The Best Marriage
Does the Bible Really Say a Wife Should Submit?
Day 2
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When you hear the word “submit,” what comes to mind?
For some women, they may immediately think of profoundly negative words because of past experiences with abusive or domineering men. Submission seems to have a connotation implying “less than,” or we may think it’s synonymous with servitude.
On day two, Ben Stuart looks to rectify this misunderstanding by sharing the definition of submission as “an inclination to receive and affirm a husband’s leadership.” An inclination means that there is a general disposition or posture for wives to understand that their husbands are shouldering responsibility for their good.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Ephesians 5:22-24
Summary
Submission is not equated to subjugation. God is good. He isn’t trying to hurt you; He’s trying to free you. Men and women are equal in value. According to Romans 8:17, “...we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs of Christ,” and we both should be treated as such.
When you bind yourself romantically to someone, they have extraordinary power in your life. They can impact your sense of self, value, worth, financial decisions, and future. Husbands are meant to take that power to strengthen their wives and children out of fear and reverence for God, treating their wives right because they understand they are God’s daughters, ultimately leading to the children being treated right, too.
The problem is some husbands have used their power to fulfill selfish desires, ultimately leading to an elevated sense of self and the destruction of their wives and children. Women must ensure that the men they are entering into a covenant with are pursuing the Lord so that they are in lockstep with them, each pursuing holiness and, in turn, treating each other with loving kindness.
As women choose godly men to enter into marriage with, they must receive, affirm, and celebrate them when they initiate and make the vulnerable decision to lead their families well.
Good leadership leads to liberation, and liberation is a cause for celebration.
What's next?
On day three, we will examine verses 25-27 of Ephesians chapter 5, focusing on God’s instruction for husbands. Read these verses today to prepare your heart for what is to come and better understand God's expectations for their role.
How has this breakdown of submission helped you change your understanding of what it looks like for a wife to submit to her husband?
Ben Stuart clearly stated that submission was only expected inside the marriage covenant according to Scripture. Was that a new revelation for you? How will that change your expectations in future relationships if you aren’t married?
Scripture References
