The Covenant of Marriage as designed by God will always expose the sinful nature embedded in ALL humans [Romans 7:14–25].

For this reason, Ephesians 2 highlights to us the spiritual state of an individual - spiritually dead before Christ. And ONLY through the New Birth (follower of Jesus Christ [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified]) one enters into a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ [John 1:1-5; 3:1-21]. All are born in darkness “dead in your transgressions and sins” yet God invites all of us into His glorious light…that we may be (a willing heart) “Made Alive in Christ”. It for this reason that it is written in verse 1-5: And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God]. Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behaviour governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of human nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses] of the [sinful] mind. We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind]. But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace His undeserved favour and mercy you have been saved from God’s judgment).

Genesis 16:1-3 gives as a glimpse of ‘human nature’, a paradox from God’s Covenantal Promise to Abraham in Genesis 15.

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not borne him any children, and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “See here, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. I am asking you to go in to [the bed of] my maid [so that she may bear you a child]; perhaps I will obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to Sarai and did as she said. After Abram had lived in the land of Canaan ten years, Abram’s wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian [maid], and gave her to her husband Abram to be his [secondary] wife.

Hagar is an Egyptian slave ‘given to Abraham and Sarah as a parting gift. In this transaction, Hagar became Sarah’s handmaiden (personal servant from personal care to companionship) [Genesis 12]. She goes through intense adjustment from her homeland Egypt to Canaan. She is exploited (an imbalance of power) as a surrogate by Abraham and Sarah. She conceives and becomes contemptuous towards Sarah (fertility intertwined with identity and value-pride) and Sarah in return mistreats her. Hostility drives her out of her master’s house, while running she encounters God who sees her afflictions (abused, homeless slave woman) … She becomes the first person to name God, —El Roi, the God Who Sees. Hagar is the only person in the Hebrew Bible, man or woman, who gives God a name. this encounter awakens her TRUST in God, the One who met her where she was and knew her by name. She becomes a divinely blessed outcast.’

She, Hagar the enslaved woman is a portrait of what a “Woman” is without liberation IN-Christ and Wisdom of Christ to navigate life under a Corrupted system lead by the Fallen Man. Because she is ‘housed, fed and clothed’ masked as SECURITY and STABILITY... the master is already generous enough. In return, she works hard (labour intensive) to please him; to satisfy his needs and wants at will, without major support (co-operation) or dignity (self-respect & worth). This type of woman is inferior and expendable to her ‘master’ for she is SECONDARY to himSELF.

Often wondered why many religious (Doctrines of men and Church), traditional (Law & Culture) and worldly (PARTRICHAL SOCIETY) husbands possess an irresistible urge to “humble” their wives by withholding sacrificial Love and Trust. Also known as “as putting her in her place” where he consistently shifts his perspective to her; constantly finds faults with her, calling her out as the problem due to her biological nature (hormonal i.e. you are too emotional/irrational). This equates her to be a threat (you made me do this or react this way). Up until she is worn out (feeling of defeat) and so, she recedes within and “complies” with his OWN demands and conveniences for the sake of preserving peace/amicable existence. By this means, she becomes a tool of his pleasures and an object of his desires.

In other words, the husband’s actions ‘mimes’ that a wife should adopt ‘a heart posture’ of a ‘handmaiden’ in order to survive within the marriage. It is NOT about the wife not FULLY fulfilling her “duties”. Rather, it is deeply rooted in hegemonic masculinity which is derived from the fallen state of human nature which affects how men (in their Ego) coexist with women in a marriage setting [Genesis 3].

