Next year, I will have been a husband for nineteen years! How time has flown by since we were first married. The vows we said to each other still hold true today. While I do not remember the exact words from our wedding day (unless I get out the VHS tape), the premise remains – I promised to love, honor, cherish,and be faithful to Haley for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. But I said some exact words I’ll never forget. I said, “I promise to love you just as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25). What does it mean for husbands everywhere to love their wives as Christ loved the church? And more importantly, how do I walk this out personally in my marriage?
In Ephesians 5:25-31, the Apostle Paul says a lot more to the Christian husbands than to the wives (take note gentlemen). He sets the high standard from the beginning by saying Christ is the example of how husbands are to love their wives. Husbands don’t get to define this – Jesus already has! In the Christian’s home, marriage should be an illustration of Jesus and the church. So, as a husband, I must discover how Jesus loved the church and love my wife that way. I must learn how Jesus talked to His bride (the church) and talk to my bride that way. I must find out how Jesus treated His wife (the church) and treat my wife the same way. Would Jesus call His wife a name that brings shame or harm? Would Jesus’ physical touch towards His wife be crude or violent? How would Jesus talk about His bride when they weren’t around?
Marriage is more than a physical union. It has a bigger purpose than to even meet emotional needs. Marriage is spiritual. I still call it “holy matrimony” when I perform wedding ceremonies. In fact, while the groom is sweating all by himself waiting for the ceremony to start, I often give him a copy of the vows and say, “Tell these to Jesus before you tell them to her.” Then I walk away and let him sweat a little more. Why? Jesus is the only one who can help you keep your word and fulfill your marriage vows. “What God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). God joins – only He can make two become one and tear down whatever is making one revert back to two. Man without God separates – over the stupidest of petty issues. I once counseled a couple who was splitting up over a cheeseburger – yes – a cheeseburger.
What does a Christian husband look like? First, he sacrifices. Ephesians 5:25 says Christ, “Gave himself up for her”. A sacrificial husband is not selfish (1 Corinthians 13:4), “puts away childish ways” (1 Corinthians 13:11), and puts his wife ahead of his buddies and hobbies. He serves his wife by gladly laying down his rights and picking up his responsibilities. Secondly, a Christian husband sanctifies. Ephesians 5:26-27 says a Christian husband washes his wife with the Word (the Bible). This isn’t a power-washer that blasts but a gentle living-out and speaking Scripture that caresses. There’s nothing worse than hurling scripture at one another. There’s nothing better than living our scripture in front of one another. This not only purifies the marriage but is the glue that holds it together. Thirdly, a Christian husband satisfies. Ephesians 5:28-30 says a Christian husband is satisfied and satisfies his wife by loving her like Jesus does the church. This brings such a mutual fulfillment neither is tempted to search for it somewhere else. It’s not a myth or something only your grandparent’s generation. You can be satisfied with and enjoy one another for a lifetime!
Most importantly, a Christian husband submits. Ephesians 5:24 sets the stage for Ephesians 5:25-31! It says, “The church submits to Christ.” When you submit your life to Christ and He saves you, you are saying, “I submit my selfishness, sinfulness, and singleness.” You are joined to Him as His bride (the church). Now, you can learn how to be a husband from the best Husband, Jesus.
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stephenrharrison
Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.
STEPHEN R HARRISON 
Great teaching on Christian marriage! The good measure of a disciple of Christ is how we approach our marriage and fatherhood since it’s the example of His church to the world. If we clean up the marriage issue in the church, then we would have more influence in the world and God would honor His church with more power in the Holy Spirit. Thank you Pastor
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