Transformed relationships
As we near the end of our series on Identity in Ephesians, Mike Stark explored Ephesians 5:22-6:9, where the Apostle Paul gives us a picture of how our identity in Christ should shape our relationships.
Specifically, Paul highlights three crucial relationships: husband-wife, parent-child, and worker-boss. These relationships, integral to our lives, mirror our relationship with God. As Mike pointed out, Scripture further emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships by setting qualifications for leaders in the church that include relational health.
We see God’s design for marriage and family in the creation story in Genesis. Despite the impact of the fall, where selfishness and jealousy entered relationships, Ephesians calls us to a higher standard: to put others before ourselves, and to fulfill or fully submit to our God-given roles.
Living this way can be very difficult, but this instruction – this way of life – should point us to Christ. In verses like Hebrews 5:5 & 10 and Philippians 2:6-8, we see that Jesus had a role to fill, and it wasn’t an easy one. And in fulfilling that role from the Father, He without question put us ahead of himself, as it tells us in verses like Hebrews 2:14-18 and Romans 5:8.
It’s true – putting others before ourselves and fulfilling our roles is not easy, especially within the context of relationships that are complicated and challenging. But Christ, our example, showed us how to sacrifice for others, even to the point of giving up His life.
He loved us to death. He sacrificed everything. He emptied Himself. He loved and obeyed perfectly, even when we were still sinners. He gave His best for our benefit. That’s the picture of how our new identity transforms our relationships.
Reflection Questions
- Are there any areas in my relationships where I struggle to prioritize others’ well-being over my own desires or preferences?
- Do I find myself often justifying behaviors or attitudes in relationships that may not align with Christ’s example of sacrificial love and selflessness?
- Are there patterns in my interactions with others that may indicate areas of pride or selfishness that I need to address?
- Are there cultural or societal norms that I adhere to without questioning, which may be contributing to blind spots in how I relate to others?
- How can I actively seek out and identify blind spots in my relationships, both by reflecting on past interactions and seeking wise counsel from others?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from March 3
- “The Father’s House”
- “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us”
- “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus”