The Spirit Filled Wife

Text: Ephesians 5:22-24

Introduction:

• Submission in marriage is often misunderstood and misrepresented in our culture.
• However, biblical submission is not about weakness but about strength under control, a reflection of a heart yielded to Christ.
• Context: This passage follows Paul’s teaching on being filled with the Spirit ( Eph. 5:18 ).
• A Spirit-filled life produces joyful worship, gratitude, and mutual submission ( Eph. 5:21 ).
• A wife’s submission is a Spirit-led response to God’s order in marriage, just as the church submits to Christ.
• Big Idea: A Christian wife who is filled with the Spirit will submit to her husband as an act of Worship to Jesus

I. Submission is a Result of Being Spirit-Filled ( Ephesians 5:22 )

“Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord.”

1. Submission Requires the Holy Spirit’s Power

• In our sinful nature, submission is difficult because of pride and self-will.
• A Spirit-filled wife doesn’t submit out of fear or obligation but as an overflow of her relationship with Christ.
Col. 3:18.
People submitting themselves to governing officials Rom. 13:1-5.
Jesus even submitted himself to his parents. Luke 2:51.

2. Submission is an Expression of Faith and Worship

• “As to the Lord” – A wife’s submission is ultimately to Christ first, trusting that He is working through her obedience.
• Spirit-filled submission is not about being weak but about trusting in God’s strength.

3. Submission is Personal and Voluntary

• a personal calling to her own husband (not all men).
• True submission is not demanded by the husband but willingly given by a Spirit-led wife.
➡ Application: The more a wife walks in the Spirit, the more she will find joy in honoring God’s design for marriage.

II. God’s Design for Marriage Involves the Husband Leading ( Ephesians 5:23 )

“For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body.”

1. God’s Order in Marriage

Genesis 2:15–25
1 Corinthians 11:3
1 Peter 3:1
• Just as the church follows Christ’s leadership, God has given husbands the role of leading their families.
• Headship is not about control but about responsibility and servant leadership ( Eph. 5:25 ).
• Headship flows from original design

2. Spirit-Filled Husbands Lead with Christlike Love

• Spirit- filled Husbands demonstrate: Sacrificial love, protection, and care.
• Spirit-filled Husbands demonstrate unconditional love for their wives.

3. Submission Reflects Christ’s Lordship

• faith in Christ’s authority over her life.
• a Spirit-filled wife encourages, supports, and builds up her husband.
➡ Application: Wives, do you view submission as a burden or as an act of trust in God’s good design?

III. A Spirit-Filled Wife Reflects the Church’s Relationship with Christ ( Ephesians 5:24 )

“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything.”

1. Marriage is a Spiritual Picture

• Marriage reflects Christ and the church, displaying God’s love to the world
• A Spirit-filled wife helps reveal the gospel through her relationship with her husband

2. Submission is an act of honor to The Lord

• “In everything” means in all areas of life where he leads according to God’s will
• This does not mean a wife follows into sin or abuse, but rather seeks to honor God in her role

3. A Spirit-Filled Wife demonstrates honor and respect with Joy and Strength

• A wife does not submit out of weakness but out of Spirit-empowered faith
• She becomes a source of strength in her home, uplifting and encouraging her husband’s leadership
• Proverbs 31:10-12  – A godly wife brings blessing and confidence to her husband

➡ Application: Wives, are you allowing the Holy Spirit to shape your heart, filling you with joy, trust, and strength in your marriage?
• Biblical submission is not about control but about Spirit-filled obedience to Christ
• Wives, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you daily, giving you strength, wisdom, and joy to walk in God’s design
• Husbands, recognize your responsibility to love and lead in a way that honors Christ