There is no point trying to build a Christian home if you are not looking at the blueprints of the designer. See God’s perfectly designed original instructions. Too many foundations are built on rubbish rather than a rock. See Matthew 7:24. God hates divorce.

1 – Not a 50/50 proposition

See Ephesians 5:22-24. 100% is to be given by each partner. Opinions and feelings are to be expressed and talked about.

2 – The Paradox: Status yet submission

• A wife’s submission springs from love and it is voluntary. It does not spring from fear.
• A wife is not a pawn, a nothing. She retains a right to her own ideas and feelings. She remains a person with a distinct personality and personal needs. It does not mean she never has an original thought and never disagrees with her husband.
• She does not compete for headship.

Submission should not be out of fear but out of love for the Lord. A wife must never compete for headship with her husband. He has to answer to God for his role as leader.

3 – Wives: Watch out for cheap substitutes!

• Scheming in secret. See 1 Peter 3:1. No moodiness, pouting, sulking and even lying. See Genesis 27.
• Unattractive adornment. See 1 Peter 3-4.
• Learning rather than doing. See 1 Peter 3:5-6. Learning more truth is no good if you do not put it into practice.

4 – The Lord Jesus and His attitude to women

• In His teaching. See Luke 13:10-17.
• In His company. See Luke 8:13.
• By His courtesy. See John 8:2-11.
• By His confidence. See Mark 16:14 & Mark 16:6-7.
• By His compassion. See Mark 13:17.

A wife is spiritually the equal of her husband in God’s eyes but not in functionality. Women are to have a quiet spirit and let God deal with her husband whether he is saved or not.

THOUGHT: At first glance it seems a fine perch for the man: “I’m king of my castle” … but … the divine authority vested in a husband is modelled upon Christ and Christ’s authority was rooted in the sacrifice of Himself.

Categories: Ephesians