T he book of Genesis records many firsts in human history. One of the most significant involves the marriage of Adam and Eve (Gen. 2:24). Some 4000 years after this event, Jesus Christ made reference to the value God places on this ancient institution. He actually declared that divorce was an enemy of marriage perpetrated by man because of the hardness of his heart (Mt. 19:8). He also explained that although divorce is a reality, it goes contrary to God’s will. Later, the apostle Paul explained that the God ordained purpose for marriage is to reveal an eternal relationship between God and His Church (Eph. 5:32).

    This Mini Study examines marriage and the roles God assigned to the husband and the wife. These responsibilities are intended to make a marriage thrive and to teach about a great wedding and marriage yet to come.

Wives
 
Pro. 18:22 - A good wife. Also: Pro. 31

 
Pro. 27:15-16 - A bad wife

 
1Cor. 11:7  "The woman is the glory of man"

 
1Cor. 11:11-12  No superiority of one over the other.

 
The issue is one of roles. The man is the head of the wife (1Cor. 11:3). He is not better

The Role of the Wife

 
1Pet. 3:1-5  Be in subjection. A wife’s attitude toward her husband is a better argument for God’s way than any words.

 
Titus 2:5 Be obedient to your husband.

Col. 3:18 Submit unto your husband as unto Christ.

 
Eph. 5:24 Be in subjection in everything.

 
1Tim. 2:9-12 Don’t usurp man’s authority.

Women Who Showed Honor to Their Husbands

 
Esther

 
Ruth

Women Who Showed No Respect toward Their Husbands

 
Queen Vashti (Esther 1:12)

 
Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39)

 
Jezebel (1Ki. 21)

Conclusion

 
Pro. 31  Outlines the causes and effects of virtue

 
Isa. 3  Outlines the consequences of woman’s rule

Husbands

 
In order for the wife to successfully fulfill her role, the husband must fulfill his.

The Role of the Husband

 
1Pet. 3:7  "Dwell with your wife according to knowledge."

 
1Tim. 3:4-5  "Rule your house" (Bishops)

 
Col. 3:19  "Love your wife"

 
- as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25)

 
- as your own body (Eph. 5:28)

 
Eph. 5:25  Be prepared to die for your wife

 
1Tim. 5:8  Be a provider for your family.

The Role of the Husband

 
1Pet. 3:7  "Dwell with your wife according to knowledge."

 
1Tim. 3:4-5  "Rule your house" (Bishops)

 
Col. 3:19  "Love your wife"

 
- as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25)

 
- as your own body (Eph. 5:28)

 
Eph. 5:25  Be prepared to die for your wife.

 
1Tim. 5:8  Be a provider for your family.

Examples of Outstanding Husbands

 
Boaz (Ruth)

 
Isaac Gen. 24 - (a love story)

 
Jacob - Gen. 29 (worked 14 years for Rachel)

Mini Studies