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Ephesians Study 10, Submit to One Another, Ephesians 5:21–6:9

10 Submit to One Another Ephesians 5:21–6:9


Purpose: To consider how the relationship between Christ and the church can be a model for wives and husbands.
Hang onto your hats; there's a good chance this will be your most controversial study. But don't be afraid of controversy itself or of strong differences of opinion. Try to present an atmosphere of openness and willingness to hear all sides. However, don't be afraid to ask people to root their contentions in the passage. Your purpose is to see what Paul says here and not to bring in a myriad of outside resources and opinions. You may want to remind everyone before you start to stick to the passage!


A lot of emotion and misunderstanding surrounds the word submit. So try to come to this text as if you had never seen it before. Try to set aside your own biases and see what Paul really has to say on the subject of submission.


1.  How do you react to the idea of being told to submit to someone?





2.  Read Ephesians 5:21–33. What four types of relationships does this passage imply or refer to?





3.  In each relationship described, what is the motive for submission?





4.  Does submission meat putting your mind in neutral or being passive? 





5.  In what ways are husbands, masters, and parents to submit?





6.  In verse 25 Paul instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. How has Christ shown his love for the church?





7.  The word love in 5:25 and 28 is used to translate the Greek word agapa, meaning totally unselfish, sacrificial love. How are husbands to show love for their wives (vv. 25–30)?





8.  In verse 31 Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 to root his arguments about the unity of husband and wife in creation itself. How do verses 31–33 summarize his teaching on the unity that is to exist between wives and husbands?

9.  Why do you think Paul calls on wives to respect their husbands while he calls on husbands to love their wives ?




10.  How would you characterize the relationship you have had with your parents?




11.  Is it possible to obey your parents or others without honoring them? Explain. Is it possible to honor your parents or others without obeying them?









12.  What is implied about the way slaves normally worked for their masters (vv. 5–8)?





13.  How and why were Christian slaves to be different?





14.  How could the principles Paul considers in 5:21-6:9 be lived out in situations you have been in or are in?


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