How Did Jesus Love The Church

How did Christ love the Church?

As a result, “from noon till three o’clock in the afternoon, darkness fell over the entire area” (Mark 15:25), and Jesus was crucified at 9 a.m. (Mark 15:25). (Matt. 27:45). The relevance of this: Darkness is commonly used as a symbol of judgment in the Old Testament (see Amos 5:18; 8:9). Remember that the ninth plague of the exodus event was a three-day period of darkness over the country of Egypt, a darkness that could be felt by the people of Israel (Ex. 10:21-22). Next the plague of darkness, the firstborn sons were killed in the following year (Ex.

Death was preceded by a period of darkness.

What is the importance of this?

The presence of darkness as a manifestation of divine judgment draws attention to the substitutionary aspect of Christ’s sacrifice.

3:13; 2 Cor.

2:24).

  • As a result, “from noon to three o’clock in the afternoon, darkness fell over the entire area” (Mark 15:25), and Jesus was crucified at 9 a.m. (Mark 15:26). (Matt. 27:45). Here’s why it’s important: Darkness is commonly depicted as a symbol of judgment in the Old Testament (see Amos 5:18
  • 8:9). Remember that the ninth plague of the exodus event was a three-day period of darkness over the country of Egypt, a darkness that could be felt by the people living there (Ex. 10:21-22). It wasn’t long after that the firstborn sons were killed by the scourge of darkness (Ex. 11:4-5). Death came first, followed by darkness. Similarly, on the cross, darkness ushered in the death of God’s only begotten son. Was there a point to all of this? Our sins were laid vicariously on the sinless Son on the cross, and God poured out His punishment on Christ, our Substitute, as a result. The presence of darkness as a manifestation of divine judgment draws attention to the substitutionary aspect of Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus bore the punishment of God for our sins by dying on the cross (see Gal. 3:13
  • 2 Cor. 5:21
  • 1 Pet. 2:24).

As a result, “from noon till three o’clock in the afternoon, darkness fell over the entire area” (Mark 15:25), and Jesus was crucified at 9 a.m. (Matt. 27:45). The relevance of this is as follows: In the Old Testament, darkness is usually seen as a harbinger of impending judgment (see Amos 5:18; 8:9). Remember that the ninth plague of the exodus event was a time of three days of darkness over the country of Egypt—a darkness that could be felt (Ex. 10:21-22). The death of the firstborn sons followed the scourge of darkness (Ex.

  1. Death was preceded by darkness.
  2. What is the significance?
  3. As a manifestation of divine judgment, darkness emphasizes the substitutionary aspect of Christ’s death.
  4. 3:13; 2 Cor.
  5. 2:24).

How To Love Your Wife As Christ Loved the Church

What happened:Jesus was nailed to the crucifixion around 9 a.m. (Mark 15:25), and then “from noon until three o’clock in the afternoon, darkness fell over the entire nation” (Matt. 27:45). The importance is as follows: In the Old Testament, darkness is commonly seen as a symbol of judgment (see Amos 5:18; 8:9). Remember that the ninth plague of the exodus event was a three-day period of darkness over the country of Egypt, a darkness that could be felt (Ex. 10:21-22). Following the scourge of darkness, the firstborn sons were killed (Ex.

Death was preceded by a period of obscurity.

What’s the importance of this?

The presence of darkness as a manifestation of divine judgment draws attention to the substitutionary aspect of Christ’s death. On the cross, Jesus bore the punishment of God for our sin (see Gal. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24).

How Do You Love Your Wife Like Christ Loves the Church?

“Husbands, love your wives,” says the Bible, and it appears to be a straightforward rule. After being married for more than five minutes, though, you’ll learn that it’s a little more difficult than it appears. There are a couple of reasons behind this. The commandment for a Christian husband to love his wife is not conditional on her performing any specific duties in his life. For better or worse, it is intended to depict his life even when his wife is not performing well. More to the point, it is a sort of love that is continual and occurs on a daily basis.

  • This is the kind of everyday love that distinguishes the relationship between a Christian husband and his wife.
  • The Christian spouse exemplifies Jesus’ love for his church as well as the unity that may be found in this type of relationship (Eph.
  • The Bible directs men to the highest example, the husband par excellence, as the one who serves as both a model and a source of inspiration for their wives’ love and devotion to him.
  • Here are some examples of how a husband might love his wife in the manner of Jesus.

