April 3, 10, 2005
"My Husband Needs A Makeover"
Extreme Makeover Family Edition—Part 1
Genesis 2:18
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
—Jeremiah 29:11-13
How to demonstrate God's love to your wife.
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
—Genesis 2:18
H - U - S - B - A - N - D
Honor—A woman needs honor to flourish.
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
—Proverbs 18:22 (NIV)
In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives.
—1 Peter 3:7a (NLT)
Understanding—A woman's sensitivity is a help to you.
Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. If you don't treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard.
—1 Peter 3:7b (NLT)
Security—A woman is motivated by security.
One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for?"
—Ruth 3:1 (NIV)
Building unity—A woman needs to be part of the team.
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
—Genesis 2:24
The man said, "The woman you put here with me - she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it."
—Genesis 3:12
Agreement—A woman is empowered by your responsibility.
Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?
—Amos 3:3 (NLT)
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
—Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Nurture—A woman desires a picture of a preferred future.
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it.
—Ephesians 5:28-29
Defense—A woman grows best in a protective environment.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
—Ephesians 5:25 (NIV)
Lifework
You cry out, "Why has the LORD abandoned us?" I'll tell you why! Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made to each other on your wedding day when you were young. But you have been disloyal to her, though she remained your faithful companion, the wife of your marriage vows.
—Malachi 2:14 (NLT)
"Give yourselves completely to God... to be used for His good purposes."
—Romans 6:13 (LB)
My commitment: Today I realized that God wants to makeover this area in my life. (____________________) I will begin the process of change with this action plan:
1. ___________________________________
2. ___________________________________
3. ___________________________________
Extreme Makeover Family Edition—Week 1
Personal and Group Study
Getting Started
- Who was your first heartthrob? What was life like with and without that special person?
- Do you still play hide and seek games? Why are such games perennial favorites?
Digging Deeper: Read Genesis 2:18-25 and 3:1-23
- Of the many introductions in this chapter, which was the most important for Adam? Why?
- Why do you think God said it is not good for the man to be alone?
- What is significant about God creating woman last? A) In the ascending order of creation, she is the pinnacle? B) In being made after man, she is an afterthought? C) "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"?
- What did God mean when He described woman as a helper? Who else is described as a helper in the Bible? (See: Hosea 13:9 and Psalm 115:9-11)
- What was Adam saying when he exclaimed, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh? A) We are just alike. B) Wow, baby! C) At least I'm not alone. D) Who knows?
- Who was to blame for the Fall? What did Adam and Eve experience for the first time after their disobedience?
Applying It To My Life
- What about the intimacy and openness experienced in this chapter seems normal to you?
- Can you think of three harder words to say than "I am sorry"? How easy is it for you to admit you are wrong?
- When do you feel most naked before God? How does this help you understand Adam and Eve's reactions?