Harmony In The Home Series

Harmony In The Home

Ephesians 5:22-6:4

Introduction: God has a wonderful plan for every home! That plan includes responsibilities for every member. If we will follow that plan, we will be well on our way to achieving harmony in our home.

I. Some Wise Words For The Wife (5:22-24)

A wife’s responsibility is summed up in two words:

A. Reverence Everything she is asked to do is based not only on her relationship with her husband, but on her relationship to Christ as well. Her submission is patterned after the relationship of Christ and the church. Her submission to her husband is an expression of her devotion to Christ.

B. Respect This submission is based on mutual respect. It is self-chosen, not forced. It is exclusive to her husband. This does not suggest inferiority. Husbands are not to be tyrants but leaders.

II. Some Helpful Hints For The Husband (25-33)

The responsibility of husbands is summed up in one word: love. What kind of love is a husband to show to his wife?

A. Sacrificial Love (25) The Greek word here is agape – heavenly love. Christ demonstrated this love at the cross. Husbands “give yourself” to your wife.

B. Sanctifying Love (26-27) The purpose for this love is to make holy and cleanse. A husband is to encourage and help his wife in spiritual growth.

C. Serving Love (28-30) The husband is to make sure that his wife’s deepest physical and emotional needs are met. At the same time, he is to care or cherish her. That is to make sure that her practical needs such as food, clothing and shelter are met. Protect and provide.

D. Superior Love (31-33) See Gen. 2:24. Leave, cleave, and weave. Their love for one another transcends their love for any other.

III. Some Clear Commands For The Children (6:1-3)

This can be summarized in two words: hear and honor.

A. Hear (1) The word “obey” carries the meaning of “readiness to hear.” It is the imperative form which suggests continual obedience. Children, “listen to the advice of your parents and submit to it.” It is the Lord’s plan for parents to maintain this position over the children. As children become adults, they move from control to counsel.

B. Honor (2-3) “Honor” is to estimate the value of something in regard to its worth. The word implies a continual honor. It is both action and attitude.

IV. Some Plain Pointers For The Parents (6:4)

Parents’ responsibility is summed up in two words: encourage and educate.

A. Encourage “Fathers” allow for both parents to be included in this instruction. “Exasperate” means not to provoke. Don’t have an overbearing attitude; don’t treat harshly; don’t’ publicly embarrass or make impossible demands. Don’t make unwise comparisons between siblings or peers. Encourage them.

B. Educate “Bring up” means to develop character. “Training and instruction” is to promote health and strength by discipling in proper behavior and instructing by advice and warning.

Conclusion: Practice these and Heaven will afford you harmony in the home. God knows what He is talking about – He established the home!