Ephesians 5:21-33
Verse 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.
As with any military unit there are various ranks which are filled by various people. We aren’t all qualified for every position and we should embrace the rank we are given, especially in the case of the spiritual army because God is the one who has chosen us and created us for the position He wants us in. That being said, we can’t embrace our position unless we understand it and how it relates to the rest of the army.
This verse is one of the most controversial in the Bible. It has been used out of context as an excuse for abuse and by woman as a reason to say the Bible is old fashioned. The truth of this verse is so important for the army of God and those who are called to fight in this rank are vital to the fight for His kingdom.
It is important we remember this is about wives and their husbands, this isn’t about women being submissive to every male. But the truth of this is really about knowing what it means to be submissive to the Lord as His bride. Like many of these roles we will be talking about the next few days, each has a place where it specifically reflects part of the kingdom of God.
Notice how it says the wife is to submit to her husband as she submits to the Lord. Christian women submit to their husbands when they realize God has created the man to be the leader, not to be the master but to lead as Christ leads. But submission isn’t the only thing a wife is commanded to be to her husband, Paul points out in verse 33 she is to respect the man God has given her.
Respect isn’t as common in marriage as one would think but Paul understood how if a Christian woman would put herself and her desires under that of the man she was committed to, it would be a perfect example of how the Church, the Bride of Christ, should be responding to Him. This respect should show up in the everyday life in the way a wife speaks about and acts towards her husband, in every instance. As far as Christ and Paul were concerned, there was never a reason for the head of the family to be disrespected by word or deed. The same should go for the Head of the Church, Christ.
Making It Personal
How does respect for the Lord play out in your life? Where do you need to have a corrected view on the role Christ plays in your life? How does your life reveal Christ as the head of the Church?
Making It Personal Kids
What does respect look like? How can you show respect for Jesus? How could showing respect for Jesus help others get to know Him better?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us roles to live in Your kingdom. Help us live them in ways which honor You, bring glory to Your name and unify us in the way You designed. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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