Hickory Men's Fraternity

Another great week of learning and sharing!  Robert Lewis did a great job of discussing God’s design for roles in marriage in Lesson 20:  A MAN AND HIS WIFE, PART 2

Summary/Highlights: 

1. CORE Issues in the biblical model for marriage
   1. Core ROLES that GOD GIVES a husband and wife in marriage:

          i.      Wife:  HELPER  – nourishes the home, nurtures relationships, servant lover

          ii.      Husband:  HEAD – servant leader, empowering others, provider, protector

1. Core RESPONSES that EMPOWERS your mate’s role:

          i.      Husband to Wife:  HONOR and PRAISE – I need YOU.  Not competitive.

          ii.      Wife to Husband:  SUBMISSION – God intended this to mean:  compliment, build up, fit the needs of, which validates our leadership

1. Core CONCERNS that meet your mates DEEPEST NEEDS:

         i.      Husband’s deepest needs from his Wife:

1. Companionship – he needs a playmate
2. Admiration – a deep respect and trust
3. Support – encourager (“I’m proud of you”, “I believe in you”)
4. Physical Responsiveness – in a healthy way (not coerced)

         ii.      Wife’s deepest needs from her Husband:

1. Companionship and Relational Intimacy
2. Develop common interests – develop an interest in what she does/loves; mutual interests too
3. Emotional Responsiveness –  the complete sharing of one’s self
4. Security – she is your 1^st choice always and the only woman (not just monetary and safety)
5. Significance – she is your equal and valued for all that she contributes to your marriage

 A Wife’s Core Concerns Explained (How a Husband speaks “Woman”)

1. How are you doing?
2. How did that make you feel?

 Why we need to Teach and Proclaim the Side-By-Side BIBLICAL MODEL of Marriage

1. It POSITIONS a man and a woman for what they NATURALLY do best
2. It ORGANIZES a man and a woman to COMPLEMENT each other rather than COMPETE with each other!
3. It CREATES an environment that is BEST for the healthy development of children
4. It becomes the IDEAL we can train our CHILDREN from an early age to EMBRACE
5. It HONORS God’s Word and is BLESSED by Him
6. It PROSPERS and ADVANCES society as a whole

 EXERCISE: “WOO” her – To draw a reluctant heart to yourself by making her feel valued and honored.  REMINDER to PRACTICE at least one act this week.

 TOMORROW:  How we men can make a real difference in lives with “25 WAYS TO BE A SERVANT LEADER”