Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, explores the profound teachings of Ephesians 5, focusing on the Spirit-filled life and God's institution of marriage. He draws parallels between the relationship of Christ and the church and that of husbands and wives, emphasizing the command for husbands to love their wives sacrificially and sanctifyingly, akin to how Christ loved the church. Strelecki highlights the elements of this divine love, describing it as sacrificial, sanctifying, enduring, nourishing, cherishing, intimate, and unbreakable. He encourages husbands to view their role as nurturing their wives both spiritually and physically, using the Word of God as a source of cleansing and guidance. Strelecki cautions against relying on worldly wisdom to resolve marital issues and instead urges couples to turn to Scripture for genuine transformation and enrichment of their union.

Strelecki also addresses the importance of marital intimacy, discussing the Biblical perspective of sexual union within marriage from 1 Corinthians 7. He emphasizes mutual respect and benevolence, framing the physical relationship as a sacred, exclusive bond to be cherished and nurtured. While acknowledging cultural influences that may challenge traditional views, Strelecki encourages open communication and sacrificial love, viewing it as a reflection of Christ's enduring love for the church. Ultimately, he highlights that the greatest spiritual growth comes from the relationship between spouses, with each partner playing a significant role in the other's journey to becoming more like Christ. Through this lens, Strelecki urges couples to see their marriage as a powerful testament to God's grace and purpose, bringing glory to Him and serving as a light to others.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into the profound aspects of a Spirit-filled marriage, particularly focusing on the roles and responsibilities of husbands as outlined in Ephesians chapter 5. He emphasizes the importance of loving one's wife as Christ loved the church, highlighting that this love is sacrificial, purposeful, and enduring. Strelecki notes that while the world often misinterprets love through selfish or carnal desires, biblical love is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and requires husbands to lead by sacrificially giving of themselves. This love transcends personal merit and societal norms, requiring a Spirit-led approach that aligns with God's grace and purposes within the marriage institution.

Strelecki further explains that the husband's love is not contingent upon the wife's merit but is a reflection of Christ's unconditional love. He urges husbands to see their responsibility as a profound one, equating the marital union to the relationship between Christ and the church. This includes a commitment to sanctify and cleanse the marriage, much like Christ sanctifies the church, using the Word of God as the means of purification. The pastor-teacher underscores the transformative power of this love, which can impact not only the marriage but also serve as a testimony to others. By understanding and applying these biblical principles, husbands can truly embody the spirit of Christ in their homes.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, focuses on the Spirit-filled life as outlined in Ephesians 5, specifically how being filled with the Spirit impacts all life relationships, particularly marriage. The sermon addresses specific roles in marriage, especially the submission of wives to their husbands, as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church. Strelecki lays groundwork by relating marriage to other divine institutions like family, work, and government, all requiring mutual submission and reflecting God’s authority and instruction.

A significant portion of the sermon is dedicated to understanding the biblical, mutual responsibilities of marriage, emphasizing love, chastity, help, and peace as essential duties for both husbands and wives. Josh Strelecki emphasizes the importance of applying biblical instructions regarding treatment of fellow believers to one's own spouse, challenging the congregation to view these teachings as pertinent not only to church-wide interactions but primarily within the marriage union. He stresses that the submission called for is voluntary and Spirit-led, rather than coerced, and urges the faithful to view marriage through God’s lens, seeing its sanctity and glory, even amidst cultural opposition and personal failure. The sermon concludes with encouragement to see marriage as a reflection of Christ and the church, urging believers to navigate marriage with grace and a Spirit-filled perspective.

In this sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki delves into the theological discussion of whether the church today is the bride of Christ or the body of Christ, as explored in Ephesians chapter 5, verses 22 through 33. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts through a contextual study of scripture, focusing on the use of similes and figures of speech to illuminate the spiritual relationship between God and His people. Pastor Strelecki analyzes biblical passages such as Isaiah 62, Hosea 2, and Revelation 19, illustrating the use of allegorical language to describe the union of Israel with God and the land, as well as the marriage supper of the Lamb depicted in Revelation. He argues that these scriptural references are not to be taken as literal definitions of either the bride or the body of Christ but rather as illustrative descriptions meant to deepen our understanding of the spiritual union with Christ.

Pastor Strelecki further explores the Apostle Paul's writings, particularly in Romans 7, 2 Corinthians 11, and Ephesians 5, to explain how Paul uses the analogy of marriage to articulate the transformative and intimate relationship between Christ and the church. He stresses that Paul's revelation of the church as the body of Christ provides a fuller understanding of the profound union with Christ, beyond the metaphor of a bride awaiting marriage. Strelecki encourages his audience not to be divided over the terminology of "bride" and "body" but to appreciate the richness of these similes in illustrating our identity and relationship with Christ.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, reflects on Ephesians Chapter 5, emphasizing the theme of submission within God's institutions, such as marriage and family, which reflect the greater heavenly authority structure of Christ's kingdom. He asserts that submission, as an expression of love, is vital to the relationships ordained by God. Expounding upon the teachings from Ephesians and Philippians, he highlights how Christ's humility and willingness to submit, even unto death, serve as the ultimate example for believers. By drawing upon the Spirit's guidance and Christ's example, believers can navigate their vocations and callings, not as obligations forced upon them but as voluntary acts of love that reflect God's eternal purpose.

Strelecki underscores the significance of understanding and living out this submission, not only within earthly relationships but in anticipation of the life to come. He contrasts the flaws and tensions in worldly authorities with the harmonious, cooperative order within Christ's kingdom, achievable only through the Spirit's influence and the transformative power of God's Word. By embracing this mindset and resisting the self-centered tendencies of the flesh, believers align their lives with divine purposes, turning ordinary exchanges into meaningful reflections of Christ's love. Throughout, Strelecki encourages a faith-driven walk that fosters unity and strength, grounded in the love and example of Jesus Christ.