Untitled Sermon (4)

Husbands Love Wives

Next is Paul’s word to husbands. There is a stencil overlay for those given authority and leadership.

In the beginning, husbands were supposed to treasure and lead their wives in unity (one flesh, Genesis 2:24).

Sadly, after the fall, men became proud and overbearing toward their helpmates.

Returning to Genesis 3:16, God told Eve about Adam, “but he shall rule over you.”

Sin in the flesh and the old self led them to think they can use their God-given authority to bark, bully, abuse, and bend their wives to their wills.

Sadly, men stopped appreciating their wives and used their strength to overpower them. This is the ugliest part of men.

Husbands, there is something in us which wants to lord over others. When we direct this toward our beautiful, delicate, and trusting wives, it damages them.

Yet Christ transforms men from ogres to creature who manifest dignity and honor to our wives.

Paul says,

Colossians 3:19 ESV

19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

This means we do not poke and prod her in a way to make her angry or resentful. Do not humiliate her, denigrate her, or make her violate her conscience. Do not make her regret marrying you. Don’t be resentful toward her for her failings.

Rather, as Christ rules your hearts, husbands are to love their wives with a love that is like the divine love God has shows toward us.

Romans 5:8 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

This is agape love, emphasizing great affection, great care, great security, great loyalty. This love also means to delight in her as God takes pleasure in us.

Paul gives more detail in Ephesians...

Ephesians 5:25–33 ESV

25 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. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Husbands, your love should be sacrificial in nature & edifying of your wife. Be for her as you want her to be for you. Be faithful to her above all. Make it clear she is your one and only and that she is your priority. Use your power and authority to give her grace and love.

Act towards her like the Shepherd in Psalm 23.

Don’t wait for Valentines Day to give her your love. Start it right now. “Tell her she’s beautiful, your one and only, and that you want God’s best for her.”

Act this way toward her and I think you will find yourself with a teammates rather than an opponent.

This is the impact of Christ in your marriage.