Connect:
- Open in prayer
- When you think of a flourishing marriage, who do you know that reflects this for you and why?
Discussion:
- Read Ephesians 5:21.
- What does mutual submission look like?
- Why would Paul ask the church in Ephesus to do this?
- In Verse 23 Paul talks about the husband being the head of his wife. Pastor Tim mentioned that there are two ways to interpret the term Kephale (head): Authority, or Source.
- Which way do you lean towards and why? (Keep in mind there may be strong feelings about this passage, keep the conversation focused on people’s own beliefs rather than debating.)
- In what ways is the ‘authority’ interpretation misused, even if it is correct?
- Read Verses 22-24, what does Paul mean by submitting?
- Read Verses 25-30, what does Paul mean when he asks husbands to give themselves up for the sake of their wife?
- How does Paul connect these instructions for husband and wife to the church?
- What does it mean for you and your view of the church?
- How might God be inviting you to engage with his bride differently?
Pray
- Ask for Prayer requests and pray.