Counterfeit Spouses

Counterfeit Spouses

What is it that keeps us from saying “yes” to our spouse?

Discussion Questions

Start Talking

How have you seen fear influence your relationship, whether in fights or in daily life?
Why do you think it’s so difficult to value others above ourselves, even when we want to?
What are some specific fears that might keep us from fully submitting to our spouse?
How have you seen fear influence your relationship, whether in fights or in daily life?

Read This

Read Ephesians 5:21
- Why do we submit to each other?
- What does the word reverence mean to you?
- How does putting Christ first help us submit to one another?
Read 1 John 4:7-10
- How did God show His love for us?
Read 1 John 4:15-16
- According to this passage, how do we know that God lives in us?
- How does that help us rely on God?
Read 1 John 4:18-19
- 1 John 4:18 says, "Perfect love drives out fear." How does knowing and relying on God’s love help overcome fear in marriage?

What Now

The sermon mentioned that "anxiety is the sound of idols combusting." Have you ever noticed anxiety in your life pointing toward something you’ve made an idol?
Looking at the list of potential idols (Children, Money, Work, Sports, Phones, Covetousness, Physical Appearance, Comfort), which ones do you think might compete with your spouse for your attention?
- How do these idols create conflict in marriage?
- Have you seen them compete with your spouse in your own life?
The sermon talked about different core fears—disconnection for women and helplessness/control for men. Do you relate to these?
- How do they show up in your relationship?
What does your personal “Fear Dance” look like?
- Can you identify patterns in your conflicts?
What practical steps can you take to stop relying on idols and instead rely on the love of God in your marriage?

I am going to make it my mission to simply know and rely on the love of God and see where that takes me.

Additional Series Resources

Bible Reading Plan