Weekly Discussion Questions

ICEBREAKER

Other than obvious physical differences, what makes men and women different? (Have fun with your answers. Aim to laugh not offend.)

READ Ephesians 5:22-33

SERMON DIGESTION: Your chance to give personal input on the sermon.

• How did the sermon personally impact you? 
  
• How were you encouraged, challenged, inspired? 
  

DISCUSS:

Domineering Darren, Passive Patrick, Laddish Liam

• Describe characteristics of each of these types of masculinity that twist God’s design. 
  
• Men, which of these characters are you most prone to embodying? Why?
  
• Women, which of these characters are you most prone to empowering? How?
  
• Take each character one at a time: if Jesus were having coffee with him how would Jesus seek to encourage and speak truth into his life?
  

Pastor Thomas taught that “Loving Responsibility” is a good summary term for biblical manhood. 

• Why are both words absolutely essential to reclaiming God’s design for manhood?
  
• Women, give examples of what a ‘responsible man’ looks like to you. 
  
• Men, read 1 John 3:16-18. How does this call us into our role as men?
  

Loving Responsibility is a LOVE THAT GIVES. (v.25)

• To what type of people did Jesus give His life and atoning death? How ought this to motivate men who fail in their best efforts AND also shape their continuing efforts?
  

 Loving Responsibility is a LOVE THAT GUARDS. (v.26-27)

• What do these verses teach is the agenda of Jesus’ sacrifice? 
• How does this inform a husband’s role? 
  
• At times a ‘love that guards’ will mean a husband chooses between pleasing his wife and loving his wife. What’s the difference? Give examples. 
  
  

Loving Responsibility includes TENDER CARE. (v.28-29)

      Discuss the words ‘nourish’ and ‘cherish’ in v.29.

1. What do they mean?
   
   
2. Why do men often stop nourishing and cherishing their wives as the years pass by?
   
   
3. Women, what are examples of the most beneficial ways you have been nourished and cherished by others in your life?
   
   
4. Men, verbalize one or two specific ways you want to move forward in the ‘tender care’ aspect of your role. (If single, consider your mother or sister.)
   
   

Loving Responsibility is a LOVE THAT LASTS. (v.31-32)

• Are there any problems or circumstances in your life right now that tempt you to question God’s love for you?
  

Finish your study by locating/sharing Scripture texts that remind you of God’s permanent commitment and unfailing love for His people. 

Bonus Points! Study on your own: 1 Corinthians 13 and let the Holy Spirit help you correct and grow you in your Christ-reflecting love of others.

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