As Christ Loved The Church

In this message, we will consider the marriage relationship as we look at Ephesians 5:22–33. Through Paul’s instruction, we’ll see that his goal is not merely to give us a recipe for a successful marriage, but to direct our attention to Christ. Jesus defines real love, and he is the only foundation upon which a God-honouring marriage can be built.

As we work through this passage, you’ll notice that the instructions given to husbands and wives almost seem to take a back seat to the clear Christology that Paul presents. Three times, Paul uses the phrase, “as Christ,” reminding us that he is the model we are to follow. Paul’s concern is that we would see Jesus, be in awe of him, and learn from him, and that should be our concern as well. And as we follow his example, we will come to understand what Real Love truly is, seeing that Christ is the only source of it, and that we are called to reflect him and his love in every aspect of our lives, including our marriages and relationships.

Series: Real Love
Message 8: As Christ Loved The Church
Text: Ephesians 5:22-33
Patrice Charade
Harvest Alliston
June 21, 2026

As a member of the body of Christ, I am moved to…

…submission (v. 22-24)

Genesis 2:15

Genesis 2:18

Both men and women are together created in the divine image and are therefore equal before God as persons, possessing the same moral dignity and value, and have equal access to God through faith in Christ. Men and women are together the recipients of spiritual gifts designed to empower them for ministry in the local church and beyond. Therefore, men and women are to be encouraged, equipped, and empowered to utilize their gifting in ministry, in service to the body of Christ, and through teaching in ways that are consistent with the Word of God. While husbands and wives are responsible to God for spiritual, nurture and vitality in the home, God has given to the man primary responsibility to lead his wife and family in accordance with the servant, leadership and sacrificial love characterized by Jesus Christ.This principle of male headship should not be confused with, nor give any hint of, domineering control. Rather, it is to be the loving, tender, and nurturing care of a godly man who is himself under the kind and gentle authority of Jesus Christ.
– Acts 29, Distinctive #4

…sacrifice (v. 25-27)

…unity (v. 28-33)