Bible Text: Selected Scripture | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: God’s Design for Marriage

Recap of 10/20/13:

1.  Husbands are to exercise loving, servant leadership not “dictatorial dominion” in their marriages. In the words of William Barclay: “ The husband is head of the wife—true; Paul said that; but he also said that a husband must love the wife as Christ loved the Church, with a love which never exercises a tyranny of control but which is ready to make any sacrifice for her good.”

2.  Tony Dungy in his book, The Mentor Leader, writes: “The principal focus of service-directed leadership must be on a point beyond ourselves.  Such leadership must be other directed and other inspired.  Mentor leadership must be grounded in and springing from an emphasis on service as its primary focus.  Mentor leaders desire to help those they are privileged to lead to be better in whatever roles and responsibilities they have.  Truly serving others requires putting ourselves and our desires aside while looking for ways and opportunities to do what is best for others. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not easy.  Not only that, but it runs contrary to the prevailing wisdom of the world, which focuses on personal success, achievement, and advancement.  We live in a world that insists on ‘looking out for number one.’”

3.  Husbands are to build up their wives, not tear them down with surly irritable attitudes or sharp, unfeeling words.  According to Paul, in Colossians 3:19, husbands must not be harsh with their wives.  “[Husbands] are to exercise loving leadership, not dictatorial dominion.  Perhaps husbands need this reminder to be tender and loving as much or more than wives need the reminder not to usurp authority over their husbands.  Assuming absolute authority will only embitter one’s wife, not endear her.” (Dr. Norman L. Geisler)

4.  Husbands are to treat their wives with consideration, understanding and respect (1 Peter 3:7).She is different and the differences should be celebrated.  A husband is to honor, esteem, value his wife.  This is important because while a man develops self-esteem primarily from his job, a woman develops self-esteem primarily from her relationship with her husband, according to Dr. James Dobson.

5.  Husbands are to be faithful in mind and body. (Proverbs 5 & 6; 1 Thessalonians 4:3ff; 1 Corinthians 6)