Last week we resumed our series in Ephesians, picking up with Paul's exhortation for submission, an offensive notion fraught with modern misconceptions and historic abuses. So, instead, we looked to Jesus to see this lived out faithfully. Yet submission is only a portion of the picture Paul paints. He talks even more about sacrifice. What is the sort of leadership to which we are called to submit? What does godly leadership look like? And why does Paul say this is more about the Church than it is even about marriage?

Discussion Questions

Pastor Russ introduced this message as “good news” rather than self-help or advice. What did he mean?

What is biblical masculinity? If you were teaching a young boy or teenager how to be a man, what scriptural wisdom would you impart? Many today would be tempted to react against society’s sense of “toxic masculinity”. How can we build up young men for good rather than emasculate, intimidate, or confuse them?

Read Ephesians 5:25. At the center of marriage is the cross. Some modern views of marriage are seen as wish-fulfillment, getting your needs met or having someone else complete you. How does biblical marriage differ from these tropes?

Leadership should cause flourishing, especially as the result of sacrifice from the leader. Yet it’s easy for us to take (siphon) from others for our own sense of power and significance. When have you done this? Who do you know who fosters life, love, and health in others as a result of them sacrificing (figuratively dying) for them?

As Christians, our agenda is holiness and union with Christ (1 John 3:2-3). Ironically, our pursuit of happiness is the biggest barrier to our holiness. Do you agree? Give an example.

Leadership starts with repentance and encouraging others to join you at the cross. When have you done this and experienced a great outcome? Have you ever confessed your sins, only to be exploited or left alone as the reason for the problems? What does it mean to lead with repentance, and does that mean you’re just a push-over softy all the time?

Gospel: Jesus was bent, twisted, and pierced so we could be made whole. He was bathed in blood so we could become clean. Jesus remakes us into something new because He sacrificed His whole life.