MESSAGE NOTES Myth: My marriage is primarily for me & my happiness. Big Idea: Our marriage relationship is designed to shine as a bright and attractive reflection of Jesus’ humble self-giving love. Ephesians 5:31-32 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”* 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 1 Peter 2:9,12 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Peter 3:1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. Ephesians 5:25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her… 1 Peter 3:7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. ..but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Christian marriage is designed as a . Ephesians 5:31-32 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”* 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 1 Peter 2:21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. How can our Christian marriages win the world? Ephesians 5:21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. [ ] Submit to your spouse because you adore Jesus. Wives mirror the Church's self-emptying . Ephesians 5: 24 3:1 In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. Inner beauty has the power to win hearts over to God. It’s… persuasive. (v1) permanent. (v4) precious. (v4) [ ] Accept his humble leadership into your heart & into your home. Husbands mirror Jesus' self-emptying . Ephesians 5:25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her… 3:7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. ..but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. [ ] Actively pursue learning who she is & elevating what she needs. 7...but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. **Where could we start?** Seek humility. Seek forgiveness. Seek help.