(1) ASacrificialLove

“Husbands, cherish your wives,” reads like a straightforward mandate. After being married for more than five minutes, though, you’ll learn that it’s a little more difficult than it appears at first glance. One of the most important is that it is environmentally friendly. The commandment for a Christian husband to love his wife is not conditional on her performing any specific tasks in the family. For better or worse, it is intended to describe his life even when his wife is not behaving well.

  1. Marriage, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day are not the only occasions when people fall in love.
  2. There is also a pattern that must be followed.
  3. 5:25-32).
  4. As a result, how should Christian husbands treat their wives in light of Jesus’ love for them?

(2) AServingLove

Jesus gave his life in service to the church. This lady was dressed in an apron. He served his spouse, the church, with his life and death, and he was grateful for it. We read in Mark 10:45 that even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to sacrifice his life as a ransom for the sins of the world. In the same way, the husband, as the leader, is expected to serve his wife. When confronted with the chance to serve his wife, he is to be prepared to put his own interests aside, just as Jesus did.

  • We could never imagine Jesus being too preoccupied to hear our prayers when we approach him in prayer.
  • He is not uninterested in what is going on.
  • He is always in our best interests.
  • During prayer, Jesus is not distracted by thoughts of hobbies or job.
  • His attention is not diverted by the fact that we are exposing our shortcomings to him.

He is considerate and sensitive in his interactions with others (Heb. 4:15-16). Instead of a husband loving another woman more than his wife, the danger for marriages is that he would love himself more than his wife. This is where the danger lies for marriages.

(3) AFaithfulLove

Jesus devoted his life to serving others, particularly the church. An apron was worn by this lady. His life and death were dedicated to his wife, the church. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” according to Mark 10:45. Similar to this, the husband, as the head of the household, is responsible for his wife. When confronted with the chance to serve his wife, he is to be prepared to put his own interests aside, just as Jesus was.

  1. He doesn’t seem to be bothered by anything.
  2. No, he cares about us and is willing to listen and assist us as long as we need him.
  3. When we are attempting to communicate with Jesus, he is not preoccupied with checking his phone or going through social media.
  4. Whenever we are exposing our flaws in front of him, he is not daydreaming.
  5. He is considerate and sensitive in his interactions with others (Heb.
  6. Instead of a husband loving another woman more than his wife, the danger for marriages is that he would love himself more than his wife.

(4) AnUnderstandingLove

Jesus is familiar with and understands us. He understands what it is that makes us tick. He is aware of our vulnerabilities. In 1 Peter 3:7, Peter advises husbands to “live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor” (to her). This term “understanding” alludes to a love that is well-informed. The spouse is well-acquainted with his wife’s friends and family. He is familiar with and understands her. The husband must be constantly researching and learning about his wife. I’ve jokingly referred to myself as a “lifetime student” at Christie University.

I’m constantly trying to figure out the greatest way to love and serve her.

(5) ACaringLove

Our Lord Jesus Christ is aware of and understands our circumstances. What makes humans tick is well known to him. Instinctively, he recognizes our flaws. ‘Live with your spouses in an understanding way demonstrating honor,’ Peter instructs men in 1 Peter 3:7. (to her). Knowledgeable love is denoted by the term “understanding.” A good deal of the husband’s knowledge about his wife comes from her. he is familiar with and understands her situation It is necessary for the husband to constantly research and learn about his wife.

Because I am a lifelong learner, I will never graduate or receive an academic diploma.

(6) ASanctifyingLove

Many of the things Paul is referring to here have to do with Jesus’ spiritual care for us, as you’ll notice. In my opinion, this does not imply that the husband is the only one who is accountable for seeing his wife develop in holiness. The husband is entrusted with the responsibility and privilege of seeing his wife develop in holiness. There are other avenues that God has provided (for example, the local church), but it is the husband’s job to see that they are implemented. He is expected to be concerned about the spiritual development of his wife.

He directs his affection toward her because of her holiness.

While Christian spouses can be excellent in many areas of love, it is at this moment that they might fall short of their Lord’s expectations and fail to fulfill their responsibilities.

Taking the initiative to guide your family, and especially your wife, to God’s Word and God who is revealed in it, are you, husbands, taking the initiative?

