jesus?

April 3, 2015

Read:  Matthew 10:8-14, 1 Corinthians 4:12-20

Why did Jesus say, “Freely you have received, freely give”? How might the disciples have been tempted?

What does this indicate about preaching the Gospel and staying on track? How have you seen this happen?

How can behavior promote or damage the Gospel? What areas of your life do you need to keep in check?

April 2, 2015

Read:  Matthew 10:5-7, Acts 26:1-23

In what way did Paul preach the Gospel to King Agrippa? What were the three areas he talked about?

What does this highlight about the power of a testimony? How can this help you share your faith?

Write out some ways you can apply this approach with non-Christians you know. Be specific.

April 1, 2015

Read:  Matthew 10:5-7, 20:28, John 3:16, 14:6, Luke 12:1-5, 14:25-35, 22:19-20, 1 Cor. 15:17

Explain what Jesus meant by the “kingdom of heaven”. What was Jesus telling His disciples to do?

Try to write out the gospel in one sentence. What truth do you see as being central? Be specific.

How can bunny trails occur? Give an example. How is God challenging your gospel? Pray for insight.