Ephesians 5:22-33
Introduction:
1. Today we begin applying broad Christian ethical principles in very specific ways.
2. For this, a quick review is fitting as we have broadly seen Christian ethics demand:
a. Hearts and minds transformed by His will.
b. Doing all things for His glory and our mutual good.
c. Doing all out of love for God first resulting in love for our neighbors.
d. Maintaining integrity and honesty towards all.
e. Practicing these things impartially.
f. Exercising pure speech and conduct in every area of life.
3. This overview is imperative if we are to grasp the principles of love and respect set forth in the Bible’s ethical demands for marriage.
Discussion:
I. God’s Beautiful Gift
A. The world mocks marriage, and by implication, they mock God who gave it (Genesis 2:18-24).
B. Sadly, many Christian marriages have provided cannon fodder for their despicable attacks.
C. We must shut their mouths by honoring marriage as we ought (Hebrews 13:4; cf. Matthew 5:13-16).
D. God does not give bad gifts (James 1:17).
II. Our God-Given Roles
A. God-honoring marriages demand embracing the roles He gave us.
B. This is mostly rejected in our culture, but their ignorance will not excuse ours.
C. God left no question how this is to work:
1. Wives must submit to their husbands in the way the church submits to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24, 33; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6).
2. Husbands must lead their wives in the way Christ leads His church (Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7).
D. With these truths properly understood and applied, Christian marriages are phenomenal!
III. Ethical Protections for Marriage
A. Now we return to prior ethical discussions to better understand what this should look like.
1. Do we guard our hearts and minds to protect our marriages? (Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8; Hebrews 4:11-13)
2. Do we speak carefully to our spouses? (Matthew 12:33-37; Ephesians 4:29; James 3:9-12)
3. Do we avoid addictions that can harm the relationship? (1 Corinthians 6:12)
4. Do we control our tempers? (Matthew 5:21-26; Ephesians 4:26, 31; Colossians 3:8, 19; 1 Peter 2:1)
5. Do we avoid covetousness that can steal our attention and promote selfish actions? (Luke 12:15; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5, 11; Philippians 2:1-4)
6. And one of the most critical, do we guard against every type of sexual impurity? (Job 31:1-2; Matthew 5:27-30; 19:9; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 15-20; 7:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)
B. If we neglect any of these, we cannot claim to:
1. Do all to God’s glory.
2. Love God and our neighbor.
3. Operate with honesty and integrity.
4. With impartiality in application thereof.
Conclusion:
1. As the first and most central institution in human life, we must do marriage God’s way.
2. God will not put up with treachery of any sort in marriage (Malachi 2:13-16).
3. We must get to it for God’s glory, our good, and the good of all humanity.
Further Food for Thought
1. Do any of us know a family not impacted in some way by marital mishandling?
2. What are you willing to do to better protect your marriage?
3. How can we help the brethren to protect their marriages?