Rev. David Holwick *
First Baptist Church THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERIES
Ledgewood, New Jersey (Bible study)
July 29, 1990
Ephesians 5
THE ROLE OF THE WIFE
I. The origin of wives.
A. Man (Adam) was not complete by himself. Gen 2:18a
1) Woman was created to be his helper. Gen 2:18b
2) The relationship was intended to cure loneliness. Gen 2:18a
B. They are inter-dependent, not superior/inferior. 1 Cor 11:11-12
1) Both are created in the image of God. Gen 1:27
(Note than "man" is "male and female".)
2) Both are "heirs of the gift of life." 1 Pet 3:7-8
a) Disharmony hinders prayers. 1 Pet 3:7
3) They should be a team.
a) Abraham and Sarah. 1 Pet 3:6
b) Aquila and Priscilla. Rom 16:3,5
C. Marriage is "till death do us part." Rom 7:2-3; 1 Cor 7:39
1) Whom she marries is her choice. 1 Cor 7:39
2) Her husband should be a Christian believer. 1 Cor 7:39
a) If not stick with him (if he wants you). 1 Cor 7:13
3) Make your marriage work. 1 Cor 7:17
II. The duty of the wife.
A. Commitment to Jesus. Ruth 1:16; 1 Tim 2:15; 1 Pet 3:2
1) Spiritual impact on husband and children. 1 Cor 7:14
2) But no guarantees they will be saved. 1 Cor 7:16
B. Submission to husband. Eph 5:22; Colossians 3:18; 1 Pet 3:1
1) Just as we submit to Jesus. Eph 5:22-24
2) Submission is in every category. Eph 5:24
a) Except for sin. Acts 5:9
3) Husband is wife's "head." [see category below]
4) Submission is mutual, not just one-way. Eph 5:21
C. Love to husband. 1 Tim 2:15; Titus 2:4
1) Sexual relations are not to be denied. 1 Cor 7:3,5
a) Denial can lead to immorality. 1 Cor 7:2
b) Neither are relations to be shared. Heb 13:4; John 8:1-11
c) Bodies belong to each other. 1 Cor 7:4; Eph 5:28
2) Her desire is to please him. Prov 31:12; 1 Cor 7:34
D. Commitment to others.
1) Children. Prov 31:28; 1 Tim 2:15
a) A spiritual responsibility. 1 Cor 7:14
2) Extended family. 1 Tim 5:16
a) Primary commitment is to husband. Gen 2:24 (Eph 5:31)
3) Other Christians. Prov 31:20; Rom 16:3,5
III. Husband is wife's "head." 1 Cor 11:3; Eph 5:23
A. Meaning of head.
1) Source of authority.
a) Chain of command? (Bill Gothard approach.)
b) However, only mention of authority in passage is the
woman's (1 Cor 11:10). Headship is not explicity tied
to authority here.
2) Source of life. Hebrews saw life, as well as intellect and
authority, as flowing from the head. Eph 4:15-16; Col 1:18
3) A matter of relationship rather than intrinsic value. Note
that God is "head" of Christ, yet they are equal in Trinity.
B. Limitations on authority.
1) Both submission and "headship" are defined in relation to
Jesus Christ. Eph 5:23
2) Although women may be considered "weak" (1 Pet 3:7), they
are not inferior. 1 Cor 11:10-11
3) Authority is to be exercised in love. Eph 5:33
IV. Character of the wife.
A. Beautiful.
1) Not from jewelry or clothes. Isaiah 3:18-24; 1 Pet 3:3
(But compare Esther 2:3,9 and Song of Solomon 1:10-14)
2) Beauty of a gentle, submissive spirit. 1 Pet 3:4
B. Respected.
1) In community. 1 Tim 3:11
a) Control of mouth is important. 1 Tim 3:11
2) By husband. Prov 31:11
C. Hardworking. Prov 31:13-19