(7) AConsistentLove

Jesus is a person of consistency. And all of his activities toward us are mediated by the love covenant of grace that he has established with us. “Every single event that happens to us communicates God’s love for us, and comes to us for the furtherance of God’s plan for us,” writes Packer in his famous bookKnowing God. All of his actions toward us are motivated by love. “God loves people because he has chosen to love them—as Charles Wesley phrased it, “he hath loved us, he hath loved us, since he wanted love” (an echo of Deut.

Christian spouses are expected to be constant in their reflection of God’s love for us as shown in the gospel.

(8) ALeadingLove

Jesus provided us with a model to follow. If we wish to be Christlike, we must model our behavior after his leadership: “You are aware that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exert control over them,” Jesus told them. However, this will not be the case among you. However, whomever wishes to be great among you must serve as your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must serve as the servant of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to offer his life as a ransom for the salvation of many.” (Matthew 10:42–45) The Christian husband’s devotion to his wife is not to be characterized by the same characteristics as the Roman occupation.

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It is not about self-fulfillment, but rather about self-sacrifice that is required.

(9) AnEnduringLove

Jesus is steadfast in his commitment to his wife. Isn’t that encouraging news? When things get tough in Christian marriages, far too many of them give up. This is something we must not do. Stay on the field and sort it out, continue to drive forward and see the game through to its conclusion. Jesus provides us with the motivation to persevere in the face of and through adversity.

(10)AnEschatologicalLove

According to the image of Ephesians (1:10; 20–23), this is God’s purpose for the culmination of all things in Christ. The husband’s obedience to Jesus and loving leadership of his wife is a reflection of the end-time submission of all things to Christ. Being a Christian spouse does not imply being a conceited, self-absorbed leader, but rather a humble, self-giving servant leader who serves others. You are reflecting the fact that Christ, and not you, is the king in this way. And the dawn of his empire has come.

What Did Jesus Do?

According to the picture painted by Ephesians (1:10; 20–23), this is God’s plan for the completion of all things in Christ. As a result, when a husband submits to Jesus and leads his wife in a loving manner, he is mirroring the end-time submission of all things to Christ. Being a Christian spouse does not include being an arrogant, self-absorbed leader, but rather a humble, self-giving servant leader who serves his wife and children.

Through this, you demonstrate the fact that Christ, not you, is the ruler of the universe. Moreover, his kingdom has come into existence.

The standard is set

Paul is the one who gently encourages all husbands to take this step. When Paul writes in the book of Ephesians, he delivers this incredible and significant command: Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church. (See also Ephesians 5:25.) To all husbands, everywhere and at all times, the command is sent. And while we struggle under the weight of such a demand, we must all confront the obvious question: what are we doing here? “How would Christ love the church?” is not the question. “How does Christ love the church?” the question asks.

All we have to do now is wait and see.

We could never cover all of the different ways He accomplishes this in a single piece.

  • In what way does Hedobenefit the church? (For example, what should I do for my wife? What does He think of the church?) In this case, what should I think of my wife? What has He become in the eyes of the church? (What should I become in order to please my wife?)

As we respond to these questions, we will have a better understanding of not just what Jesuswoulddo, but also what Hedid. Then we have our live model for how we are to love our spouses, which is quite helpful. Never let the length of the path ahead of us deter you from pursuing your goals. Every journey starts with the first step. Please have the confidence to take that initial step forward with one another.

1. What does Christdofor the church?

It is commonly acknowledged that Christ’s activities on behalf of the church may be characterized in three functional titles: prophet, priest, and king, each of which serves a different purpose. A cursory examination of each will provide us with valuable insight into our responsibilities as spouses.

Christ as prophet

A prophet is someone who conveys the Word of God to the people of the world. In this role, he is accountable for properly detecting what God is saying and delivering that information to others in an appropriate manner. Christ fulfilled this prophetic duty in two ways that were flawless. First and foremost, he properly communicated and taught the Word of God and the words of God to others. Second, He was the physical manifestation of God, as well as the Word come to life. The husband in the role of prophet: We have the incredible pleasure of conveying the Word of God to our spouses, which is a tremendous honor.

As we advise our wives, as we make family decisions, and as we prepare for our family’s future, we have the opportunity to declare His Word and His will.

A prophet has nothing to say unless he is speaking from God’s Word; else, his words are empty and worthless.

We must be living examples of the message we are preaching.

