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*Illustration: One of the greatest detriments to the Covid season for the church was the lack of perspective, wisdom, and tempering that happens by not being together as the body of Christ.  As a result, we became disillusioned, unsettled, and angry.  All of which led to being fixated on the wrong things, responding to them from poor motives which harmed many relationships at the cost of shining the light of hope found in Christ. 

Ephesians 5:1 calls us to be imitators of Christ who by love conquers the hardest of hearts.

Ephesians 5:8 Calls us to live out the light of Christ that exposes the darkness of our hearts and those we engage.  This brings much needed healing and accountability to each of us.

Ephesians 5:15-16 Challenges us live wisely not missing out on the many opportunities that each day brings.

Ephesians 5:18 Reminds us that it is by the Spirit of God that we live as we commune with him and bless others out of the overflow of our relationship with Jesus. 

Throughout this text the charge to imitate Christ is a challenge to our personal character, but to the benefit of each other—the church.  We are not meant to live in a vacuum in our journey of faith.

I need Christ.  I need you to point me to him.  You need me point you to him as well. 

Let’s continue to look together at Christ’s example that we are to imitate.

Read Ephesians 5:21-33

Submit (def.)- to be under the influence and direction from another.  (21)

• This was modeled by Christ, and we are to follow his example.
  
  
• It is a charge given to every follower of Christ.
  
  
• Believers who are operating under the leadership of the Spirit “willingly” serve others and come under each other’s guidance rather than dominating or exalting over each other. BKC
  
  
• Marriage is an analogy he uses to convey mutual submission, but it is for all of us and Christ models submission as God intended.
  
  
• It is also true that what Christ has modeled brings about wholeness in relationship. Brokenness abounds and makes God’s design a challenge thus needing his grace in the journey.

The role of headship does not convey superiority or inferiority, but rather responsibility. (22-24)

• Christ is the head of the church. The church submits to Christ.
  
  
• Husbands are the head of the wife. The wife submits to their husband because of Christ.

Headship done like Christ, models mutual submission. Philippians 2:5-8

• Christ submits to the Father. (8b)
  
  
• Christ is not inferior to God, but he willingly submits and humbles himself. (6, 8a)
  
  
• Christ serves those who submit to him.
  
  
• God responds by exalting Jesus not Jesus exalting himself. (9)
  
  
• Husbands submit to Christ. They serve their wives who submit to them. Christ exalts the husband. 
  
  
• Wives submit to their husbands in serving Christ, and the husbands exalt them.
  
  
• Christ is glorified.
  
  
• Everyone is submitting and exalting another. All are blessed and holiness abounds.

Christ’s Example.  John 13:3-16

1. Christ used his position of power to elevate others.
   
   
2. Christ expression of love was to serve.
   
   
3. Christ did this liberally not based on worthiness.
   
   
4. Greatness is not in the role but in the use of the role.
   
   
5. We are to follow his example of submission.