Wednesday, May 15
What counsel does Paul have regarding humility and service in relationships? Ephesians 5:21. How do you think this attitude contributes to unity in the church? Why is it so important at home? Ephesians 5:22-6:9.
The word “submit” (Ephesians 5:21) means to place oneself humbly before another person on the basis of voluntary choice. This unique principle began with Christ (Matthew 20:26-28; John 13:4, 5; Philippians 2:5-8) and characterizes all those who are filled with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). “Fear of God” is what motivates people to submit in this way (Ephesians 5:21). Mutuality in self-giving was, and still is, a revolutionary Christian teaching about social relationships. It brings to life the spiritual reality that all are one in Christ; there are no exceptions.
A household principle. The proving ground of Christian submission is in the home. If this principle is effective there, it will make a dramatic difference in the church. Paul moves immediately from the introduction of the principle of submission to discuss its application in families.
Three pairs of relationships are addressed in Ephesians 5:22-6:9 – the most common yet most unequal relationships in society. The intent is not to reinforce an existing social order but to show how the faith culture of Christ operates when there is a radically different voluntary submission of believers to one another.
Why do you think Paul consistently speaks first to those who are socially weaker in the culture—the wives, children, and slaves? Write the qualifying phrase attached to the submission of each of these.
Those with greater social power—husbands, parents, masters—are always addressed second. Each receives a directive quite uncommon to the culture. These directives must have astonished the believers of the first century. They leveled the ground around the Cross and opened the way for true oneness to be experienced in relationships.
