Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church, the body of which he is the Savior. 24 Just as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives ought to be, in everything, to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, 27 so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind -- yes, so that she may be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way, husbands should love their wives as they do their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hates his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the church. 33 Each of you, however, should love his wife as himself, and a wife should respect her husband. (NRSV) reverence (KJV)

Remember that Eph. 5 is in the context of Eph. 1. If God chose you before the world was created, can’t He also choose your mate, and effect his choice (for their salvation) in them at any time? If you are one of the chosen and your mate is not, stay with them. 1 Corinthians 7:16 Wife, for all you know, you might save your husband. Husband, for all you know, you might save your wife. (NRSV) If a wife is married to a man who tries to be totally submitted to, and controlled by God, by the Law of Faith, why wouldn’t she totally submit to him? On the other hand if he isn’t following the LORD how could she submit to him? If the husband Tells the Wife to directly violate Gods laws like saying she can’t read the bible or go to church then biblically for the sake of truth and conscience she must disobey! See Romans 14:23: Acts 5:29

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. (NRSV) You always submit to a godly pastor but not to a cult.

If one is married to an unbeliever verse 22 doesn’t apply. Even if both are believers its hard for the marriage to work this way all the time. Rather than a command this is an explanation of what is natural under the control of the Spirit. This is a way of life only while both are following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 22 destroys the Idea that a marriage is a partnership. This verse has two meanings, first submit to your husband as if he was the Lord and, second if he is submitting to the Lord your submission to him will also be to the Lord. There will never be a time when the husband and wife get so spiritual they reverse this rule. There can only be one president, who hopefully has good council. Wives must become Godly council for their husbands.

Verse 23 says as we follow and obey Christ we may question Him, but we never argue with Him.

Verse 24 ‘in everything’ means your spirit also. Don’t pretend to be submissive all the wile trying to influence him in other ways. See 1 Samuel 15:23

Verse 25 agape: a self sacrificing love. You love her just because she’s her.

Verse 31 is saying if the parents in any way interfere with the relationship they must be separated from the new couple. Don’t shove what you parent does or did down your spouses throat. This also applies to a previous marriage, or boyfriend/girlfriend. If you get mad at your spouse don’t run and gossip to your parents, fix it yourself. If you need guidance go to your pastor or an elder for biblical advice. Someone you know you can trust to be discrete.

Women give to their husbands what the church gives Christ, and husbands give to their wives what Christ gives the church.

We give Christ worship and Lordship.

Women must show worship or worth-ship to their husbands. When you understand a man is looked down on from the world and comes home to a wife who nags and belittles him, and then finds another woman who shows him some respect or admiration its no wonder why so many marriages end in divorce. If he can’t see worth-ship in your eyes your outside the will of the spirit. Why do you think he will go fix something for the neighbors and not fix the things at home? Perhaps he likes being respected and thanked instead of badgered and demeaned?

Christ gives us security, love, faithfulness, trust

Men must be faithful. This is much more than just not having affairs. If you say you’ll be there at a certain time or will do something make sure you do it. Women must feel secure. They must know your word is as sure as a human being can make it. If she can’t trust you in the little things how can she in the big things? Men are not to abuse their wives or children but nurture and cherish them. Jesus doesn’t cry and whine to the church, He gives commands and does what is best for the church. Men should not put there wife on a pedestal, to worship her. Remember she is a partner and a wonderful gift from God.