‘Love and Marriage’

May 25, 2025

Ephesians 5:22-33

Study Questions

1. According to Ephesians 5:22-33, what does an earthly marriage covenant represent? How does this differ from what secular culture teaches today about marriage?

2. What is the role of the husband in a marriage? What is biblical headship in marriage? (See: Genesis 2:7,18-24.) How is it like that of the relationship that the Church has with the Lord Jesus Christ? (See also: John 4:34; 6:38; Luke 22:42; Philippians 2:6-11.)

3. What does this look like in the way a husband should love and care for his wife? How does a husband love his wife like Jesus Christ loves His Church? Give examples.

4. What does it mean that wives are to be subject to their husbands? What is the ecclesiological relationship and role of the Church to the Lord Jesus Christ? How does this relate regarding a wife to her husband? (See also: 1 Peter 3:1.) Is this realized in your marriage? How?

5. Marriage is often compared to a dance between a husband and wife. Do you agree? Why/why not? (See also: Ecclesiastes 4:12.)

6. What does biblical submission mean? What does it not mean?

7. If you are a husband, in what ways are you loving your wife in a Christlike way? In what ways is the Spirit prompting you to be more Christlike?

8. If you are a wife, when do you find it easiest to render to your husband? When is it hardest? Why? How can you reflect on the gospel in such a way that you are enabled to submit willingly rather than grudgingly?