We must personify what we want our women and our marriages to become in order for them to be successful. It is impossible for us to get greater acclaim from Christ than the Pharisees did if we do not truly live the truth that we preach. The Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 23:2-4)

Christ as priest

A priest is an intercessor, which means that he or she seeks God on someone else’s behalf. Jesus, in his capacity as Priest, is continuously seeking God on our behalf. We are become holy, righteous, and acceptable to God as a result of His work in our lives. However, this Priest differs from all others in that He did not offer up a lamb, a dove, or a bull as a sacrifice. This Priest made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. The husband in the role of priest: We must serve as priests because we love our spouses so much.

  • God has granted us the privilege and responsibility of petitioning him on their behalf.
  • It’s also important that we pray for their success as a wife, as a mother, and as a woman of God.
  • According to Hebrews 12, Jesus was thinking beyond His own sacrifice to the joy that would be experienced on the other side.
  • What God could desire to do through her, in her, and through you is worth considering.
  • You will love your wife like Christ loves His church as a result of your actions.

Christ as King

A king is someone who is dominant or prominent in his or her domain. Christ, as our King, is deserving of our adoration, our adoration, our obedience, and our servitude. He is in command. he is unquestionably the spiritual head of the church. Paul refers to Jesus as the head of the church on several occasions. Even while this King rules and reigns, He also serves and tends to the people under His authority. His reign is unique in that he serves as a role model for leadership by doing so. It is those who serve, according to Him, who will be the greatest among His people.

  1. It was common practice in many courts throughout history for subjects to be forbidden from being in the presence of their king.
  2. The husband in the role of king: Ephesians 5:23 makes it very clear that the husband is the head of the wife’s household.
  3. As we accept this, we as husbands must take the initiative.
  4. We must be on the brink of the cliff, looking over our shoulders for the provision and security of our kingdom.
  5. We have the advantage of being in charge of our own house.
  6. We must reign in the same way that Christ rules.
  7. It was He who demonstrated just how He desires us to love our spouses.

We must follow in His footsteps and be of service. Leaders must be fearless while still serving others. Never allow the physical strength of your leadership to overwhelm the willingness to sacrifice of your leadership. Christ was able to keep them in perfect balance, and that is our goal as well.

2. What does Christthinkof the church?

Throughout the last 2000 years, the church has had a negative impact on the image of Jesus at various points in time. It has made a mess of both its ideology and its application. The country is either overly docile and accepting in one decade or excessively judgemental and legalistic in another. The Crusades, which took place during the Middle Ages in search of the lost, were a horrific event. In a previous era, its lack of concern for the lost resulted in the inability of the gospel to be spread.

  1. He must be hesitant to confess his allegiance, don’t you think?
  2. Take a look at what He has to say about the church in these selected scriptures.
  3. I will construct My temple, and the gates of Hades will not be able to conquer it.
  4. He goes on to refer to the church as His spouse, His body, and His people, among other things.

And no matter how hard we try, no matter how many times we fail, He will not abandon us: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from God’s love for us that is in Christ Jesus our Savior (Romans 8:38-39)

What should I think of my wife?

Too frequently, we fall into the trap of allowing our wife’s behaviors to define how we feel about her in our hearts. When her acts are not pleasing to us, we allow her to become less gorgeous in our eyes. Our affections for one another begin to weaken as the romance fades and the honeymoon sensations go away. This does not reflect Christ’s affection for the church. If we want to follow in His footsteps, we must adopt a new way of thinking from our own. We must think of her in the same way that Christ thinks of the church.

  • She is, in essence, my body because we are members of the same flesh.
  • I’m confident that if you honestly consider the person your wife is, you will uncover a slew of amazing characteristics that you had previously overlooked.
  • Consider your wife from a higher perspective; consider her in the same way that Christ considers the church: as complete, as made perfect, as chosen by God.
  • According to Gary Thomas, author of Sacred Marriage, marriage is not always intended to bring about happiness, but rather to bring about holiness.

This holds true for both you and your wife. So allow your thoughts to be elevated to a higher level of reverence. Consider her to be beautiful, desirous, and pure in heart. You will be thinking of her in the same way that Christ thinks of the church while you do this.

3. What has Christbecomefor the church?

Each of us is recognized by our given names and our respective duties. I am known by the names Rob and Daddy in my personal life. I am a spouse, a parent, a friend, a teacher, a coworker, and so on. You may make a list of your own names and duties to keep track of them. The Lord Jesus Christ is also known by many additional titles and duties, each of which expresses a particular aspect of His personality. All of these things mirror what He represents to the church. Take a look at some of the most well-known names and roles associated with Christ.

  • A solid fortress (Proverbs 18:10)
  • A wonderful advisor (Isaiah 9:6)
  • Ever-present assistance in times of need (Psalm 46:1)
  • And many more. God, who sees everything (Genesis 16:13)
  • God is faithful and truthful (Revelation 19:11)
  • He is kind and merciful (Nehemiah 9:31)
  • And he is just.
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Christ has become all of these and much, much more for the church as a result of who He is and what He has done on our behalf via the cross. These are not only activities that Jesus does; rather, they are fundamental to his character and very being. I may rush to Christ not because He supplies a sturdy tower, but because He is a strong tower in and of himself. But I can put my faith in Him not because He provides good advice, but because being a Wonderful Counselor is intrinsic to His own character.

What should I become for my wife?

It is considerably preferable to be loyal than it is to just abstain from extramarital activities in order to appear faithful. When compared to merely keeping your lips shut, it is considerably preferable to be courteous. Being is considerably superior to merely doing something. If we want to be able to love our spouses well, we must allow God to work on our character at the most fundamental levels. We must give Him the opportunity to work on us, to transform us, and to shape us into the men he wishes us to become.

  1. As a matter of fact, this is exactly what Christ accomplished while on the planet.
  2. “Can you show me what this looks like?” many people wonder.
  3. We are commanded to be imitators of God in Ephesians 5:1.
  4. This is when God’s abounding provision comes to the rescue.

Your wife, on the other hand, will be the most significant benefactor of this shift.

The battle lines are drawn

As husbands, we must keep in mind that triumph does not always imply victory in the most important problems of life and liberty, such as those concerning marriage and family. It is contained inside the inconsequential issues of sliced apples and peanut butter. When the throng have gathered, it is not when you are absolutely alone that you feel most at ease. Instead of satisfying your wife’s requests, it is when you anticipate and meet her needs that your relationship is at its best. It is not about the amount of your financial account; rather, it is about your willingness to lay yourself down and allow yourself to be sacrificed.

  • Keep in mind that God is the One who has called you to this task.
  • He is the One who has given His Spirit to you in order to help you succeed in your role as a spouse.
  • Your wife will notice a difference when you devote yourself to your vocation.
  • FamilyLife has copyright protection for the year 2008.

How Did Jesus Love the Church?: 10 Christlike Loves to Shower Your Wife In

Every now and again, you attend Bible study, and your life is gradually but subtly transformed. Then there are the days when you go to Bible study and something in God’s word completely alters the course of the rest of your life. My understanding of marriage was transformed one spring day in 1998 when I was 18 years old and a freshman at a private university. “Preparing for Marriage,” a Bible study given by my college pastor, was something I had signed up for. Pastor Doug Busby offered me and all of the young guys in the room an assignment that I have been working on for the past 22 years, and I was honored to accept it.

When he finished, he asked us a simple question (one that we as husbands often forget to ask when we are caught up in the daily grind of job and family life): How does Jesus love the church?

Ten Christlike Loves

During the years that I have spent scouring the Scriptures for ways that Jesus loves the church, ways that he asks me to mirror his love for me in my love for my wife, I have discovered 10 great loves that Jesus has for the church. As a husband, God invites you to love your wife in the same way that Jesus loves her, so take time to reflect on Jesus’ deep, complicated, and unrivaled love.

1. Stubborn Love

Jesus is not going to abandon his bride. She is comforted by his words: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). His love for your wife is not dependent on how well she performs, but rather on his covenant love for her as his wife. It is his sort of obstinate, delight-filled love that we mirror when we fulfill our marital pledges through all of the obstacles and changes that occur over the course of a lifetime of marriage.

Hopefully, our spouses will experience the consolation of love, which promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

2. Hopeful Love

When Jesus looks at your wife, he sees someone who has already been sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The gospel’s power and promise serve as a foundation for this optimism. “You were washed, you were cleansed, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God,” Paul writes to Christians (1 Corinthians 6:11). As a matter of fact, he considers her to be already sanctified, as well as already exalted (Romans 8:30). If your wife told you that your love for her “hopes all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7), how many times would she repeat it to you?

