Preparing For Marriage: A Dive Into Ephesians

The transition to marriage can present quite the challenge. As two become one, conflicts arise, founded in the task of "submitting to one another" (Ephesians 5:22-23).

But marriage is not, and should not be, the first time two people lay aside their individual goals, desires and needs for another. In fact, just nine verses later, Paul makes it absolutely clear that his instructions do not solely apply to marital relationships.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the Church." (Ephesians 5:31-32)

"The two shall become one flesh" in this passage is a picture of Biblical "us-ness" that not only applies to the marital relationship, but the relationships between Christ and the Church.

How will you challenge your church, married couples and singles alike, to lay aside their own selves to serve the big picture of "us?"