Ephesians 5:21-33 (Wives) Discussion Guide
21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. 22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.—Ephesians 5:21-33
Last week, we learned that in God’s eyes, men and women are equal in value and ordained in distinction. In Genesis 2:18, God said it was “not good for man to be alone,” so He created “a helper suitable for him.” This person, a woman, was (just like Adam) created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27.) The Hebrew word translated as “helper” is עֵזֶר (pronounced ‘ezer’), and it typically means “helper” or “strength.” The word ezer is used frequently throughout the Bible, often referring to God as a helper or source of strength for his people. You’ll find it in Psalms (like Psalm 115:9) and Deuteronomy (like Deuteronomy 33:7).
The New Testament says in Galatians 3:28 that males and females are equal in value. The Bible also says men and women are distinct in three ways:
1. Biologically
2. Distinct in Core Desire (Men=Respect | Women=To be loved.)
3. Roles and Responsibilities
We learned last week the core attributes of biblical manhood are:
1. Reject Passivity
2. Accept Responsibility
3. Lead Courageously
4. Expect a Greater Reward
Today, we examined the complementary and corresponding attributes of biblical womanhood:
1. Reject Autonomy
2. Empower Others
3. Nurture the Next Generation
4. Expect a Great Reward
In partnership, the man and the woman create a holistic unity the Bible describes as “one flesh.”
Last week, we learned that in God’s eyes, men and women are equal in value and ordained in distinction. In Genesis 2:18, God said it was “not good for man to be alone,” so He created “a helper suitable for him.” This person, a woman, was (just like Adam) created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27.) The Hebrew word translated as “helper” is עֵזֶר (pronounced ‘ezer’), and it typically means “helper” or “strength.” The word ezer is used frequently throughout the Bible, often referring to God as a helper or source of strength for his people. You’ll find it in Psalms (like Psalm 115:9) and Deuteronomy (like Deuteronomy 33:7).
The New Testament says in Galatians 3:28 that males and females are equal in value. The Bible also says men and women are distinct in three ways:
1. Biologically
2. Distinct in Core Desire (Men=Respect | Women=To be loved.)
3. Roles and Responsibilities
We learned last week the core attributes of biblical manhood are:
1. Reject Passivity
2. Accept Responsibility
3. Lead Courageously
4. Expect a Greater Reward
Today, we examined the complementary and corresponding attributes of biblical womanhood:
1. Reject Autonomy
2. Empower Others
3. Nurture the Next Generation
4. Expect a Great Reward
In partnership, the man and the woman create a holistic unity the Bible describes as “one flesh.”
Discussion Questions
- Inviting Submission: How does a spirit of autonomy contrast with a spirit of invitation within marriage? What are some practical ways wives can actively contribute to their husband’s strengths? Why is this difficult?
- Empowering Others: Discuss ways wives can use their unique gifts and strengths to empower their husbands and others around them. How are these gifts distinctly different from their husbands?
- Nurturing the Family: The passage emphasizes cherishing one’s spouse (Ephesians 5:29). What does cherishing look like in day-to-day activities? What is the opposite of cherishing?
- Mentoring Younger Women: Read Titus 2:3-5. The Bible doesn’t define what it means to be “older” or “younger”. How would you explain the difference? How does being an example and following an example differ? How does verse 3 say the encouragement mentioned in verse 4 is accomplished?
- Balancing Autonomy & Partnership: Discuss how a wife can maintain a sense of healthy individuality while also prioritizing unity and partnership within the marriage.
- Challenges to Submission: Are there situations where absolute submission might not be the healthiest approach? How can open communication and discernment guide decision-making within a marriage?
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