3. Pursuing Love

In his pursuit of your wife’s heart, Jesus never stops, not only romantically, but also relentlessly and relentlessly. In truth, he is concerned not just with her loyalty, but also with her affection (Psalm 37:4). The Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine in search of the one (Luke 15:4–7) is a model of tenacity and dedication. An analogous situation exists in which God is honored when a husband strives to have a closer relationship with his wife. In his relationship with his wife, a husband who has been seduced by Jesus’ love is an incurable romantic.

4. Forgiving Love

Jesus extends grace to your wife even though she does not deserve it. It’s possible that the most Christlike thing you can do for your wife is to offer her forgiveness on a regular basis, keeping in mind that you too are in need of forgiveness as well. When Jesus makes breakfast for Peter, who had sinned against him by rejecting him three times at his crucifixion, it is a symbol of forgiving love that every husband should strive to replicate (John 21:12–15). Is it you or your wife who is the one who is generally the first to begin the process of reconciliation when it is necessary?

5. Joyful Love

If Jesus loves your wife, he doesn’t simply put up with her or love her unwillingly but consistently – he loves her unconditionally. He enjoys spending time with his spouse. He derives happiness through bringing happiness to others (Hebrews 12:2). Wives who are sincerely loved and who are aware of their husbands’ desire to adore them are frequently an even bigger benefit to others around them. Love your wife with such enthusiasm that it is clear to her and to everyone else.

6. Serving Love

Jesus was there for her in both life and death. It’s impossible to imagine anything God might want you to do for your wife that would be too much for you to handle! “Jesus offered himself up for her,” the Bible says (Ephesians 5:25). The majority of husbands consider themselves to be monarchs who must be served, yet you and I have been called by God to be the primary providers in our households. As we follow Jesus in picking up the towel and the bowl (John 13:12–17), we will grow in our Christlikeness in our marriages.

7. Sanctifying Love

Jesus shows his affection for your wife by assisting her in her spiritual growth and by acting as her champion before the Father (1 John 2:1). Do you encourage your wife to attend Bible study, even if it means that you will have to care for the children on your own for the rest of the evening?

If so, do you frequently bring your wife before the Almighty to be prayed for? Put forth your best effort to assist your wife in her spiritual development.

8. Leading Love

Jesus directs us to what is beneficial to us. Your wife is not only loved by Jesus with a leading rather than a passive love, but he also directs her in the direction of the good (Psalm 23:2). The ability to spiritually guide our spouses is unattainable if we ourselves are not being led by God via the Bible and prayer. One method to effectively lead her is to get her views before making significant decisions (and accepting the consequences), rather than leaving the decisions and consequences entirely in her hands.

9. Providing Love

Your wife has all she needs because Jesus provides it for her. Do you pay attention to your wife’s needs, especially if they go beyond physical supply, and take action to meet them? Christ provides her with nourishment, creating an atmosphere conducive to development and flourishing. The apostle Paul emphasizes to us that “in the same manner that husbands should love their wives as their own bodies,” we should love our spouses as our own bodies (Ephesians 5:28). Having the realization that it was ultimately my obligation to do all I could to fill my wife’s sails made a significant impact in our marriage.

10. Knowing Love

Jesus is more familiar with your wife than she is with herself. He is in love with her because he knows what he is doing. In Ephesians 5:29–30, Paul says that he knows her strengths and weaknesses and that he acts on her behalf. While we will never be able to know our wives as intimately as God does, he desires that we get to know them as thoroughly as we possibly can. Unless we are acquainted with them, our prayers for them will always be hindered (1 Peter 3:7). When we put forth the effort to get to know our wives, they realize they are valued and cherished.

Defy the Serpent with Love

I was walking down the hallway from our bedroom in my bare feet one evening when I noticed something you never want to see in your hallway: a snake tail poking out where the floor meets the wall. Our foundation had a fracture in it, and a snake had forced its way through the breach and into our home. Brothers, we have an adversary in the form of that ancient snake, who is attempting to worm his way into our houses and wreak havoc on us. But, bless God, we are familiar with the serpent crusher, Jesus Christ, who has already vanquished him and loved us with a love that is beyond our comprehension.

** This essay first published on the website DesiringGod.org.

As Christ Loved the Church

The fact that a first-century single Jewish guy is the most sought-after source of marital counsel for Christian men is, on the one hand, a little ironic. Neither a single man nor a married man I know would be caught dead giving marriage counsel to his married brother. According to Ephesians 5:23, however, “For the husband is the head of the woman, just as Christ is the head of the church,” Paul says of his wife. “This secret is profound, and I am arguing that it corresponds to Christ and the church,” Paul continues after explaining the connection between a husband and wife in verse 32.

