God's Blueprints for Husbands
God’s Blueprint for Husbands
Colossians 3:19
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.
- Call
This is a call to all husbands, not the husband of Christian wives.
Colossians 3:19
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.
This does not say treat your wife like a slave, nor to embattle her. It doesn’t say treat your wife like your child, or like your mother. She is your wife. It does not say subject your wife, or rule over your wife.
In the first century, women were thought to be little more than a man’s personal property. Men could kill their wives without a trial if caught in infidelity – the wife could not raise a finger to her husband – she has no rights. So this was a novel concept at the time it was written.
Love is central.
Different types of love in the Greek language
Philos
Eros – love of possession
Storge – a family love, generally used as a parents love for his children.
Agape – sacrificial love, almost always used for God’s love for his elect.
In the church, we’ve exchanged Eros for Agape.
- Love your wife sacrificially. This is the same as saying “men, lay down your life for your wife”
John 15:13
13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
Most men love themselves so much, there is no room left over for their wives. Love is a verb – you must act. This is how God loves.
- Love her spiritually. Men are the spiritual head of the household, the priest of the family. Take that seriously. Take the lead. Men will give an account not only for how you conducted your life in general, but also to your wife.
Wisdom takes “time” seriously. It goes by too fast.
- Love her sensitively. Let your “warm and fuzzy” side come out. Do not be insensitive to your wife’s need.
- Love her selflessly. Selfishness is at the root of all martial problems. Love her for “the long haul.” “Till death do us part.
Colossians 3:19
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.