Is a marriage that does not fall apart even possible, once the fairy-tale picture of life together has long since crumbled? This sermon takes us to Ephesians 5, where the Apostle Paul unveils the mystery of the union between a man and a woman as a picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church. The story of Agnieszka and Paweł, a marriage God rebuilt from the ground up after betrayal and divorce plans, shows that this picture works in real life. Listen if you want to build a relationship that everyday reality cannot destroy.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Ephesians 5 Paul quotes the words from Genesis about leaving father and mother and becoming one flesh, and then applies them to Christ and the church. What does this picture tell us about what marriage really is?
- Paul opens with the call to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" and closes with words about the husband's love and the wife's respect. How does this frame change the way we read his instructions to husbands and wives?
- The sermon contrasts the fairy tale "happily ever after" and the picture of marriage from TV series with the picture Paul paints. Which of these cultural ideas most strongly shape the way you think about relationships?
- The speaker stresses that Christlike love leaves no room for domination, and submission modeled on the church leaves no room for manipulation or silent tolerance of sin. Where do you see the line between respect and sharing responsibility for wrongdoing?
- The story of Agnieszka and Paweł shows that a merely superficial forgiveness was not enough, and rebuilding required prayer, community and hard work. What in their story moves you most, and why?
- The sermon says love comes down to the conviction that "the other person is more important than me," expressed even in small things like a morning coffee or attentive listening. What concrete step of love or respect toward someone close to you can you take this week?
