Wedding Sermon Based on Ephesians 5
William Wu · Dec 8, 2022
This wedding sermon is based on Ephesians 5 and presents biblical teaching on the roles of husband and wife in a Christian marriage. The wife is called to submit to her husband through respect and a shared sense of mission, while the husband is called to love his wife after the sacrificial example of Christ. The foundation of both is the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
This sermon was delivered at the wedding of Trevor and Jessica, drawing from Ephesians 5 as its biblical foundation. The pastor opens by affirming that marriage is a wonderful creation and gift of God, while also acknowledging it is one of the most challenging human experiences. Martin Luther called it "a school for character," and Ephesians 5 provides practical instruction for both husband and wife.
For the wife, the pastor explains the meaning of submission according to Ephesians 5:22-24. Submission does not mean inferiority, silence, or tolerating abuse, but rather voluntarily placing oneself under the mission God has given the marriage — to obey and glorify God. The pastor advises Jessica to focus on her husband's wellbeing rather than trying to control or change him, and to show respect as one of the most practical ways to build a lasting marriage.
For the husband, the pastor cites Ephesians 5:25-31 to teach Trevor that love for his wife must follow Christ's example of loving the Church — through self-sacrifice, service, and daily giving of oneself. This includes modeling a strong spiritual life, keeping God at the center of the family, and above all being willing to humbly acknowledge fault and ask forgiveness, which is the death to self that Christ calls for.
The pastor reminds both of them that Ephesians 5:21 calls husband and wife to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Marriage is an arena where a couple honors Jesus Christ through every act of kindness, tone of voice, and use of time together. The pastor encourages them to regularly ask whether the way they treat each other brings glory or dishonor to Christ.
The sermon closes with the gospel message: God's love was demonstrated by sending Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of every person. The pastor recalls Trevor's and Jessica's faith journeys as students at UT Austin, and calls them to let Christ's sacrificial love be the foundation and model for their marriage, living as imitators of God in love according to Ephesians 5:1-2.