Grow in marriage

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/commentary/ephesians/Exhortations to Christian Households (5:22–6:9) To Wives and Husbands (5:22–33) In this section, Paul begins to illustrate his exhortation for mutual submission in the church family with marriage relations of submission and love as founded on God’s eternal counsel and in Christ’s redemption of the church. There are three areas in the ancient Christian household where Paul illustrates his general exhortation in Ephesians 5:21: “Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” These three areas are between married couples (5:22–33), between parents and children (6:1–4), and in the relations between slaves and owners (6:5–9). In this material, it should be stressed that its focus is on the epistle’s overall, constant concern for unity in the inaugurated new creation community, which extends now to the household. Paul’s first example of general submission from 5:21 is the right ordering of the marriage relationship (see also Col 3:18; 1Pet 3:1–7). Note that he does not tell wives to obey their husbands as if they were children or slaves (see Eph 6:1, 5), nor does he tell women to obey men, for both sexes are equally created in God’s image (Gen 1:26–28) and heirs of eternal life together (Gal 3:28–29). This submission is a deference to the leadership of the husband for the health and harmonious working of the marriage relationship. Part of what makes Paul’s exhortation more understandable is to better understand the original context. Most wives in the world of the Ephesians would have married on average at around 14 years of age (some as early as 12 years old) to husbands on average of 10 to 30 years older. Furthermore because of dietary deficiencies and complications particularly during pregnancy, these women often died in their 20s or 30s. For example, a surviving Ephesian grave marker from around the time of this letter is inscribed for Claudia Magna, a 38-year-old grandmother. In other words, of the wives to whom Paul speaks in Ephesians, some were 15 years old and nursing their first or second child with husbands 10 to 30 years older. Others were 26 years old—the age when a woman in the United States first gets married—and were in ill health with emphysema and chronic lethargy after delivering their fourth or fifth child (50 percent of whom died before reaching age six). Accordingly, Paul then exhorts the Christian husband to love his wife in a self-sacrificial manner (Eph 5:23–33), whose wife is, as it were, “his own flesh” (5:29; see Gen 2:24; Matt 19:5; Mark 10:8; 1Cor 6:16). The model for a husband’s love is Christ’s own self-sacrificial love for his church (see esp. John 15:13), which is the original model for the marriage union itself (Eph 5:23, 32). https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/ephesians/5.htmWives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 5:22-33 The duty of wives is, submission to their husbands in the Lord, which includes honouring and obeying them, from a principle of love to them. The duty of husbands is to love their wives. The love of Christ to the church is an example, which is sincere, pure, and constant, notwithstanding her failures. Christ gave himself for the church, that he might sanctify it in this world, and glorify it in the next, that he might bestow on all his members a principle of holiness, and deliver them from the guilt, the pollution, and the dominion of sin, by those influences of the Holy Spirit, of which baptismal water was the outward sign. The church and believers will not be without spot or wrinkle till they come to glory. But those only who are sanctified now, shall be glorified hereafter. The words of Adam, mentioned by the apostle, are spoken literally of marriage; but they have also a hidden sense in them, relating to the union between Christ and his church. It was a kind of type, as having resemblance. There will be failures and defects on both sides, in the present state of human nature, yet this does not alter the relation. All the duties of marriage are included in unity and love. And while we adore and rejoice in the condescending love of Christ, let husbands and wives learn hence their duties to each other. Thus the worst evils would be prevented, and many painful effects would be avoided. I want to build a sermon based on Eph 5:22 - 33. here are the studies I done. I want you to read and analyse it to build a sermon. 1. Why wives need to submit their husband and what's the word oppositely teaching to it? And what if their husband is a non christian. 2. Does Men only wants their wife to submit and not loving as their own? Where he needs to focus to build the love? 3. whats leaving and cleaving? Use cross references and find the best strange illustration to use.

Divine Design for Love: Strengthening the Marriage Covenant

Bible Passage: Eph 5:21–33

Summary: In this passage, Paul outlines the divine blueprint for marriage, presenting it as a sacred covenant where both partners are called to love and respect one another, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Application: This message encourages couples to view their marriage as a sacred commitment that requires ongoing effort, love, and respect. By learning to communicate effectively and support one another spiritually, couples can face life's challenges together, fostering a stronger relationship grounded in faith.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that marriage is not just a contract but a covenant that mirrors God's relationship with humanity, requiring both partners to nurture this bond through selflessness and love.

How this passage could point to Christ: The passage highlights how Jesus, as the bridegroom, reflects the love and commitment expected in marriage, drawing parallels between His sacrificial love and the love husbands and wives are to have for each other.

Big Idea: Marriage as a covenant reflects God's unbreakable commitment to His people, calling us to live out our love with the same steadfastness and devotion.

Recommended Study: In your preparation, you might consider delving into the Hebrew concept of covenant and its implications for marriage, as understood in the Old Testament. Using Logos, check for theological texts that discuss the covenantal nature of marriage and any exegetical insights that clarify Paul’s directives in Ephesians 5. Additionally, explore practical applications of these teachings in contemporary marriage situations.

1. Practice Mutual Submission

Eph 5:21-24

Perhaps you can emphasize the importance of mutual submission within marriage. Highlight how this reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church. It calls believers to humbly and sacrificially put their spouse's needs before their own, fostering unity and love. By practicing mutual submission, couples can strengthen their bond and glorify God in their relationship.

2. Prioritize Sacrificial Love

Eph 5:25-30

You could explore how husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the Church. This love is not based on conditions but is enduring and selfless. Encourage husbands to cherish, nurture, and prioritize their wives in all things, just as Christ continuously cares for and sustains His body, the Church.

3. Pursue Covenant Unity

Eph 5:31-33

Maybe you can illustrate the profound mystery of marriage as a reflection of the unity between Christ and His Church. The call for both husbands and wives is to embrace this mystery by holding steadfast to one another. This covenant mirrors the unbreakable nature of God's promises, urging couples to embody love and respect as foundational pillars of their union.