In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul provides profound insights into how the Christian faith should permeate every aspect of life, particularly within the home and beyond. This sermon explores the passage from Ephesians 5:21 to 6:9, emphasizing how Christ’s influence transforms relationships. Far from being confined to church settings, the gospel’s power shines brightest in the intimate spaces of marriage, parenting, and work. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, believers can reflect Christ’s love and lordship, creating homes and workplaces that testify to the beauty of the gospel.
Let Christ Take the Lead in Every Relationship (Ephesians 5:21-24)
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. (Ephesians 5:21-24, KJV)
The foundation of all Christian relationships rests on mutual submission out of reverence for God. This principle extends to every believer, calling for humility and honour toward one another. In the context of marriage, wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord, not out of inferiority, but as a reflection of the church’s submission to Christ. This submission restores order in the home, rooted in love and respect, rather than control or inequality. The true issue in relationships is not who holds authority, but whether Christ is truly in charge. When filled with the Holy Spirit, believers arrange themselves under God’s design, allowing relationships to flourish and mirror the gospel. Pride often leads individuals to believe their ideas are superior, but yielding to Christ enables harmony, much like an orchestra where each member plays their assigned part under the conductor’s guidance.
Let Christ’s Love Set the Standard for Marriage (Ephesians 5:25-33)
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5:25-33, KJV)
Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, mirroring Christ’s selfless love for the church. This leadership is not about privilege or dominance, but about giving oneself fully to sanctify and cherish one’s spouse. Christ’s love was not self-serving; He entered the world to die for sinners, offering salvation freely to those who trust in Him. In the same way, a husband’s role should make his wife holier and happier, providing an environment where she can thrive spiritually. Loving one’s wife is akin to loving oneself, as marriage unites two into one flesh. This divine design portrays a profound mystery: the union of Christ and the church. When husbands lead by serving and wives respond with reverence, the marriage becomes a living picture of redemption. It whispers to the world the depth of God’s love, achievable only through daily yielding to the Holy Spirit.
Let Christ’s Lordship Shape the Home and the Workplace (Ephesians 6:1-9)
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. (Ephesians 6:1-9, KJV)
Christ’s lordship extends beyond marriage to parenting and professional life, transforming these areas through Spirit-filled obedience. Children are instructed to obey and honour their parents, not merely to follow rules, but to learn submission to God-given authority, which prepares them for future relationships. Parents, particularly fathers, must avoid provoking their children to anger, instead nurturing them with truth and tenderness to shape hearts that love God. In the workplace, employees should serve with integrity, as unto Christ, not just when observed. Employers, likewise, must treat their staff with fairness and grace, recognizing their accountability to a heavenly Master. Christians ought to exemplify dependability and graciousness, as seen in figures like Daniel, whose faithfulness lent credibility to his witness. Ultimately, the gospel is not only believed for salvation but displayed in daily interactions, fostering harmony when Christ rules the heart.
Conclusion
The teachings in Ephesians 5:21-6:9 challenge believers to allow Christ’s presence to redefine their relationships, turning homes and workplaces into testimonies of the gospel. By submitting to the Holy Spirit, individuals can overcome fleshly tendencies and embody sacrificial love, honour, and fairness. Whether in marriage, parenting, or professional settings, the goal remains to reflect Jesus, drawing others to His saving grace. As families and communities witness this transformation, they glimpse the profound love of Christ, inspiring lives aligned with God’s perfect design.
