Ephesians 5
August 5, 2022
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—” (v25-29)
As a husband, I have the high and holy calling of loving my wife “just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (v25). And how did Christ love His Bride? Through service and sacrifice. Service, as illustrated in the washing of His disciples’ feet. Sacrifice, as illustrated in his death on the cross. Paul says that when a husband lives out God’s purpose in his marriage, it will not only build up his wife, it will be a signpost to the world of Christ’s love for His church (v32).
Lord Jesus, I thank You for faithfully loving me through Your service and sacrifice. You were willing to give all of Yourself - in life and death - to rescue and redeem me. I praise you, too, for Your ongoing faithfulness to the covenant You’ve established with me, promising to never leave me, nor forsake me. May I be the kind of husband who reflects this kind of covenant faithfulness to my bride. Empower me to love Amanda with service and sacrifice - so that she is built up, and so that those who look in on our marriage more clearly see You!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
