Ephesians (W10D4) One Flesh
Week 10. Thursday: One Flesh
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
READ: Ephesians 5:31-33
31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
For This Reason (Greek: anti houtos): because of what Christ has done
Leave (Greek: kataleipō): depart from, leave behind, not taking others along
In marriage we are called to leave our parent’s household and provision.
One cannot be fully united in marriage and still dependent on their parents.
Be United (Greek: proskollaō): to be joined, glued together, to cleave or stick to
This is a bond that is intended to last for life (Matthew 19:5-6).
Like glue, there is an initial bonding that holds strong over time.
Become One Flesh (Greek: eimi heis sarx): becoming one literally and figuratively
Literally, in the consummation (sex) of marriage we are one flesh.
Figuratively, we are one unit, one team, one goal, one purpose.
Profound Mystery (Greek: megas mystērion): great beyond the human mind
Paul is saying that marriage is a visible illustration of the Gospel.
When we obey God in our marriage, we reflect His character.
Love (Greek: agapaō): in an unconditional sense - content with, well pleased
Respect (Greek: phobeō): to hold as honorable, to treat with honor
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
According to this passage, the best way to fulfill our marriage covenant is to practice love and respect daily. The husband is to love his wife sacrificially as Christ loves the church. He is to give himself and his desires for the sake of his wife. The wife is to invite her husband to lead the home and follow his leadership with respect. This leads to a unique and divine unity in the marriage relationship. This is how God designed marriage to work.
In what ways can we show love and respect to our spouse?
What makes you feel loved? Make a list and give it to your spouse.
What makes you feel respected? Make a list and give it to your spouse. PRAY: Ask God to help you love and respect in a way that reflects His character.
