Ephesians 5:25-32 - You First
God cares about your family because marriage teaches the world about Jesus’ relationship to His Church and parenting teaches the world about God as a Father
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” —Ephesians 5:25–32
Husbands, this church is structured to help you to gain competency in “washing of water with the word” and “nourishing” your wife with God’s Word.
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” —Matthew 4:4b
Are you solutions-oriented? The Bible reveals the Designer’s design for solving and strengthening real life scenarios such as…
1. Relating to In-Laws - Genesis 2:24
2. Managing Money - Luke 12:15–21; Philippians 4:11–13; 1 Timothy 6:6–10
3. Raising Children - Ephesians 6:1–4; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Proverbs 22:6
4. Sexual Intimacy - 1 Corinthians 7:3–5; Proverbs 5:15–21; Hebrews 13:4
5. Irradicating Guilt, Shame, and Regret - 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 1:9
6. Loneliness and Despair - Psalm 73:23–26; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18
How can a husband/father begin implementing God’s Word with his family? Lead by example.
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” —1 Corinthians 11:1
STEP 1: RECONCILE VERTICALLY (1 John 1:9; 1 Peter 3:21)
Confess your sin to God, pledge allegiance through baptism, and receive His grace
STEP 2: RECONCILE HORIZONTALLY (Matthew 5:23–24; James 5:16)
“I know more now than I did before. I have sinned against God and against you. I have asked and received God’s forgiveness. Now I am asking your forgiveness and committing to grow into the husband God wants to give you.”
STEP 3: COLLABORATE WITH GOD DAILY (Mark 1:35)
Study God’s Word, implement truth by the power of His Holy Spirt: “God, help me understand rightly and implement effectively.”
STEP 4: COLLABORATE WITH SPOUSE (Proverbs 31:26)
“Here’s what I read_____. I think God is calling me/us to change
STEP 5: COLLABORATE WITH OTHERS (Proverbs 24:6: Hebrews 10:24–25)
Join a Life Group to learn with others, troubleshoot problems, optimize implementation, and normalize faithfulness
How do I give to 1MSO?
The people of One Missoula Church give tangible resources back to God in order to suffocate greed in our own lives and amplify the impact of the Gospel in the lives of others. We’ve removed every barrier and inconvenience to make this sacrificial act as accessible and simple as possible. At present, here are the avenues for this act of devotion:
- Sunday Morning – offering boxes on the communion tables at the back
- Snail Mail – postage-paid envelopes available
- Text “1MSO” to 406-631-3323
- Online at https://onemissoulachurch.com/give
- Via the One Missoula App under the “Giving” tab
