Read Ephesians 5:21-33 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What instructions are given specifically to wives?
2. What instructions are given to husbands?
3. How is this behavior modeled after the example of Jesus?
Reflect
The Ephesians lived in a culture that elevated women based on the goddess Artemis. They also lived among a strong Roman culture that gave unlimited power to men to live as they pleased. In the midst of these tensions, Paul laid out a new paradigm: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” This means mutual submission through mutual sacrifice.
For men, it’s a call to cherish and nourish your wives – to protect, provide, and love them selflessly and sacrificially. For wives, it’s a call to encourage and care for your husbands – to show them respect as they lead you in the same way Christ leads the church. A question to ask ourselves is this: “Is my spouse growing closer to Jesus because of me or in spite of me?” That’s the true test of mutual submission.
Find ways to daily show the love and respect you have for your spouse. Serve one another in the small things. Ask, “How can I meet your needs?” And stop keeping score. When you do these things, you’ll build a healthy marriage and help each other grow.
Respond
If you’re married, what small daily choices can you make to help your spouse grow closer to Jesus? If you’re not married, what small daily choices can you make to help someone close to you grow in their faith? Write down at least two practical things you can do today, and follow through on one of them.