Ephesians 5

Monday, 24 October 2016

For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Ephesians 5:23

This verse now explains the words of the previous verse, which said –

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”

Wives are to submit to their husbands because “the husband is the head of the wife.” This thought is in line with the words of 1 Corinthians 11:3. There Paul said, “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”

There is a divine order in how God has structured humanity, and how He has ordained the family unit. When this structure is violated, it upturns what is right and appropriate. And there, in turn, comes a breakdown in the family. If this is the common practice of a culture or society, that society will also break down. A clear and evident proof of this is found in the breaking down of America as the nuclear family is likewise being broken down. Culturally, we are casting off what God has ordained and society is feeling the negative effects of this.

Paul explains this hierarchy further with the words, “as also Christ is the head of the church.” Christ has direct and rightful control over the church. He is its Founder and Leader. All that occurs within His church is ordained by Him. Likewise, the man is to be the head of the wife. It is he who is given direction of family matters, and control of the household belongs to him.

As a note of comparison, Paul then finishes his thought with, “…and He is the Savior of the Body.” In these words, various scholars find disagreement in how they are to be translated. Some make them out as a contrast by changing “and” to “but.” In other words, The man is the head of the household just as Christ is the head of the church, but Christ is the Savior of the body (meaning there is a distinction being made between the two heads).

Others see an analogy in this. Just as Christ is the Savior of the body in a spiritual sense, the husband is to be the savior of the household. He is to lead in religious matters, he is to be the protector of the family, and he must be willing to die for them if necessary. If not he, then who is their defender? This view seems more appropriate, and it is actually fortified in verse 25.

Life application: It is the duty of the man of the house to lead the house. He is ordained by God with a right, a dignity, and with authority to serve in this manner. Men are the seat of reason. On the contrary, women are more led by emotion. God has determined that the man’s makeup is that which is preferred for leadership.

Lord God, Your word provides us with instruction on the proper order and headship of the family unit. You have ordained that the man is to lead the house, just as Christ is the Head of the church. When we deviate from this pattern, family life breaks down. When this pattern continues to grow, the society will inevitably degrade into chaos. It is quite clear that this is the pattern of our world today. Help us to turn back to the model which You have ordained for right family living. You are God, and You do not make mistakes. May we learn this important lesson before our society is destroyed. Amen.

Sunday, 23 October 2016

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Ephesians 5:22

Admonitions for wives which are very similar to this one are found in Colossians 3, Titus 2, and 1 Peter 3. Other much more carefully worded restrictions upon women are noted throughout Paul’s writings as well. For modern times, women who believe it is ok to preach or teach or have authority over men will simply disregard those prescriptions, or twist them out of their intended context, in order to justify what is explicitly forbidden. They will also take descriptive verses from the Old Testament (a dispensation which has ended), or from the book of Acts, completely out of context in order to again justify that which is forbidden.

The one verse from Paul which they hold up as relevant in allowing women to teach, Galatians 3:28, is again torn out of its intended context. Paul’s words there show that there is no spiritual difference in men or women, just as there is none between Jew and Gentile or slave and free man. But the fact that Paul mentions the categories is intended to show that the physical distinctions still exist. Slaves remained slaves in Rome, Jews remain Jews even when coming to Christ, and women do not become men when they become Christians. However, there is no spiritual subordination in these categories, and no “lesser salvation” for any of them.

Understanding this in proper context, wives are to “submit to” their husbands. A hierarchy is set within the family unit. The man is the head of the household and the woman is to defer to the man’s decisions. It is inappropriate, and against the natural order of things which was established at the very beginning (Genesis 2), for women to have the lead role in family matters. God has ordained it this way. Families and societies which do not follow this model will inevitably be dysfunctional in regards to proper biblical standards.

Albert Barnes rightly identifies four areas which the woman is to submit to the man.

• In domestic arrangements.
• In regard to the laws which are to regulate the family.
• In business matters.
• In everything, except that which relates to “conscience and religion.

The last category is intended as being in conscience according to God’s word, and in religion according to what God has ordained. A woman is not to follow her husband if he is in violation of either of these two precepts. In all other ways, they are to submit as is indicated here and elsewhere in Scripture. And, further, women are told to submit to their husband “as to the Lord.”

