SERMON NOTES (Apr 24, 2016): Imitation of Marriage- Divine Design- Eph 5:22-33

Imitation of Marriage
Divine Design

Eph 5:22-33

Introduction: Marriage in Ephesus. How does a Christian marriage identify the Gospel story?

Premarital Counseling Next Week

Eph 5:1- Imitators of God

Eph 5:21 – submissive to each other

I.                    Subjection- Jesus’ Identity (22-24)

·         Reception of His Will (vs. 22) “As to the Lord”

How do you relate to the Lord (Kyrios)- Hupotasso – “stand down” vs. “give in” vs. “set yourself under”

Romans 12:1—2 – I urge you therefore brothers…

·         Submission to His Leadership  (vs. 23)

“head of the church” – “savior of the body”

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!

O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!

Whate’er I do, where’er I be

Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain:

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,

By His own hand He leadeth me;

His faithful foll’wer I would be,

For by His hand He leadeth me.

Forbes: “There is a massive difference between what we know about leadership and what we do as leaders.” Emotional Courage: understand how to follow.

·         Representative of His Identity (vs. 24)

As church is set under Christ 

II.                  Presentation- Jesus’ Mastery (25-27)

·         Love that Gives Up (Sacrifice – vs 25)

“as Christ loved & gave Himself” – self-sacrifice

-          Love –agape- unconditional “I Still Do”

-          Gave Self – full offering; total commitment – Eternal

·         Work that Cleanses (Sanctification – vs 26)

“washing of water”  – baptism – ceremonial bath

“in declaration” (of the word) – public witness

·         Faithfulness that Stands By (Justification/Defends – vs 27)

“holy & without blemish”

III.                Preservation – Jesus’ Purpose (29-31)

·         Bodily Presentation (vs. 29)

“nourish” – “cherish”

How does Jesus nourish & cherish us?

·         Bodily Participation (vs. 30)

“members of His body, of his flesh, of his bones”

Gen 2:23 – Adam’s love song to Eve; Jesus’ love song to His bride

How do you participate as a member?

·         Bodily Union (vs. 31)

“leave” – “join”

Jesus talked about Divorce in Matt 19 & quoted Gen 2:24- expectation was to continue reproduction

How often do you spiritually reproduce?

IV.                Imitation – Jesus’ Message (32-33)

·         Love

·         Respect

·         Model/ Witness

Conclusion: Do you recognize & honor His self-sacrificing love? Does your marriage exhibit this agape, husbands? Do you respect His leadership by submission? Does your marriage exhibit this hupotasso, wives? How well does your marriage witness to the Gospel story of Christ and the church?