Reading Plan:
Ephesians 5:15-33

Author: Kyle Warren

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife...”

Talk about a statement that has caused some serious controversy.

As we look through history and human interaction, it is easy to see where this verse, taken out of context, could be used with very evil intent. It’s no secret that women have been subjugated and held in low esteem across centuries and cultures. Men, even men in the name of the church, have used ideas like Ephesians 5:22 to paint a picture of a woman’s duty and destiny to be one of lesser status.

It is important to note here that there has never been a religious leader to uphold the dignity and equality of women like Jesus of Nazareth. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s word is replete with warnings against treating any person, for any reason, as if they have a lesser value.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

Still, to read these words from The Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus can be jarring. How does this command to submit exist mutually with the equal value of women?

For one, we must understand that submitting and being subjugated are not the same thing. To submit here in this scripture is a sign of honor. Wives honor your husbands. It is entirely possible to give honor to someone without being their doormat.

Secondly, and this is crucial, we have to see this statement not as a stand-alone sentence but within a broader teaching. If you are having a problem understanding a particular passage of scripture, try to understand it within its full context. When we zoom out from Ephesians 5:22, we see the call of submissiveness is one that every follower of Jesus holds.

“... giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 2:20-21.

Wives submitting to their husbands is just one example of what it looks like for all of us to carry submissiveness which conquers the sin of pride in our hearts.


Reflection & Response:

• As you read Ephesians 5:15-33, how can you better represent Christ in your relationships?
• Pray for pride to be replaced with a spirit of submissiveness in your relationship with Christ first and then within the relationships around you.

HAVE KIDS?

Use the content below to dive deeper into the Bible Reading Plan with your family.

• In Ephesians 5:15-17, we learn that we are called to be wise and not foolish. Having wisdom is showing good judgment and making good decisions (following God). However, having poor judgment is foolish (turning away from God). But how do you know if you are wise? The Bible tells us in James 1:5 that if we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us. We should pray and ask God for the ability to make wise decisions. We should read and study the Bible to become familiar with what God has written for us to learn about Him, His will, and His truths.

• Knowing if you are making a wise decision can be hard. When you learn to depend on God, you begin to realize that He has the best plans for your life. How can you seek God’s help when you are faced with a tough choice? What should you do if you realize you have been foolish?

• Talking to someone when we are faced with a tough decision can also help us make wise choices. Who is someone you can talk to who will help you make a good choice? A parent? An older sibling? A KXP leader? A teacher?

• Prayer: God, you are so wonderful! Thank you, Lord, for the plans you have for my life! God, help me to bring my tough choices to you, and give me the wisdom I need to make the right choice. Amen.