Bible In 90 Days 49: EPHESIANS

Today is day 86 in our journey through the Bible in 90 days.

If you were in prison, what would you write about?

You might write about how small your room was, how there was nothing good on TV, how your roommate smelled a little weird, or how much you wanted out…but not Paul.

Ephesians is the first of 4 of Paul’s letters known as “the prison epistles,” written during his first imprisonment (yes, there was more than just 1) in Rome.

The main topic of Ephesians is Christ and the church. The first few paragraphs are about salvation in Christ and how much we need Him. After all, as Paul so clearly points out…

“you were dead in trespasses and sins” – Ephesians 2:1

Last time I checked, dead people don’t do anything. We obviously needed some help. That’s where Jesus steps in…

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…” – Ephesians 2:4-5

The first few chapters focus on Christ in us, but then, once new life has been given, the focus switches to us and our life in Christ. Paul addresses many topics throughout his letter, including husbands and wives, raising children, spiritual battles, loving one another, and much more. It’s a deep, rich book filled with exhortations, reminders, and huge spiritual truths.

Ephesians is one of the main books I turn to in pre-marital and marital counseling. It paints a very clear picture of the roles of husbands and wives…

HUSBANDS:

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” – Ephesians 5:25

Men, when it comes to loving your wife, Christ sets the bar extremely high. We are called to cherish them, love them, and sacrifice for them. It’s a calling that we can only fulfill if Christ is first in our lives. We need to be closely following Him so that we can accurately lead our families and wives.

WIVES:

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:22

Women, your role isn’t easy either. Your husband is called to play the role of Christ in the marriage (let me guess – he doesn’t always do it accurately?), so you are playing the role of the church. You are to love and submit to your husband, allowing him to take the lead. It’s a very high calling and one you should not take lightly.

Quick marriage tip: Your spouse will find their role easier to fulfill if you are first doing your part.

Husbands, your wife will find it much easier to love you and submit to your Godly leadership if you are cherishing her, prioritizing her above yourself, and most of all, following Jesus.

Wives, your husband will find it much easier to love you and lead you as he’s called to do if you are first loving Jesus and submitting to your husband. I know it’s not easy and we men don’t always deserve your honor, but the Bible doesn’t give a way out.

Chapter 6 goes on to speak of parenting, relationships in the workplace (slave & servant), as well as the spiritual battle that we’re all in the middle of. Remember that in whatever battle you find yourself in, the enemy is not another person – it goes much deeper than that…

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12

About these ads