  1. Being a spouse is one of the most important and fulfilling roles a Christian man will ever have in his life.
  2. The way a guy interacts with and loves his wife reveals a great deal about his character as well as his relationship with the Lord, according to research.
  3. The fact that we do this is a wonderful thing because what we see when we look, if we act on it, has the potential to completely reshape our marriages for the remainder of our lives.
  4. The instruction to love that appears at the beginning of the stanza is not particularly unexpected in and of themselves.
  5. However, it is the extent to which husbands are taught to love their spouses in this text that makes this verse so shocking and incomprehensible.
  6. What was Christ’s love for the church like?
  7. That takes care of the “and sacrificed himself for her” element of the sentence.
  8. Most husbands, on the other hand, will never find themselves in a scenario where they must physically die in order to save their spouses.
  9. Consider two ways in which Christ loved the church, which would include his followers because they are a member of his church, in this regard.
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He then proceeded to wash his disciples’ feet with the towel that had been wrapped around him, according to John 13:5, which reads: “He then poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that had been wrapped around him.” Everything about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples captivates my attention when it comes to loving my wife the most.

Normally, this passage is used to demonstrate how all Christians should strive to serve one another, and that is correct; but, we may also think of Jesus’ relationship with his church, his wife, in this verse.

Being a husband is not about having a wife who caters to your every whim; rather, it is primarily characterized by serving and carrying out the tasks that no one else wants to perform.

Jesus’ words to his disciples in Matthew 20:28 are “.just as the Son of Man did not come in order to be served, but in order to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus’ goal is expressed in a more comprehensive way in this passage, and it provides us with insight into the main thrust of his life as well as the heart attitude he carried into His connection with his wife.

  • In the same way, this is a scripture that we generally apply to every believer, but when we apply it to husbands as well, we may have a better understanding of what should be going on in the hearts of men.
  • The list might go indefinitely.
  • Jesus demonstrated his love for the church on several occasions.
  • Intentionality Jesus’ love was not a reaction or a response to how his church, his followers, felt about him.
  • Jesus’ love was a deliberate act.
  • That is the type of spouse I aspire to be.
  • I have not yet arrived, and it is possible that it will take some time for me to arrive.

When I understand my calling as a husband correctly and examine the life of my first-century single Jewish savior, I will be well on my way to loving and giving myself up for my wife as Christ did for the church.

As Christ Loved the Church: 7 Keys to Biblical Headship for Husbands

Because the vast majority of our pulpits today are filled with men of God, it’s reasonable that the church hears more references to the scripturefragment, “The husband is the head of the wife.,” than it does to all of the other allusions to the husband’s responsibilities in general. Can we have a conversation if you are a guy who aspires to be a godly husband, or if you are currently married? Have you looked into, studied, and accepted the precise standards, expectations, and punishments for spouses found in the Bible?

Please don’t say you stopped reading at the first comma in Ephesians 5:23 KJV, or that you stopped reading at Ephesians 5:22, “Wives, submit yourself to your own husbands.”, or that you stopped reading at Ephesians 5:23, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands.” Let’s have a discussion about it, brothers.

The Beauty and Power of “As” in Godly Marriage Guidance

In several Bible texts on the prescription and design of marriage, husbands and wives are gifted with illustrated guidance on how marriage seems to God through the use of the little word “as.” As a word enthusiast, I was initially drawn to the term “as” in the Bible when I read Mark 12:31, which states, “. Thou shall love thy neighbor as oneself.” Despite the fact that it is the shortest word in this sentence, it has almost the same significance as the word “love.” How? If we don’t pay attention to the “as,” we may easily overlook “love.” Moreover, that identical small adverb that we observe in Mark 12:31 appears throughout the marriage passages of the New Testament.

The Meaning of “As”

As defined by Webster’s Dictionary, “as” implies “to the same extent or quantity.” It is possible to learn from a Bible dictionary that “as” implies “in the same manner as, following the manner of.” What is the significance of these definitions? Because this essay is written specifically for our beloved brothers – men – the words that follow the word “as” provide advise on how to be a good spouse or father. Note on a side note: How many times in the Bible have individuals faced penalties because they believed they were doing the “right” thing, but they were actually doing the “right” thing in the incorrect way or at the wrong time?