This is explained in the next verse. Simply put, it is because the Lord requires it, the Bible directs it, and the Spirit (who breathed out Scripture) testifies to it. To not follow this standard is to be disobedient to the Lord.

Life application: Modern society fights against the words of this verse. Women are told that the Bible is archaic and even inappropriate, but God says otherwise. He has ordained all things according to His wisdom. To reject what is stated here is not less detrimental to right living than being a homosexual or a drunkard.

Lord God Almighty, Your word is truth. It has ordained certain roles within society for men and for women. It further defines those roles within the family. However, it has become “unfashionable” to follow Your word and to reject this order which You have established. This is detrimental to the family, to the society, and to our relationship with You. Help us to follow Your word alone, and to be obedient to the hierarchies which You have established by Your sovereign will for the proper conduct of our lives. Give us willing hearts to be obedient to You and Your word above all else. Amen.

Saturday, 22 October 2016

…submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:21

This verse continues to explain “what the will of the Lord is” from verse 16. It is an admonishment which is grammatically tied into that thought, and yet it also is a lead into what will next be exhorted concerning the duties of wives, husbands, children, and slaves. Those exhortations are given to show what “submitting to one another in the fear of God” means.

But, just from these words, we can deduce that “submitting,” or humbling ourselves, before others is what is expected. Pride puts up walls between people and God, and between people and people. However, humility leaves open a way for people to meet the needs of others. It is not demanding, and it shows no arrogance. This is what we should do when interacting with others.

As noted Paul’s specific examples are forthcoming, but it is not to be limited only to those he explains. We should have an attitude of submission to all those around us in order to bring down walls of animosity and strife. And this is to be done “in the fear of God.” Christ Jesus came in the most humble circumstances of all. From His birth in a manger, to His death on the cross, He demonstrated the humility which all of us should likewise demonstrate.

And yet, we need to remember that Jesus never let doctrine falter, nor did He flee in a cowardly manner from His enemies or the enemies of God. There is to be a balance in our lives where we demonstrate humility on one hand, and a firm resolve on the other. In all ways, He did exactly as His Father expected, and we are to do so as well. Let us never allow the forces of moral perversion or enmity with God assume that they can use us as punching bags without facing rebuke and correction. Evil must be addressed, or we are not demonstrating all the Christ-like attributes that we should.

Life application: When we interact with the world, we are to demonstrate humility, submitting to others as Christ would. And yet, we are also to be firm, fixed, and resolved in our attitude towards the wickedness which surrounds us. Let us never give an inch on our firm stand to uphold God’s word.

Lord God Almighty, we are told in Your word to submit to one another in the fear of God. In doing so, we will act in a Christ-like manner. And yet, we are also instructed to stand against the evil of this world and to call out that which is morally corrupt, noting it for what it is. Too often, Your followers are attacked for our firm stands against the wicked, but we are to live balanced, Christ-like lives. He stood against all evil and perversion, highlighting it for all to see and be aware of. May we do nothing less! Give us wisdom in these things, O God. Amen.

Friday, 21 October 2016

…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,  Ephesians 5:20

These words are logically tied to the preceding verse –

“…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

As we are making melody in our hearts to the Lord, we are to be “giving thanks always.” One of the great errors of humanity is ingratitude. When we fail to give thanks for each and every kind blessing bestowed upon us, we fall into error. This is then reflected in a degradation of our relationship with God. Eventually, our hearts become darkened to the things of God –

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:20, 21

It is so easy to ask for blessings, but we then often fail in being grateful for those things we receive. Instead of this, we need to continuously be thankful for what we have, and pour out our hearts concerning those things we lack. And our thanks are to be “to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

There is a strong emphasis here in both expressions. God the Father is the Fount of all blessing, and He is rightfully exalted through the thanks that we return to Him. But, each of these thanks is to be given “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is Christ who makes the path back to God the Father for us.

