Scripture References: Ephesians 5:18-33; Jeremiah 29:4-7Intro: Continuing our Ephesians series (Position -> Practice), last week focused on church leadership reflecting Jesus. Today, we explore how marriage is designed to reflect Jesus, specifically looking at Ephesians 5. This isn't just for married people; understanding the biblical premise and purpose of marriage is vital for all. The purpose isn't primarily personal fulfillment (as culture suggests) but Gospel Reenactment. Briefly noted: Jeremiah 29 shows God calling families, even in exile, to build and seek the city's welfare, impacting their community (like Visalia).Key Points:The Premise: Spirit-Filled, Gospel-Shaped People (Eph 5:18-21):Paul's marriage instructions follow his call to be "filled with the Spirit" (v. 18).Spirit-filled living leads to worship, thankfulness, and crucially, mutual submission out of reverence for Christ (v. 21). It erodes self-centeredness, enabling service.The Gospel humbles us (we're worse than we think) and affirms us (we're more loved than we think). This frees us from neediness and empowers self-giving.Foundation for Marriage: When two Spirit-filled individuals, reshaped by the Gospel, marry, they can live out the specific roles described next. (Warning: Singles, don't marry someone whose ego isn't reshaped by the cross).The Purpose: Gospel Reenactment (Eph 5:25-33):Beyond Cultural Views: Marriage isn't just an economic/social contract (ancient view) or solely for personal fulfillment/romance (modern view). Both reduce its true purpose.A Profound Mystery: Paul explicitly states marriage points beyond itself to Christ and the Church (v. 32). It's a living parable of the Gospel.Covenant, Not Consumer: Biblical marriage is a covenant where the relationship's health takes priority over individual needs ("I'll meet your needs even if you don't meet mine"). Modern relationships often become consumer-based ("I'll meet your needs as long as you meet mine"), leading to breakdown when needs aren't met. Putting marriage as the ultimate source of fulfillment crushes it.The Roles: Reflecting Christ & the Church:Husbands: Love Like Christ (vv. 25-30, 33a):Love sacrificially, giving yourself up for your wife's spiritual well-being and flourishing ("as Christ loved the church... to make her holy").Nourish and cherish her as your own body.Defined by Christ's Headship: Initiate (pursue her, repent first, take responsibility even when not solely your fault), lead through service and sacrifice. Love her until she becomes lovely.Wives: Respect & Submit Like the Church (vv. 22-24, 33b):Submit to your husband's leadership "as to the Lord" (within the context of mutual submission, v. 21). This reflects the Church's response to Christ.Respect him. This isn't contingent on him being respectable; respect him until he becomes respectable. (Not blind obedience to sin, but honoring the role).Conclusion: Christian marriage, grounded in the Spirit and the Gospel, is designed to be a living reenactment of Christ's sacrificial love for His Church and the Church's loving response to Him. It's a covenant commitment where love and respect are given unconditionally, empowering mutual flourishing and pointing others to Christ.Call to Action: Reflect and repent. Men: Have you loved your wife sacrificially like Christ, initiating and taking responsibility, or treated marriage Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.