Love Handles: King of the Castle

Summary: There are 4 responsibilities that we see from Ephesians 5 that men should be doing in their relationships: Accept responsibility, sacrifice, protect, and rely on God.  These are 4 things men should be striving for in relationships, and 4 things that women should be looking for in a man.  If you're married, these will be a good evaluation for your relationships to determine if you're on the right track.

Texts: Proverbs 16:9, 18:21, and 28:26.  Ephesians 5:22-30

1. Every Great King Accepts Responsibility for everything in His Kingdom. (Eph 5:22-24)

a.  What did Jesus take responsibility for?  Was it his fault?  

b.  What does the example of Jesus tells us about what we should do in our relationships?

c.  What does in communicate about a man that isn't willing to accept responsibility for things in his life?

2.  Every great king sacrifices for his kingdom (Eph 5:25-26)

a.  How did Jesus sacrifice for his kingdom?

b.  What ways do we sacrifice in our relationships?  What does our "sacrifice" communicate to the other people in our relationships?

3.  Every great king leads the fight to protect his kingdom (Eph 5:28-29)

a. How do you protect your kingdom with your time?  With your words?  With your influence?

4.  Every great king teaches his people that he relies solely on God. (Prov 28:26)

a. How did Jesus rely on God?  (Read Matthew 26:36-46) 

b. How can you communicate your reliance on God in your relationships?

c. In what areas of your life and relationships do you tend to rely on your own wisdom the most?  What areas are easier for you to rely on God?