Small Group Questions | Mutual Submission | Ephesians 5:21-33

In the Fall of 2025, Coastline began a journey through the book of Ephesians. This letter from the Apostle Paul is packed with timeless truth about who we are in Christ and how we are called to live as His people. From God’s eternal plan of salvation to the call for unity in the church, Ephesians grounds us in the gospel and shows us what it means to walk faithfully in a broken world. As we’ve studied this book together, our congregation has been both encouraged and challenged. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or walking through Ephesians with your church.

Small Group Questions | Mutual Submission | Ephesians 5:21-33

As we continue our sermon series through the New Testament letter to the church in Ephesus we see Paul teach on mutual submission in a marriage relationship. This teaching was particularly important for Ephesus because it was a Gentile city; meaning it didn’t have God at the center. In our passage today we read Paul’s instruction on mutual submission for a thriving marriage that honors God. Paul teaches couples have to live the new life in Christ they have received are leaning in to. Paul takes the time to teach on marriage from a Biblical perspective. In today's text we’ll see how submission starts with God and models the mystery of Christ and the Church. 

1) The sermon started with funny quotes on marriage from kids. Which one stood out to you most? Why do you think humor like that helps us talk about serious topics like marriage or relationships?

2) Read Ephesians 5:21. What does “mutual submission” look like in our daily life? How does mutual submission honor God in our marriage, families, friendships, or the workplace? 

3) Genesis 1:27, 2 Corinthians 5:17, and Genesis 2:24. Neal taught that we’re created in God’s image and that our identity is in Christ. How does remembering that truth shape the way we treat others whether in marriage, dating, or singleness?

4) Read Ephesians 5:22-24. Paul invited wives to submit to their husbands “as to the Lord.” What might that look like today? How can trusting in God’s goodness help someone live out challenging passages of Scripture?

5) Read Ephesians 5:25-27. Paul called husbands to love “as Christ loved the church.”  This was a radical idea in this time period. How does Jesus’ sacrificial love challenge all of us, married or not, in how we love people around us?

6) Read Ephesians 5:28-31. Paul repeats his teaching for husbands to love their wives and for wives to respect their husbands. For those who are married, what are some practical ways to live this out? For those who aren’t married, what principles can still apply in your relationships? (see Colossians 3:18–19)? 

7) Read Ephesians 5:31-33. Paul teaches that a husband and wife become “one flesh” and connects this to the mystery of Christ and the church. What is the “mystery” Paul is describing here, and how does it reveal the gospel?

8) Think about your own relationships: marriage, friendships, or future hopes. What is one way you can reflect the gospel through love and surrender this week?