Reawakening Your Marriage #4 & 5
Small Group Questions
1. READ Eph. 5:22-25; Col. 3:18-19; Titus 2:1-10; 1 Pet. 3:1-6. Do you think that Christians tend to be selective in their application of scriptural principles? How so?
2. What do you think of when you hear the word submission? How would you define it? We are a visually oriented culture. Give a word picture which would describe the concept of submission as you see it. What imagery comes to mind?
3. Someone has defined submission this way: “Yielding to people, principles, and powers which God has placed in our lives as authoritative.” Do you believe this accurately describes what the Bible means by submission? Read James 4:7; 1 Peter 2:13, 18; Hebrews 13:17.
- Who are we called to submit to according to these verses?
- How has the media affected the way we view these scriptures [i.e. sitcoms, movies, music videos, etc?
- Can you give any examples of how it has affected you personally either pre-salvation or even now?
4. Ephesians 5:22-24 apply specifically to the wife’s responsibilities in marriage. Read & note the exhortations that precede this section in Ephesians 5:15-21.
- How do you think these things affect & influence what is said in Ephesians 5:22-24?
5. How do you react to the statement: We cannot be like Christ, in any way, shape or form, if we reject the idea of submitting ourselves to others. Our imitation of Christ stands or falls on it. Is it true? Take a moment to read Isa. 53:3-12 and John 13:1-17.
- Would you say that Jesus was a doormat or a servant?
- Is there a difference?
- The wedding vow states, “...for better or for worse.” In light of the previous question, what does this vow mean to you?
6. Peter speaks to wives in 1 Peter 3:1-6. Please notice the previous statements Peter makes in 2:18-25. The phrase “In the same way you wives...” in 3:1 is important. How do you think all this relates to a wife fulfilling her responsibilities in the marriage relationship?
- What do you think enabled Jesus to handle the various circumstances in His life? [Hint see v.23b]
- What are some practical applications of this for a wife as she relates to her husband? What if her husband is an unbeliever?
7. How far should submission go? God clearly teaches that as Christians we are to be subject to the authorities He has placed in our lives (i.e. parents, government, etc.), yet in Acts 4:5-19 and 5:26-29 the apostles refused to obey the authorities. What principle did they base their actions on and what implication does it have for wives?
- Can you give a few examples of when you think a wife would be justified in refusing to submit to her husband?
8. On positive note, Esther is a wonderful example of how a woman’s humble and God-entrusting attitude can influence a husband’s decisions, even when the husband is an unbeliever.
- What are some of the important elements of Esther’s exemplary attitude of submission?
- Do you believe that the power of your commitment and character as a godly wife can change your husband’s life?
9. According to 1 Peter 3:2-4 what are the traits that are most important and precious to God as it relates to a wife’s adornment? Are they physical, spiritual or both?
10. If time permits read Ephesians 6:10-18.
- Why do you think that Paul follows his section on relationships with a focus on spiritual warfare?
- Who is the real enemy of godly submission?
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