BOOK OF EPHESIANS
PART TEN: GOD’S PLAN FOR MARRIAGE
READ: EPHESIANS 5:21-33
DEVOTIONAL
EPHESIANS 5:21-33
Marriage is a blessing and designed by God. Single people are never second-rate or inferior. Choose your spouse prayerfully and carefully, because it’s the second most important decision of your life after deciding to follow Jesus. If you know Jesus, marry someone who also follows Jesus.
As a husband and wife seek and honor God together, they grow in unity and peace.
God’s plan emphasizes that women should respect their husbands and men should love their wives. A healthy marriage points people to Jesus. Submission is countercultural. It includes trusting God and your spouse. Love includes sacrifice. Servant leadership glorifies the Lord who came to serve and lay down His life.
Love includes protection and provision.
We are the bride of Christ, longing for Jesus to return. Marriage is a wonderful picture of Jesus and the church. We live to glorify God and enjoy His presence in our homes, not just at church.
Just Choose Hope
HOPE POINT
God’s presence and plan build healthy marriages.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. When and why is submission a good decision? (5:22-24)
2. How does love and unity include sacrifice? (5:25)
3. How does time in God’s Word together cleanse a couple? (5:26-30)
4. What does it mean to leave and cleave? (5:31)
5. How does a godly marriage point people to Jesus? (5:32-33)
6. Who can you share this Scripture with during the upcoming week?
PRAYER
Gracious God, marriage is Your design. Thank You for Your wisdom and insights. You are the One who can heal and redeem relationships. We pray for Your shalom in our homes. Without You, we have strife, pride, resentment, and mean words. Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace. Your presence and perspective give us peace. We want to honor You in our decisions regarding marriage. We pray in Your mighty name, Jesus, amen.
