Sermon Snippet – Three Keys to Enduring, Endearing Relationships
INTRODUCTION – I owe the congregation a short sermon, and this should be it. Ephesians 5:18-33 provides three essentials for enduring, endearing relationships.
1. SUBMISSION
Verse 21 is comprehensive: “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” A spirit of humility should characterize the Christian. We must not follow the world, which promotes pride. Pride is not a good thing, and it can never be good. Proverbs 16:18 is absolute: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Rather than this nihilistic arrogance, we are presented with the better option of thinking about others and promoting their needs above our own. We cannot, of course, subject ourselves to evil people, wicked ideas, and negative behaviors. James 4:7 is direct: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” If we instead should submit ourselves to the devil or any of his misanthropic minions, we will destroy our good relationships. We must continue to make daily decisions to put others ahead of ourselves.
2. SACRIFICIAL LOVE
Verse 25 establishes the standard of our submission: we are to love as we give of ourselves. It is possible to do the right thing for the wrong reason (for example, to try to manipulate someone or even to control another). Without love, though, we are unlikely to be faithful over many years in our relationships. It is always appropriate to display love in a lavish way, with a special gift or excursion. However, it is the smaller, regular remembrances that display unfading love. We can find ways to consistently give evidence of our affection. For example, if your spouse does not enjoy a particular task, come alongside and help – or even do it by yourself (without mentioning it later!). Then keep doing it.
3. THE SAVIOR
Verse 21 points to the necessity of “the fear of God” in our relationships. Verses 25-27 clarify that this respect and reverence is based upon a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. We should remember His words in Matthew 25:40b: “Verily I say unto you, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these by brethren, ye have done it unto Me.’” Each one of us needs a personal relationship with Jesus through faith in Him and His finished work.
CONCLUSION – Even if we follow these three principles, we are not assured of positive relationships. For example, Romans 12:18 wisely warns of the limits of relationships: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” However, without these practical concepts at work in our lives, we will not have healthy relationships. God is good, and He tells us what we need to have good relationships.