The Difference Jesus Makes in Marriage

What does the passage say?

1) Read Colossians 3:18–19 aloud as a group. Before interpreting or applying the passage, share observations about it.

1. 1. In the context of today’s passage—
      1. How are the Person and purpose of Jesus Christ described? (Colossians 1:15–20, 2:1–3)
      2. What invitation and encouragement did the Apostle Paul offer to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae? (Colossians 2:6–8, 3:1–2, 12–14, 17)
      3. What provision has the LORD made to enable the believer’s confident acceptance of and surrender to this invitation? (Colossians 2:9-15, 3:3-4)
   2. In today’s passage—
      1. What is the Apostle Paul’s exhortation for wives? Based on the preceding Scriptural context, how is this possible, and why is it important?
      2. What is the Apostle Paul’s exhortation for husbands? Based on the preceding Scriptural context, how is this possible, and why is it important?

2) How would you explain or summarize today’s passage in your own words?

What does the passage mean?

1. Read and consider Ephesians 5:22–33. How does this passage further illuminate your understanding of today’s passage?
2. Read and consider 1 Corinthians 13. What – and Who – enables the love described in this passage to be authentically manifested in a person’s life?
3. What stands out to you most as you read and consider today’s passage as well as the companion passages in Ephesians 5:22–33 and 1 Corinthians 13?

How can we apply this passage to our lives?

1. Where does your image and understanding of marriage come from? How reliably do these sources reflect and reinforce the Biblical picture of marriage?
2. How might relational challenges that you have experienced (or are experiencing) actually be hints of underlying, essential challenges in your relationship with the Lord?
3. How might a believer reliably uncover the deeper concerns that underlie their relational challenges and faithfully overcome them so as to “…walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6–7)?
4. Reconsider the truth that the ultimate purpose of marriage is not self-gratification – it is God-glorification. How might this truth change your perspective on, expectations for, approach to, and/or experience in marriage?
5. Whether you are single or married, what are 2-3 steps God is calling you to take to exalt the glory of Jesus in marriage?

Colossians 3:18–19 (ESV)

Rules for Christian Households

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Sermon Recap

If you are in the LORD, that means you have —

• a new PRESENCE in marriage;
• a new POWER for marriage;
• a new PURPOSE for marriage; and
• a new PATTERN for marriage.

The kind of marriage that is fitting in the Lord is a marriage that is focused on helping each other live in the Lord. The picture of Biblical marriage is this:

• With equal dignity from the Lord and ultimate submission to the Lord, a wife willingly and joyfully works to affirm and follow the loving leadership of her husband.
• With equal dignity from the Lord and ultimate submission to the Lord, a husband lays down his life to serve his wife selflessly and gently.

At least two general applications flow from this text:

• Singles, promote and pursue marriage that is fitting in the Lord.
• Husbands and wives, recommit to cultivating a marriage that is fitting in the Lord.