Submit to one another

We are talking about how in marriage we are to submit to each other.

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Ephesians 5:21-22 “…and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives, [be subject] to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”

“In the fear of Jesus” Jesus is the master of the marriage covenant, not the husband. Wives and husbands are to submit to Jesus first. If the husband asks the wife to sin, the answer is “no”. If the wife asks the husband to sin, the answer is “no“.

“Be subject to one another” Wives submit to husbands, and husbands submit to wives. Each person submits first to Jesus as Master, then submits or serves their spouse. Apostle Paul’s theme for this section about husbands and wives is about how they are to submit to each other. This phrase “submit to one another” should not be ignored. I can only ask for forgiveness to all the wives on behalf of pastors who teach that only the wife submits. Husbands are required to submit too!

“[be subject]”or “[submit]” is in verse 21, but not in verse 22. The word for submit is not in verse 22. It should read, “be subject to one another in the fear of Christ wives to your own husbands as to the Lord.” Paul was being intentional to connect the phrase “submit to one another” with “wives to your husbands.” We shouldn’t overlook this.

“to your own husband” Wives should submit to their own husband. Someone else’s husband is not included. A wife is not serving all husbands, just her own. She is not serving all the husbands of the church. All the wives are not in a category below all the husbands.

“as to the Lord” In every sentence or idea, Paul includes submission to Jesus as the condition to serving one another in marriage. Jesus is the master of the marriage covenant, not the husband. Wives are to submit to their husbands with direction from Jesus. The phrase “as to the Lord” is a required condition of submitting. You are not suppose to do whatever your husband says unconditionally. He is not your master, Jesus is.

Prayer coaching: “Jesus, in Your Name help me submit to You as I serve my husband.”