Following Jesus: Submission in the Home

Scripture References: Ephesians 5:22-33, Romans 13:1-2, Ephesians 5:15-21, 1 Peter 3:1-7

Intro:

• Series recap: Authority and submission (Scripture, Jesus, church).
• Today's focus: Authority and submission in marriage.
• Key principles of submission: 
  • Freedom found in submission, not independence.
  • Submission to delegated authority (home, church, state).
  • God establishes authority; rebelling against it is rebelling against God (Romans 13:1-2).
  • Abuse of authority is not a reason to abandon authority; appeal to higher authority.

Key Points:

• Cultural Context:
  • Confusion about gender roles in today's culture.
  • Challenge to the idea of distinct gender roles.
  • Importance of rediscovering scriptural truths for each generation.
• Personal Testimony:
  • Pastor's and his wife's journey: Initially dismissing biblical roles as cultural.
  • Shift in perspective: Recognizing potential resentment from misaligned roles.
  • Re-examining Scripture: Openness to biblical teaching on marriage.
• Biblical Foundation:
  • Gender roles: Bible teaches differences, not inferiority.
  • Ephesians 5:22-33: Wives submit, husbands love.
• Ephesians 5:22-33 Breakdown:
  • Context: Life filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-21).
  • Spirit-filled living: Erodes self-centeredness, leads to service and submission.
  • Gospel's impact: Humbles and affirms, enabling selflessness.
• Premise of Christian Marriage:
  • Two Spirit-filled people: Wife grants husband leadership, husband leads like Jesus.
  • Warning: Wives, don't give leadership to ungodly men.
• Purpose of Christian Marriage:
  • Not primarily for personal fulfillment or romance.
  • Gospel reenactment: Reflecting Christ's love for the church.
  • Husbands: Love wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).
  • Wives: Respect husbands (Ephesians 5:33).
• Addressing Challenges:
  • Commodification: Treating relationships like consumer exchanges.
  • Covenant vs. Consumerism: Covenant prioritizes the relationship over personal needs.
  • Language of covenant: Commitment regardless of reciprocation.
• Practical Application:
  • Wives: Submit "as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22), even when difficult.
  • Husbands: Headship is "Jesus-ship"; initiate, take responsibility, love sacrificially.
  • Marriage points beyond itself: To the ultimate love of Christ for the church.

Conclusion:

• Reiterating key commands: Husbands love, wives respect.
• Encouragement to couples.
• Acknowledgment that marriage is not a cure-all.
• God's promise to make the church "radiant."

Call to Action:

• Married couples: Seek the Spirit's filling, prioritize covenant.
• Husbands: Lead like Jesus, initiate, take responsibility.
• Wives: Respect, even when challenging.
• All: Re-examine assumptions about marriage through a biblical lens.
• Pray for strength and grace in marriage.

with Travis Aicklen

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