We have spent two weeks laying a solid groundwork for understanding chapter 7, and the conditions of moral depravity in the first century Roman world. It is so similar to the moral conditions that we are experiencing in 21st century America. We took a good look at Ephesians 5:21-33 and the mutual submission of a healthy marriage, and the responsibility of husbands to unconditionally love their wives, as Christ loved the Church, sacrificing himself for it. Sacrifice for one another is the hallmark of a healthy marriage. Selfishness on the part of one spouse, quenches love in the other spouse.
Sexual sin and immoral behavior has no place in marriage. Paul makes that plain in verses one & two. Also, the Bible is very plain that marriage is between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7; Ephesians 5:31). There is no other combination that is a picture of God’s relationship to Israel and Christ’s relationship to the Church. As Christians, our marriages are the strongest witness to the world, of the unconditional love of Christ, demonstrated in mutual submission and sacrifice.
I am already looking forward to next Sunday, and our study together. Please remember to pray for one another each day, carrying each other’s burdens to the throne of Grace, exercising the privilege we have as brothers and sisters in Christ. Hebrews 4:14-16; Galatians 6:2