Focus Scripture:

• ESV: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” — Ephesians 5:25
• NIV: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” — Ephesians 5:25

Opening Prayer (5 minutes):
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts open to learning from Your Word. We ask for Your guidance as we study what it means to be a godly husband. Help us to understand the high calling You have given us as husbands to love, lead, and serve our wives as Christ loves the church. May Your Spirit guide our discussions and help us apply these truths in our marriages. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction to the Topic (5-10 minutes):
Today’s lesson focuses on what it means to be a good husband according to God’s Word. Ephesians 5:25 sets a high standard for husbands: to love their wives as Christ loved the church. This love is sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. It involves leading with humility, serving with a heart of compassion, and seeking the well-being of our wives above our own. We will explore how to practically live out this calling in our daily lives, examining what the Bible says about the roles and responsibilities of a husband.

Bible Verses for Discussion (20 minutes):

1. 1 Peter 3:7
   • ESV: “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
   • NIV: “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
2. Colossians 3:19
   • ESV: “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
   • NIV: “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”

3. Proverbs 18:22
   • ESV: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
   • NIV: “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
4. Ephesians 5:28-29
   • ESV: “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.”
   • NIV: “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.”

Discussion Questions (15-20 minutes):

1. How does the command to love our wives as Christ loves the church challenge our understanding of what it means to be a good husband?
2. What are some practical ways we can honor our wives and live with them in an understanding way, as instructed in 1 Peter 3:7?
3. How can we ensure that our love for our wives is not conditional, but rather reflects the unconditional love of Christ?

Life Application (10 minutes):
Being a godly husband involves daily choices to love, honor, and serve your wife. This week, focus on one specific area where you can improve as a husband. It could be through better communication, more intentional time together, or showing appreciation in new ways. Pray for God to help you grow in patience, kindness, and understanding toward your wife. Seek out practical ways to demonstrate Christ-like love and ask a trusted brother in Christ to hold you accountable in this area.

Reflection and Encouragement (5-10 minutes):
Reflect on the ways you are currently loving and leading your wife. Are there areas where you need to grow or change? Be encouraged that God equips those He calls. The role of a husband is not about perfection but about daily striving to love like Christ. Remember, you are not alone in this journey—God is with you, and He will help you fulfill this high calling with His strength.

Closing Verse:

• ESV: “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
• NIV: “Do everything in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

Closing Prayer (5 minutes):
Lord, we thank You for the gift of marriage and for the opportunity to be husbands who reflect Your love. Help us to grow in understanding and to love our wives sacrificially, just as You have loved us. Give us wisdom and strength to lead our families well, and may our marriages be a testimony of Your grace and goodness. Guide us as we seek to apply Your Word in our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Takeaway Challenge:
Choose one specific way to show love to your wife this week that goes beyond your usual routine. It might be a handwritten note, a special date, helping with something she needs, or simply listening more attentively. Share your experience with the group next week and encourage each other to grow in loving like Christ.