Pastor Clint Klauck 9/20/26

Main Point: Since Christ is Lord of every relationship, we are called to reflect Him in the way we relate to one another.

1. Since Christ is Lord of every relationship, we are called to reflect Him in our marriages

a. Wives are to willingly submit to their husbands (3:18)

Biblical submission is a wife’s willing response to God’s design for marriage. It never requires participation in sin or the endurance of abuse. As the church submits to Christ’s loving leadership, a wife honors Christ through willing submission to her husband.

b. Husbands are to sacrificially love their wives (3:19)

A husband’s love is to reflect the selfless, sacrificial love of Christ for His church. This love is not demanding, controlling, selfish, or harsh. It gives, serves, listens, and seeks his wife’s good even when it costs him something.

Application: Both submission and sacrificial love require us to die to self. Our hope is not in a perfect husband or wife, but in Christ, who perfectly obeys the Father and perfectly loves His bride. Through His grace and strength, we can seek to honor Him in marriage.

2. Since Christ is Lord of every relationship, we are called to reflect Him in the home

a. Children are to obey their parents (3:20)                        

Children honor the Lord when they obey the authority God has placed over them. Their obedience is not merely about making Mom or Dad happy; it is one of the ways they can please and honor Christ.

b. Fathers are to lead their children with Christlike love (3:21)                                              

Fathers must not use authority in ways that crush or discourage their children. They are called to lead with humility, patience, instruction, correction, and care. Children do not need a perfect father; they need a father who faithfully follows a perfect Savior.

Application: Whether we are children, parents, grandparents, or hope to have a family one day, Christ cares deeply about what happens in our homes. We are called to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness toward one another.

3. Since Christ is Lord of every relationship, we are called to reflect Him in the workplace

a. Employees are to honor Christ in the way they work (3:22-25)

Whatever responsibility God has placed before us, we should approach it as an opportunity to honor and serve Christ. We work with sincerity, integrity, and wholehearted effort because our ultimate Master is the Lord.

b. Supervisors are to honor Christ in the way they lead (4:1)

Those who have authority are accountable to Christ. Christian leadership should reflect His justice, fairness, dignity, and care toward every person entrusted to us.

Application: What does the way you work communicate to others about Christ? Do you give your best when no one is watching? Do you respond to bosses, coworkers, customers, and employees with Christlike character when relationships become difficult?

Through Christ’s power and strength, we can seek and set our minds to the lordship of Christ!