15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 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, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Ephesians 5:15-33 (NKJV）
Discussion Questions:
- Marriage has three key phases—what are they, and why do many couples struggle in the middle stage? What practical wisdom does Ephesians 5 offer husbands and wives to create a marriage that honors God and strengthens their bond? Before saying “I do,” why should couples discuss their differences openly—and what happens if they ignore them, hoping for change later? (Ephesians 5:15-16)
- How does the filling of the Holy Spirit empower married couples to exhibit Christlike patience and agape love when navigating marital tensions? What is the biblical foundation for wifely submission and husbandly Christlike leadership, and how does this sacred design safeguard marital harmony? In practical terms, how should Christian couples reconcile the husband’s headship with mutual discernment of God’s will when making major decisions? Does a wife’s godly counsel constitute disobedience to biblical submission? (Ephesians 5:18-21；1 Corinthians 14:4 ；Ephesians 5:22-24)
- How does Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church model the way husbands should love their wives, and why is this agape love essential for a thriving marriage? What are some practical ways husbands can nourish and cherish their wives emotionally, spiritually, and physically, based on the five love languages and Malachi 2’s warning against treachery? How does viewing marriage as a covenant (rather than a contract) transform the way couples handle challenges like financial unity, in-law relationships, and lifelong commitment, especially when facing imperfections or hardships? （Ephesians 5:25-29；Malachi 2:13-16 ）
Sermon Summary
This week’s sermon unpacked God’s design for marriage through Ephesians 5. Husbands are called to mirror Christ’s sacrificial love (agape) – a selfless commitment that nurtures, protects, and pursues their wife’s holiness. This divine love forms an unshakable foundation, contrasting worldly conditional relationships. Practically, we explored how to express this love daily through the five love languages: acts of service, affirming words, quality time, thoughtful gifts, and physical affection. Malachi’s warning against “treachery” challenged us to reject emotional neglect and cultivate faithful companionship. The covenant perspective transforms how couples handle finances, family relationships, and lifelong commitment, viewing marriage as a sacred bond rather than a convenient arrangement. For singles, this provides a transformative framework for future relationships.