Christ’s Perfect Relation, Ephesians 5:25–27

(ESV) — 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

(ESV) — 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

(ESV) — 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

1. Requires Death,

Ephesians 5:25 ESV

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

a. Team Leaders

You cannot marry and then remain single in your head. If you marry, you choose to give up who you used to be as a single person.

You are now a team … not the dictator.

You are married to a gentle person who years for kindness, compassion, and affection.

b. Husbands do this around single women

Keep your ring on

Put up pictures of your family

Keep eye contact simple and short

Keep conversations general and professional

Talk about your wife and family often

2. Requires Sanctification,

Ephesians 5:26 ESV

that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

What is Holiness in a marriage?

Keep unclean things out of marriage (keep marriage PG)

God is Holy --- so reflect His character

Display the Fruits of the Holy Spirit -- “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”

How do these fruits display in your marriage?

How should they?

Three Secrets to Holiness in Marriage by

Conjugal: chastity; poverty; obedience

3. Requires Show Status,

Ephesians 5:27 ESV

so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

a. What would this “show status” Church look like?

1. The members would be holy

2. The members would be prayer warriors

3. The members would be an evangelizing

4. The members would be trained in righteousness

b. What would a “show status” marriage look like?

1. The couple constantly strive for holiness

2. The couple be constantly improving communication

3. The couple would be constantly portraying a happy couple

What a happy marriage looks like outwardly

4. The members would be trained in righteousness

They look like they enjoy each other’s company

They put each other first

They show PDA

They communicate clearly

They forgive each other

They brag on one another

What a happy marriage feels like inwardly

They feel appreciated and noticed

They’d rather be with each other

They are still attracted to each other

They feel respected and admired

They accept each others faults

They put each other first

They communicate clearly

They forgive each other

What couples should work on

Stop comparing themselves to other couples

Understand marriage comes with risks (trust)

Being there for each other should be enough

Keep touching each other

Be trustworthy

Keep touching each other

Let go of grudges

Be considerate, kind, and empathetic

Be loyal and gracious