Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

 (Eph 5:26) “That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word,”  The emphasis is the using of God’s Word to sanctify and cleanse the Believer, and context – the wife by the husband. The Church is to teach the Word of God in order for the listener to hear and heed, thus through his conscience and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, sanctify – separate him or her from the conduct, the thinking, of this old rebellious world.  

(Eph 5:24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.”   As the church is subject to Christ. Today it seems many churches are subject to the desires and thoughts of the pastor and congregation rather than to Christ. We need to go back to the Word of God and see what the purpose of the church is, then go from there. Everything we do should be based upon: “train them to go and see people born again (saved); baptize them; teach them” (Matt 28:20). Instead, most of the emphasis seems to have turned into, “How can we entertain them and make them happy once they are here.”  

(Eph 5:22) “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (23)  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.”  Notice the context of the statement, Christ “….is the Savior of the body”. The husband is to seek to protect his wife in every area: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  It is his responsibility before God.

  (Eph 5:23) “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”  This world’s mindset sees authority as power. Within the body of Christ, authority is not power but responsibility – servitude.  The greater the authority given, the more the individual is to serve. One in authority does not serve to get, but to give of self pleasing the Lord. He or she is not to look for reward. Each will find at the end of this life’s road oneself saying, “…..We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10). 

(Eph 5:22)  “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” This verse was included lest one get confused over the previous verse and then not submit to one’s husband. People wish to dismiss such verses regarding submission because it goes against what they think or based upon society. The Bible is God’s Word with God’s plan. It is not to be changed by us simply because it does not fit which what we wish to think or obey. Concerns regarding abuse of this mandate are dismissed as the husband obeys the verses that follow this one.

(Eph 5:21)  “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”   Notice the words, “in the fear of God”.  How often in churches today do we hear the words, “fear God”, to the believer? How often do you and I think about fearing Him? Oh, we think of His love and His goodness, His blessings towards us, but not that we should fear Him! He is still God and He still hates sin, maybe even moreso that which is committed by those He freed from its clutches! Remember, He is your Father, born again child of God. It would not be a terrible thing to Him to take you home early!

(Eph 5:21)  “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”  Firstly, this submission must speak of the lambs submitting to the shepherds (Heb 13:17). Secondly, it speaks of the practice of “esteeming others better than yourself” (Phil 2:3). Humility is foreign to our fallen nature, yet is the foundation of Christianity. We need to lay this foundation for the glory of God!  

( Eph 5:20)  “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”   Notice the prayer of thanks is in Jesus’ Name. It is through the Lord Jesus and because of the Lord Jesus we have access to the Throne of God in prayer! Our blessings received daily are because of Him! We owe  our very lives to Him! So, this day, the Lord’s Day, thank our Great and Merciful God through the Name of His precious Son Jesus!  

( Eph 5:20)  “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”  One should not assume from the previous verse there is some “magic” in using the music. It is the heart condition signified by ‘giving thanks always” ALWAYS!   

(Eph 5:19)  “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”   Why music? Anyone who has studied music theory knows that music is a perfect numerical system. There’s something very special about music. When desiring guidance from the Lord, Elisha said, (2Ki_3:15) “But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.”   It is of utmost importance we listen to the right kind of music. It has power.