The ingratitude mentioned in Romans 1 is an ingratitude which is directed towards “His eternal power and Godhead.” In order to truly be grateful for those things we enjoy, we are to be thankful to God though the One who caused these things to come into existence, and who continues to sustain them even now. This is Jesus Christ (see John 1:1 & Hebrews 1:3, for example). Further, in Jesus Christ, we are brought into son-ship with God the Father. Therefore, He is to be the One named in all of our thanks and praises to Him. This sentiment is found again in Colossians 3:17 –

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

A portion of it is expanded upon in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 as well –

“Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Life application: Being grateful to God for our many blessings is not to be overlooked. Even in times of distress – of heart or of body – we should continue to demonstrate thankfulness. In so doing, we are acknowledging His sovereign hand on us in all circumstances.

Lord God, give us hearts which are grateful for each and every blessing that comes our way. Help us not to forget all that You have done for us and thus let a bitter root of ingratitude well up in us. May we never assume that anything we have is deserved, but rather, that You have granted grace to us through Your kind and open hand. With this spirit of gratitude, we will thank You for all that comes our way, and we will do it in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Thursday, 20 October 2016

…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,  Ephesians 5:19

Paul’s words of the last verse ended with, “be filled with the Spirit.” This is immediately followed with the words of this verse, which is a continuation of the same thought. In being so filled, we are to “speak to one another” in ways which are wholesome and edifying. He then explains what that means by using three categories –

“Psalms” refers, without a doubt, to the Old Testament psalms. What Paul is saying is that our speech is to be interlaced with words, right from Scripture, which will build others up. They are to remind others of the words of Scripture as well, providing a spiritual connection between us and them. To understand this from a worldly perspective, if two people attended the same college, they would have their school fight song. From time to time, in order to inspire one another, they might take the words of that song and speak them (or sing them) out. “Go the distance you men of Noble College; stand firm on your education, on that great body of knowledge.” In so doing, they would be building one another up in something that is already written and useful for such a purpose. No greater source of such edification can be found for the Christian than the words of Scripture themselves, especially from the psalms.

Though it is not entirely sure, “hymns” may be referring to songs which are based on Scripture, and which relate scriptural truths. The word used for “hymn” in Matthew 26:30 is derived from the word Paul uses now. It is known that at the Passover Seder, certain Psalms were sung each year. Therefore, this term can be referring to psalms as well as songs not directly coming from the Bible, but probably quoting parts of it.

“Spiritual songs” may be even broader in nature than “hymns.” They may simply be songs that speak of the Lord and His goodness without actually quoting anything directly from Scripture. However, they are pure, edifying, and will fill others with the goodness of God.

Although the meaning of the second two words is not fully known, this seems to be a logical explanation of what Paul is referring to. From these types of songs, he then says, “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” The word for “making melody” here is a verb which corresponds to the noun translated as “psalms” above.

What Paul is saying here is that not only should we outwardly sing and share music, but we should do it in our hearts as well. We are not to let a root of bitterness creep into our hearts as we ponder the wicked world around us. Instead, we are to have wonderful words of glorifying God in our hearts at all times, welling up in us so that we are not overcome by the world around us. In this, we are to do it “to the Lord.” This then is truly being “filled with the Spirit” as was noted in the previous verse. We are actively contemplating His goodness, and are thus passively filled with the Spirit. As we yield, the Spirit fills.

This same set of words is almost repeated in Colossians 3:16 –

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

There is a noted difference between the two. In Colossians, it says that we are to use these in order to teach and admonish one another. It is an active instruction based on these things. In this verse it is more a way of letting emotion be drawn out of us in order to edify others and glorify God.

Life application: How can we overcome the world, especially when it is draining us of joy and taking away our ability to act in a godly manner? The answer is given in this verse. We can do so by speaking and singing words of Scripture, or words based on what the Bible teaches. This is our fount of blessing, instruction, and joy as we wait on the return of the Lord. Let us use it often, drawing from it as if we are drawing out water from a well in a dry and thirsty land. Let us allow our souls to be filled with the beauty of the word, even until it then flows back out of us for the edification of others.

Lord God, the world is a dry and barren desert which saps us of life. But there is an oasis for our weary souls where a fount of living water is found to quench our thirst and refresh our us. And yet, how often we fail to walk over to it, pick it up, and drink from it. Your word, O God, is life and it provides to us fresh water to renourish us as we wait upon You. Grant us the wisdom to drink from it often, even until we ourselves overflow with it towards others. Help us to be wise in our use of time, and to partake of this deep well of life. Amen.