Roslyn D.

Cheatham September 7, 2011

What is the Foundation of Marriage According to Ephesians 5?

In Ephesians 5 the chapter gives us a great foundation of marriage. The chapter covers three specific points which will definitely give you the foundation you need to have a successful Christian marriage. We will divide the chapter up and take a look at the following points that the Bible addresses: 1. What to look for when building your foundation. 2. What can be done if the person has gone astray? 3. The actual marriage. When we look at Ephesians 5: 1-6 God gives us some things that we are required to do for the foundation of marriage and he also gives us a list of things that we should not do and we should take heed to those things that should not be done. If we are truly believers then he requires us to be followers of him (God) and he ask us to walk in love just as Christ has loved us and given himself for us. Some examples of things we should stay away from or not participate in would be as follows: fornication, all uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, whoremonger, idolater and you must also beware not to let any man deceive you of vain words. If this is the path that you choose you will have no inheritance of Gods Kingdom. Ephesians 5: 7-21 start out focusing on darkness and light. We should always walk as children of light. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth which are all acceptable to the Lord. The Bible commands us not to fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness but instead we should reprove (expose) them. By exposing the sin we are making it visible by the gospel and therefore bringing the sin to the light. In verse 14

God gives the unbeliever an opportunity to be free of sin and God also promises that if you make the change Christ will give you light. Although, the unbeliever may change God still tells us in verses 15 and 16 to walk carefully (pay attention) and he tells to make the most of every opportunity exposing the sins of the lost because the days are evil. We have to make sure that we understand Gods will and apply it in order to have the proper foundation of marriage. In verses 19-21 God gives us four things that we can have as a result from being filled with the Spirit: Speaking with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always and submission of yourself in fear of God. All of this leads up to the actual marriage. God is teaching us how to love, care, be thankful and be in submission to him first and foremost. Ephesians 5: 22-33 describes to us in detail the actual structure of the Christian marriage. The Husband is the head of the Wife just as Christ is the head of Church and Wives must submit themselves to their own Husbands. Wives must submit themselves to their husband in all areas (not just only when they agree). Husbands must love their Wives just as Christ also loves the Church and gave himself for it. Husbands and Wives shall be as one flesh and they should leave their Father and Mother and be joined together with each other. Husbands should love their Wives as they love themselves and the Wife shall reverence her Husband. In conclusion, Ephesians 5 is an excellent reference for those Christians who need and want a Godly foundation for marriage. If we are truly looking for success Gods way is always the best way. Sources The Bible, King James Version