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Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ – Week Eight


Walk Worthy in Relationships

“Household Codes” are instruction on relationship behavior.  Paul has often been criticized for his teaching on wives’ submission to husbands, but Sue explains that submission actually means “to come under to prepare for battle”.  Sounds more like an accountability hierarchy, doesn’t it?

We submit to the authority placed over us by God out of respect for God.  There is no authority in our lives that God isn’t sovereign over.  Therefore, everyone in a position of leadership is put there by God.  The head of the church is Christ.  He is our ultimate authority.  We should be submitting to all leaders in our lives as we would to Christ.

But make no mistake about submission.  Abusive situations aren’t healthy.  What does God’s Word say about remaining in an abusive situation?  Sue points to Acts 5:29, which says we are to obey God rather than men.  Thank you, Sue.

As wives are supposed to submit, husbands are supposed to care for wives as they care for themselves.  How might a husband influence his wife to become radiant, holy and blameless?  Encouragement.  Prayer.  Reading and studying the Bible together.  Any other ideas?

What about parent-child relationships?  Children should honor and obey their parents and parents shouldn’t provoke their children.  Parents should teach their children Who God is and to revere Him.

And in the workplace?  We touched on it earlier:  obey the authority God places over you and do everything as if you’re doing it for Christ.

And when any of these behaviors is too difficult, pray.

Memorize:  Ephesians 5:21


Happy New Year!

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