Key Thought: The analogy of the church’s faithfulness to Christ is a model for the wife’s loyalty and submission to her husband.
September 2, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 5:21, 28-30.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What does Paul mean by exhorting church members to submit to each other?
3. Personal Application: In what ways should a woman submit unto her husband? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “My husband is coarse, rough, harsh, and overbearing. Am I to submit to him as I would to Christ?” How would you respond to your relative?
   (Note: This presumes a loving, caring marriage; not a dysfunctional one.)

2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2 Corinthians 11:1-4.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How does Paul use elements of the wedding to appeal to the Christians in Corinth?
3. Personal Application: How does this imagery show us how much Christ cares about each one of us? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “This is an outdated passage based on the authority and domination of the husband. It isn’t relevant to relationships today.?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 5:28-30.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What new argument does Paul use to encourage husbands to practice tender love toward their wives?
3. Personal Application: What can we learn from Jesus about loving those in your own family circle? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “What counsel does Paul have to offer to me in my challenging and difficult marriage and relationship with my spouse?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Genesis 2:24,25.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What does it mean to you that the husband and wife become “one flesh”?
3. Personal Application: How can you more fully implement the principles found in the Bible in your marriage? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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