1. Ephesians 5 is often viewed as one of the Scripture’s most important marriage texts. Yes, it provides important lessons re: marital roles But Paul gives the real subject matter in v. 32… …Christ and the church

2. God uses marriage (a physical relationship) to help us understand our duties to Christ (a spiritual relationship).

3. Jesus is the Savior of the body. This demands our complete submission to Him in all things…to be the kind of bride He desires.

4. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Eph 5:22-24

5. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Col 3:17 But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say? Lk 6:46

6. Jesus is the Sacrificer for the body. He has sanctified us (set us apart) to be holy and without blemish. This demands our conduct be consistent with the kind of bride He desires.

7. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Eph 5:25-27

8. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rom 12:2

9. …like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Pet 1:15-16

11. This local group of the bride of Christ has gathered this morning to think about and reverence her Husband. May we be mindful of our duties to Him. May we give Him the acceptable and reverential worship He is due.