16 Marriage Devotional: Biblical Roles in Marriage (And Why They Matter)

Show notes

About This Episode God clearly defines the roles of husbands and wives, and living them out makes marriage a picture of the gospel. In this devotional, we walk through Ephesians 5:22-33: husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church, and wives are called to respect and submit to their own husbands. Neither role depends on the other spouse doing theirs first. We define love through 1 Corinthians 13 as a daily choice, not a feeling, and we ground submission in Jesus' own submission to the Father in Gethsemane. We also clarify common misunderstandings, talk about 1 Peter 3, and share the security, peace, and intimacy that come from following God's design.

About Aaron & Jennifer Smith Aaron and Jennifer Smith are the founders of Marriage After God and authors of Husband After God, Wife After God, and Marriage After God. Married since 2007 and raising six children in Bend, Oregon, they started Husband Revolution and Unveiled Wife to share what God was teaching them, not from a place of having it figured out, but as fellow travelers pointing couples back to Jesus.

In This Episode God's design — the roles of husbands and wives in Ephesians 5:22-33 Not contingent — why neither spouse waits for the other to obey first Love as action — 1 Corinthians 13 rewritten as a husband's daily choices Sacrificial love — husbands loving their wives as Christ loved the church Submission modeled by Jesus — Christ's surrender to the Father in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44) and God's order in 1 Corinthians 11:3 Only your own husband — clarifying that wives are not called to submit to all men Winning without words — 1 Peter 3 and a wife's pure conduct Don't be a stumbling block — practical ways to help your spouse live out their role The fruit — security, less conflict, and deeper intimacy

Scripture Referenced Ephesians 5:22-33 1 Corinthians 13 Luke 22:44 1 Corinthians 11:3 1 Peter 3

Resources from This Episode Husband After God Wife After God Shop Marriage After God Full show notes and blog post

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