The Submission of a Spirit-filled Wife

INTRO

1. Paul's command to women is linked to God's eternal purpose (Eph 1:10) Marriage is a picture of the go1spel of Christ summing all under His reign.
2. This is a major component of what it looks like to walk in a manner worthy of our calling in Eph 4.
3. It's impossible apart from the Holy Spirit.
4. This may be one of the greatest areas of spiritual warfare for wives.

STARTLING COMMAND
This was as offensive in Paul's day as now. Submission must characterize all Christians. It need not be taken negatively; Chirst submitted to the Father. There are differing degrees in family, church, and the world.
To whom? Their OWN husbands.
How? As to the Lord.
When wives submit to their own husbands, they submit to Christ who put their husbands over them.

THEOLOGICAL REASON
Gk. kephale: leadership & authority; second meaning of provision.
Women & men are equal in value, dignity, worth, but there are complementary roles. Women is a helpmate, but this is not derogatory.
1Cor 11 Headship & submission to it is not bad. Honouring the husband gives honour to Christ.

EXAMPLE EMULATED
The Church's submission to Christ is the model of a wife's submission. It's not a duty but a disposition. Wives should cultivate a spirit of submission that honours God. It is not about honouring the husband but the Lord. Wives must submit in everything that honours Christ.

APPLICATION
Christ is the Saviour, not the husband. If marriage is for the glory of God, and submitting to imperfect husband makes that marriage better, submitting to the husband gives glory to God, and if God is for His glory then He will give the grace to glorify him. He is able and willing. Doubt no more.