This study was presented in the August 2013 Bible conference in Southern California.Though Corinth was a “problem church” for Paul, how thankful we ought to be for them, for without their problems and questions, we would not have the answers and guidance provided in this wonderful letter. As with all the epistles, the challenge is to lay hold of the character of Christ. We are to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Rom 12:2), and to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phi 2:5).
Key verses for this study:
- “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1Co 2:2 and
- “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you are truly unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1Co 5:7
Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #39
Believers need to be subject to one another (Eph 5:21). This is an attitude under control of the Spirit. "Submit" is a military word and means "take your place in ranks" in three relationships: marriage, family, and master/slave. "Fear of Christ" is common synonym in Old Testament for faith (Pro 1:7, Pro 1:29, Pro 9:10, 1Co 1:30). Fear involves love and respect "as to the Lord" (Eph 5:22-23). The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man (Eph 5:24, 1Co 11:1-3). Christ is the head of the church and Saviour. The husband is the head of the wife and physical savior and deliverer. Man's submission to the wife is love as Christ loved the Church (Eph 5:25) and as he loves his own body (Eph 5:28). How do you deliver her? feed her (spiritual leadership), wash her (Eph 5:26-27), clothe her, protect her, and rest/refresh. Mystery of spiritual union (Eph 5:30-32). Living faith should be visible in husband/wife union (Eph 5:33).
Scripture References: Proverbs 1:7, Ephesians 5:28, Ephesians 5:21, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:24, Ephesians 5:22-23, Ephesians 5:33, Proverbs 9:10, Ephesians 5:30-32, Proverbs 1:29, Ephesians 5:26-27
From Series: "Ephesians"
More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.