It makes a difference, teammates.

Jesus Exemplifies the Husband’s Path to Headship

During this past weekend’s Resurrection celebration, I was particularly impressed by some element of Jesus and His trip that I had not previously paid attention to. Prior to becoming the King of kings and Lord of lords, Christ served and sacrificed; there would be no resurrection if Christ had not given His life in sacrificial service and denied himself. Why does society teach us that in order to govern or “be a king,” a man must control with an iron fist, induce dread in his wife and children, and stroll around in his own grandeur as if he were a monarch?

Extrapolating from the previous paragraph: Dear brothers, have you put on enough humility and grace to begin the first steps toward headship in marriage?

As Christ Loved the Church: 7 Character Traits of a Godly Husband

So, let’s take a look at the character of Christ, which serves as a guidance and a benchmark for men who aspire to be godly wives and fathers. The following are signs of a good husband:

1. He has healthy self-love (Ephesians 5:28-29).

So, let us take a look at the character of Christ, which serves as a guidance and a benchmark for men who aspire to be godly wives and fathers. A godly husband demonstrates the following traits:

2. He is a sacrificial giver to his wife (Ephesians 5:25).

So, let’s take a look at the character of Christ, which serves as a guidance and a benchmark for men who aspire to be godly spouses. The following are characteristics of a godly husband:

3. He desires to please his wife (1 Corinthians 7:33).

Several people in our patriarchal culture hold the belief that wives have the only responsibility of assisting, serving, and satisfying their husbands. Contrary to this, the Bible informs us that “husbands are concerned with the things of this world, and with how he may satisfy his wife.” Yes, God’s picture of marriage includes husbands who strive to make their wives happy and who actively seek this goal.

4. He empathizes with his wife (Hebrews 4:15).

Do you have a strong sense of your wife’s presence, brothers? Your sympathy for her sorrow, difficulties, and sadness is a reflection of your own. In the same way that we have a high priest, a Savior who understands and empathizes with us, we also have a husband who loves his wife in the same way that Christ loves the church (Eph.

5. He does the right thing, even if his wife does not or has not (Romans 5:8).

In this passage, we learn about the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ self-sacrificial love and service, as well as the time of those circumstances. Husbands who follow Christ’s example do not demand their wives to earn their sacrifice, as in “I’ll do X when she’s worthy of it?” or “I’ll do Y when she’s worthy of it?” Do we not rejoice that Christ loved the church so much that He did not wait until we “got it right” or became “good enough” to merit His love and sacrifice before extending it to us?

6. He doesn’t hinder his prayers by dishonoring his wife (1 Peter 3:7).

Please understand that this is a difficult situation for you, and that you should not take it lightly. We can see from this example that men might actually make their own prayers more difficult by dishonoring their spouses. Men who desire marriage in God’s way treat their spouses as equal receivers of God’s favor, even though they are physically stronger than their wives. These men recognize that their love and reverence for their wives are inextricably linked to their willingness to “ask what ye will.”

7. He is honored to present back to God the wife he was given to love (Ephesians 5:27-28).

Christ had a deep love for the church and gave himself up for her so that she may be presented in a better state – free of stain, wrinkle, or blemish – than when He discovered her. Husbands who exercise biblical headship are able to accomplish the same thing as well. Dear brothers, would you be able to offer your bride to your father, who is God Almighty, with dignity? Godly men can demonstrate to God how they have improved the lives of their spouses via the love of Christ that they have shown her.

So, what’s the call on the field?

Both husbands and wives have obligations to fulfill in terms of love, work, service, and obedience (Ephesians 5:21).

The bottom line is that if both men and wives are following the guidelines of God’s method to do marriage, it’s a win-win situation for the marriage, the family, the community, and the rest of the world. Please, my brothers. and sisters, let us put the “as” in deliberate labor and dedication.

Want to Hear More About Husbands and Christ’s Love for the Church?

The Attitude of a Leading Man is a teaching on the subject by Coach David A. Burrus, and it is well worth your time. Kim’s Delightfulness Kim Bright(ness) enjoys providing uplifting and educational material to the body of Christ in her role as Publisher/Editorial Director of Team Jesus Magazine. Kim works in digital marketing for over 20 years and is a social media expert. You can find her blogging, writing and editing, consulting, and covering Christian events in your area with her trusty Team Jesus microphone.

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