Ephesians 5 - Introduction

Section Three 5:3-21

DIVISION FIVEChapter 5:22-6:9Natural Responsibilities

There is a natural, divinely authored, order to the responsibilities that are evident in the world of man. That order spans the entirety of creation and is patterned after elements of God's own character. What is true of the procession of authorities within the Trinity is also true within the heavenlies and then shows itself in every instance of life on Earth. Whether one looks towards God, at mankind, the kingdom of beasts, or the order of lesser life-forms, there is an order and hierarchy of responsibilities that yields the propagation of the species. In the same manner, the Church of Jesus Christ grows and expands as each successive generation is added according to the will of the Father to the very substance of the Godhead. If every marriage were entered into with this vision clearly in front of those being wed, then how much firmer the union would be. Marriage is not simply a social contract, but a divine commitment of two to build a new thing together. And, that is not talking about their children. It is the forging of one new person out of the two. Two bodies becoming one...Two minds blending into one single will...One single voice...One single experience...One single destiny...and, expressing all of the unique qualities of the two that were joined.

Section One 5:22-33