Power for the Family [Ephesians 5:21–6:4]

Title: “Power for the Family”

Introduction

So many have testified of the difference they saw when a family member became a Christian. Horror stories turned to stories of praise to God because Christ now has turned the lives of their beloved. Abuse or other negative habits and behaviors were left behind for those who put their lives in Christ’s hands. With conversion there is within each life, the power to make changes one could not make before!!

The book of Ephesians tells us about the power of God that works in us through the Holy Spirit. Paul has already told us to be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). Now he shows us what that looks like in the most important place of all—our homes.

This passage is not about control—it’s about Christ. It’s not about domination—it’s about devotion. The Spirit gives us power to live in harmony as wives, husbands, parents, and children. Somebody say: “There’s power for the family!”

Point 1: Power for Wives to Submit (Eph. 5:21–24)

Paul begins: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” Submission here is not weakness—it’s Spirit-filled strength. It means willingly honoring your husband’s leadership as an act of worship to Christ. We know that so many women due to mistreatment by men in their lives, find the idea of submitting to a man as something crazy and a thing they just cannot do!!! Poor treatment by the opposite sex doesn’t diminish God’s plan for husband an wife!!! God gives power for wives to submit to their husbands!! The kind of submission Paul means is not a mindless, doormat, passive thing but one that allows the husband to have the final word when a final word is needed!! In God’s plan, the husband is the head of his family, yet men, you actually have to follow the mandates set by God in ruling his household!!

If wives will look at this request as though they were allowing Jesus the final decision or word, it would be easier to obey!!

Notice: Submission is not forced—it’s Spirit-led. It’s not slavery—it’s service unto the Lord.

Illustration (young listeners): On a team, everyone has a role. If the point guard tries to be the center, the team won’t work. But when everyone plays their part, the team wins.

Illustration (seasoned listeners): Many of us grew up seeing mothers and grandmothers who honored their husbands, not because they were perfect men, but because they trusted the Lord to lead through them.

Call and response: “Submission is not weakness!” — The relationship of wife to husband is like that of the church to Christ Himself!!! “It’s power under God’s control!”

Point 2: Power for Husbands to Love (Eph. 5:25–33)

Paul goes further: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”

When Paul wrote, and in many cultures even today, a husband tended to look at his wife as property. She was to cook his meals, wash his clothes, provide pleasure and raise his children. But when a husband enters into new life in Christ, there should be a new attitude toward his wife!!! Seeing his wife no longer as wife or plaything, but can see her thru the eyes of Jesus!!!

This is not casual love—it’s sacrificial love. It’s not “I love you if” or “I love you when.” It’s “I love you no matter what.” Christ loved the church by giving His life. That’s the model for husbands.

Illustration (young listeners): Think about a superhero who jumps in to save someone in danger. Real love steps in to protect, even at a cost.

Illustration (seasoned listeners): Some of us can testify—we saw fathers and grandfathers work long hours, sacrifice their comfort, and put food on the table out of love for their families.

Call and response: “Love is sacrifice!” — “Love is service!”

When a husband loves like Christ, it makes submission a joy, not a burden. Spirit power creates a circle of love and honor in the home.

Point 3: Power for Parents and Children to Be in Harmony (Eph. 6:1–4)

Finally, Paul turns to the children and their relationship with their parents: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” And then to fathers: “Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Here in the text, Paul references the 5th commandment. We need to know that in God’s plan there is to be order within the family structure. Children, because of their age and inexperience, as well as lack of knowledge-no matter what they may think need the wisdom, rules and regulations their parents set for them!!! You can’t just think children come out loving Jesus!!! They need parents who are in Christ to share Christ, to raise them biblically in love and not agitation that will give them power to live in harmony with their parents!!!

This is God’s design for harmony in the home. Children honor their parents. Parents raise their children with love, discipline, and spiritual guidance.

Illustration (young listeners): When your parents tell you to do your homework or chores, they’re not trying to ruin your fun—they’re preparing you for life.

Illustration (seasoned listeners): Many of us know the pain of homes broken by anger, neglect, or abuse. But we also know the blessing when parents and children walk together in love.

Call and response: “Children, obey!” — “Parents, nurture!”

It takes Spirit power for the family to live in harmony—but that power is available in Christ.

Celebration / Close

Beloved, Paul shows us that the Spirit gives power for family life:

Power for wives to submit.

Power for husbands to love.

Power for parents and children to live in harmony.

And here’s the shout: The reason we can live this way is because of Jesus!

He submitted to the Father’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane.

He loved us with a sacrificial, Calvary love.

He calls us children of God and brings us into His family.

And one day, when He comes again, the whole family of God will be gathered together—every tribe, every tongue, every nation—living in perfect harmony around the throne.

So until then, let’s walk in the Spirit, love in the Spirit, and live in the Spirit. Because the power for our families comes from Christ our Lord!

Somebody shout:

“He’s the head of my house!”

“He’s the strength of my family!”

“He’s Lord forevermore!”

Amen.