Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Submitting to one another in the fear of God. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord."
Text: Ephesians 5:21-22
CAREFUL STUDY NEEDED
Some have sought to insist that this text teaches that the wives’ first rule that they must learn is “submission… Is this a fact? Some men are strong and quick to apply this text to their advantage. Some women, without examining text carefully, or because they prefer to have “peace in the family” have practised submission without much happiness.
It is vital that we examine what Paul meant when he wrote these words of advice.
1. The context of “submitting to one another”
a) Mutual submission is obviously in mind.
b) To cause the wife to be subordinated at all times and in all circumstances is clearly not what the apostle Paul taught.
2. The context of “the fear of God”
a) Both husband and wife must practise this reverence of the Lord.
b) Anyone who truly fears the Lord would not dare to misuse or abuse the Word of God
3. The context of general teachings found in the Scriptures
a) There are many other passages in the Scriptures that teach about the relationship between husband and wife. It is wise to examine all pertinent texts in the Scripture before arriving at the final conclusion.
b) One of the most vital passages may be found in Genesis 1-2. In these two chapters, where the Creation account is found, the following truths must be borne in mind:-
i) Equality between male and female must be noted (Genesis 1:27).
ii) Adam recognized the intrinsic worth of Eve (Genesis 2:23).
iii) They were to see their union as “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
ESSENTIAL HARMONY OF THE SCRIPTURES
Any interpretation of the Scriptures cannot cause disharmony of the texts. Any disharmony proposed must cause us to examine the interpretation proffered. Some texts, like the above, must be most carefully studied, or we risk the danger of misunderstanding and misapplying the Scriptures. There is inherent danger when the text of God’s word is not properly comprehended before it is applied.