Biblical Theology for Transformation - 1st Posting

4/19/08

The idea of Biblical theology is to form your theology out of the study of Biblical exegesis. This is opposed to systematic theology, where you form your theology from systems of thinking and attempt to form a philosophy of Biblical thought. Systematic theology is a more broad study as oppose to Biblical theology which is specific to the text. Both are excellent ways of study, however, the need is NOT to impose our thinking into the text (eisegesis), but to impose the text into our thinking (exegesis). That is why I use the word “transformation”. Through careful Biblical analysis of the text in its original context and study of the original language we should strive to be transformed by the inerrant Word of God.

I will be putting together a new “Biblical Theology for Transformation” each week. My prayer is that it transforms our minds into a deeper and greater love for Jesus Christ and His glory! My purpose is to be as Biblically accurate as possible in the study of scripture and to pass this gift on to you. You are receiving this because I love you and care for your sanctification (spiritual growth).

Today’s Biblical Theology for Transformation… 4/19/08
Ephesians 5:25, 33 “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her…let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (ESV)

There is an obvious point that Paul is making to the men of the church at Ephesus : love your wives. To the women: respect your husbands. But why? Because there is a more important point Paul is making in respects to the institution of marriage. That point is that there is a marriage that is greater than that which we share with our spouses: the marriage to Jesus Christ (Revelation 21:9). Marriage between a man and a woman is meant to serve as a picture of the relationship between Jesus and His church. To the world, we are to represent Jesus well with our marriage. Your marriage is a witness of Jesus’ love for His chosen people. That is why we despise Christian unmarried couples living together. They are not representing Jesus the way He set us up to represent Him. Jesus didn’t give His church half of His devotion; He gave her all His devotion. Jesus didn’t sleep with the church and leave her, He married her.
As you think of your love for your spouse, consider the love that Jesus has for His bride. But if you love your wife more than any other human (as you should, even more than your children), then you should have a greater understanding of Jesus’ love for us. Men, we are called to “love your wife” because we are a picture or representation of Jesus to her and to the world. Women, you are called to “respect your husband” because you are a picture or representation of Jesus’ church to him and to the world. If someone notices you disrespecting your husband, you are showing them that is how the redeemed people of Jesus treat their Savior. Represent Jesus well by representing your husband as a loving and respectful wife, who cherishes and respects the love she receives from her groom.
Get this: Your marriage is a picture of the churches relationship with Jesus Christ. How you act with your spouse and treat them is a manifestation of your relationship with Jesus. Represent Him well to the fallen world, and also honor and glorify Him with love and respect for your husband or wife.

In Christ,
Mark