The Bible teaches that Jesus set apart the church to make her holy, using the analogy of a husband setting apart a wife from other women. It's a powerful lesson for today's marriages.
Talking Points:
- A husband “sets apart” a wife by actively pursuing her, affirming her unique gifts, and encourage her to flourish. Ephesians 5:25-26
- A wife “sets apart” a husband by showing loving support, treating him like a partner, and encouraging him to lead.
- Set the marriage apart from all other relationships: yourself, friends, your parents, your kids, and anyone from the opposite sex.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Make an honest assessment, where does your marriage land on the priority list right now? Explain.
- Husbands, review the list in the video of how you can set your wife apart. Where are you excelling? How do you need to improve? Ask your wife how she thinks you’re doing.
- Wives, review the list in the video of how you can set your husband apart. Where are you excelling? How do you need to improve? Ask your husband how he thinks you’re doing.
- Read Ephesians 5:25-26. Share some of the sacrifices you’ve made since getting married. What are some sacrifices you might still need to make in order to make the marriage healthier?
- Read Genesis 2:24. In your own words, what does it mean to be “one” with your spouse? Why is it important to see the marriage as separate from your kids? What happens when you don’t?
- Why is it important to prioritize the marriage over your family and friends? How has that been a problem in your marriage in the past?
- Identify the sources of your most common conflicts in the marriage. How has the “set apart” concept been violated in those areas? What do you both need to start doing to avoid those conflicts in the future?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
