Tuning Up Tired Marriages

Ephesians 5:22-33

Adrian Rogers


Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage:Ephesians 5:22-33

Marriage ought to be a duet, not a duel; we sing the same song, but we take different parts. In the music of marriage, the man takes the lead and the woman takes the harmony; yet over time, our marriages may fall out of tune.

Ephesians 5:22-33 reveals how to tune up a tired marriage. “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body” (Ephesians 5:23).

As head of the household, husbands must give their wives what Jesus gives the Church; he must assume responsibility and loving leadership. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word…” (Ephesians 5:25-26).

Husbands have the responsibility to love passionately and sacrificially; they are instructed to put their wives first, and love them in a way that makes them better Christians.

Husbands must protect their wives emotionally and physically. A husband is also responsible for providing for his wife so she feels secure, to nourish and cherish her.

He must remain loyal to her; his marriage should be his priority, because he remembers the permanence and purpose of it.

Adrian Rogers says, “It is not your love that sustains your marriage, it is your marriage that sustains your love.”

This passage also identifies the relationship of a wife to her husband: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). When wives are instructed to submit to their husbands, it means they are to look to them, not as servants, but as subjects to their leadership. Wives are not inferior to husbands; their duty to submit is a reflection of how the Church submits to Jesus Christ.

A wife should support her husband, knowing she is not his competitor, but his completer. She must share with him emotionally, physically and financially.

When we choose to assume the roles God has given us in our marriages, we will experience glorious liberty and the music will return.

Apply it to your life

Is it time to tune up a tired marriage? Husbands, give your wife your love, leadership and loyalty. Wives, give your husband your submission and support. Share your life with him. Pray that you and your spouse would assume your God-given responsibilities and honor Him.