2024_08_25 Small Group Discussion Questions
August 24, 2024

Colossians (Part 18): Marriage Roles

Be motivated by future joy, not current sacrifice. (Hebrews 12:1-2)


Wives: (Colossians 3:18)


1. Submit yourself to your husband as is fitting in the Lord.

  • There are many areas of authority God has given us:
    A) Submission to God’s Authority (James 4:7)
    B) Submission to Government Authority (1 Peter 2:13-14)
    C) Submission to Church Leaders (Hebrews 13:17)
    D) Submission in Marriage
    E) Submission to Parents (Colossians 3:20)
    F) Submission to Each Other (Ephesians 5:21)

2.Respect your husband. (Ephesians 5:33)

  • Communicate that he is enough to you now, not that he will only be enough when he improves.


Husbands (Colossians 3:19)

  1. Don’t become bitter with your wife.
  2. Love your wife.
    • Ask her 1 thing that makes her feel unloved, and 3 things that make her feel most loved.
    • 2 Tips: 1) Serve her. 2) Listen to her.


The Gospel

  • Christ saved us and sustains us through self-sacrifice and unmerited favor. (Colossians 1:21-22, Colossians 2:14).
  • Through Christ, we can serve each other freely.


Small Group Discussion Questions:

Introduction:

Reflection on Joy: How does the analogy of running a race in Hebrews 12:1-2 relate to the pursuit of joy in marriage? How can focusing on future joy rather than the current burdens change your perspective on your marriage?


Wives:

Submission Redefined: Read Colossians 3:18-19, Ephesians 5:22-33. How does understanding “submission” as a voluntary act of following out of love for the Lord (rather than forced submission) change the way you view this concept? What does “as is fitting in the Lord” mean to you in practical terms?

Authority and Trust: How can a wife balance submission with the need to maintain her own integrity and well-being, especially in situations where her husband’s leadership might not align with God’s will?

Respecting Your Husband: Reflect on the statement, “Every man, deep in his bones, wants to know, ‘Am I enough?’” How does this insight affect how you communicate with your husband? What are some practical ways you can show respect and appreciation?

Practical Exercise: The sermon suggests finding one thing you appreciate about your husband and expressing it to him. How did this exercise go for you? What was the impact, if you’ve tried it before?


Husbands:

Avoiding Bitterness: The passage highlights the caution for husbands to love their wives and not become bitter. Why do you think Paul specifically warns against bitterness? How have you seen bitterness affect relationships?

Bitterness Illustration: Reflect on the coffee illustration. What are some “small pinches of salt” that have the potential to turn a relationship bitter? How can you address these early before they build up?

Tender Leadership: Discuss how being gentle and avoiding harshness, as mentioned in Colossians 3:19 and 3:21, can strengthen your marriage. What steps can you take to ensure your leadership is characterized by love and gentleness?


Conclusion:

Transforming Your Marriage: The sermon emphasizes two key principles: embracing a covenant view of marriage and focusing on your spouse’s strengths rather than weaknesses. How have you seen these principles at work in your marriage or in others’ marriages? How might you start implementing them more intentionally?