Stu Quackenbush // Rockford Campus // January 11, 2025
SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: Ephesians 5:22-23
REMINDERS
GROUPS AT MAGNIFY
Many different groups are kicking off a new session for the Winter months (January – March) now!
Be sure to check out our GROUPS or EVENTS page for details on many different options available.
GROUP LAUNCH (Life Groups – Singles + Couples Adult Small Groups)
You can keep up with all our current news and events through our online bulletin.
See the events page on the website for more updates.
TOGETHER IN LIFE
Share about a couple that exemplifies a healthy, Christ-centered marriage.
What stands out to you as unique about their marriage?
Whether you’re married or not – what would you hope to emulate about their character?
TOGETHER IN THE WORD
Read Ephesians 5:22-23 aloud together.
KEY QUESTION: What would it look like for you to perfectly put on Christ-likeness to love your spouse?
QUESTIONS
- What is God’s design for marriage?
- What Scriptures come to mind to help you describe and define it?
- How does the world think about marriage?
- What purpose does marriage serve outside of Christ?
- What are the “general graces” of marriage to those who are not believers in Jesus Christ?
- What is lost if the value of marriage is made less than what God has designed?
- In what ways do you see the tension of headship and submission in the marriages around you?
- READ Phil. 2:5-9
- How does the role of the Father and Son’s headship and submission affect your view of these?
- According to Paul marriage is a reflection of the Gospel. In what ways does the gospel relate to marriage?
- Husbands: What are some ways that you can practically live out headship?
- In what ways will you make sure that this is self-sacrificial – that you “give yourself up for [your wife]”?
- Who will you have in your corner to help you do this well?
- Wives: What are some ways that you can practically live out submission?
- In what ways will you make sure that this is self-sacrificial – that you “submit to your own husband”?
- Who will you have in your corner to help you do this well?
TOGETHER IN PRAYER & ACTION
- Examine your heart and evaluate the depth and frequency of how you serve your spouse and your family.
- What do you see as your weakest area of love for those you are given to love?
- What “towels” do you need to pick up in order to love your family?
- Consider the role of God has called you to, and ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live out the gospel in radical ways.
- What role(s) do you have? Be specific: “I am the son of _____.” “I am the wife of _____.”
- How does this unique relational role inform how you ought to love?
- Pray that God will empower you to have wisdom and courage to love well.
- Pray that the Spirit would convict you in the moments where you fall short, to confess it and try again.