Consequently, it is about superiority and dominance; to possess (ownership) and control (power) a docile (compliant) and naive (gullible) woman psychologically and emotionally breaking her down (mould her) to become a “Subservient Wife”. This is intentionally premeditated, embedded within “sinful flesh” for a husband to escape any form of MUTUAL COHESION and ACCOUNTABILITY by CENTERING HIS HEADSHIP- [Patriarchal entitlement]. Where Ego becomes the perpetual law. Eventually, a ‘mere wife’ is not allowed to question his DECISIONS making skills, MOTIVE, and INTENDED outcomes…. or even call for ACTIONS that uphold and maintain MUTUAL RESPECT in ALL areas Maritally [Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 3, Mark 7:21-22, Matthew 15:19]. 

When a man “INTENDS” marriage, yet his heart is UNCHANGED; he is Sinful [Ezekiel 36:25-27, James 1:14-15]. This means that he is NOT a true convert of Jesus Christ (I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart; IN-HIM), [Matthew 11:29, Luke 19:1-10, John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20]. His unchanged heart which by default gives birth to sin seeks to ENSLAVE A WOMAN often camouflaged as finding a “suitable wife” to cater to him “ease up his own life” [Jeremiah 17:1-13, Proverbs 4:23]. Because of Self-Aggrandizement (Male ‘corrupted’ Authority) the idea of a “suitable Wife” is often convoluted with a “Subservient Wife” who will supplement to his life by bringing him comfort, alleviating his pain, elevating and validating his fragile Ego - CURATED SELF-IMAGE.

Now, what does an “ENSLAVED” woman in form of a “Subservient Wife” look like to a man with an unchanged heart. Her characteristics include being a….

• She is Subject to her husband, her existence is solely based on pleasing him, thus her voice (outlook and desires) is often “stifled/suppressed”, her strengths and abilities are minimized and her contributions to making decision (big/small) is often overlooked. [James 3:17]
• She is Compelled through threats and innuendos to perpetually serve her husband’s needs in exchange for ‘peace’ and provision (sometimes bare minimum).
• She is Obliged to agree with the Husband’s word despite the arbitrary (irrational) manner that it is carried out.
• She is Often degraded/humiliations rituals/dehumanizing through different forms of abuse and neglect.
• Her Husband’s style of leadership is dictatorship/authoritative which induces coercive control- intimidation tactics, blame game, manipulation and constant criticism.
• Her Husband weaponizes God’s Word to keep her in “her place”.
• She is Perceived as “purchased property” therefore objectified to fulfil the needs of the husband and is very much alienable if she does not toe the line.
• Her Husband MUST ASSENT to her every dealing and ‘freedom’ for she is too emotional and does not have independent autonomy to make healthy rational decisions as a married woman.
• She cannot question or challenge the husband’ motives, intentions and behaviour; his family decisions are perpetual law.
• She is “trained” that her identity and value is an extension of her husband’s identity and marital status.
• She is “persuaded” that her self-esteem stems from her husband’s validation.
• She is psychologically conditioned that her security is in her husband’s hands [Proverbs 3:26].

 Remember the Fall of Mankind in the Garden of Eden Genesis 3:5 states that

For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened [that is, you will have greater awareness], and you will be like God, knowing [the difference between] good and evil.”

Adam (received) and Eve (deceived) were tempted by the lure of knowing what God knows and becoming like God, and the consequences were dire. Humanity developed a “God complex” of SELF always right in their own ‘truth’– they are wise in their own eyes. Scripture warns us of this Worldly Wisdom [Judges 21:24-25, Proverbs 3:7, Romans 1:22; 12:16, 1 Corinthians 3:18-20]. The god-complex in human nature manifests as GOVERNING OF SELF; controlling, blaming and desire to possess others by enforcing self-governing laws on them.

After the Fall of Mankind came the penalties = JUDGMENT that led to the Declaration of War yet with embedded Hope [Genesis 3:15= Redemption through Jesus Christ].

To the woman deceived (unintentional sin); ….

Pronouncement of Harsh labour (pain) to give life [Genesis 3:16 -Childbirth]. Her independence is lost (Genesis 3:16 -Power struggle] Thus, Possessed & Dominated [Genesis 3:16 – Authoritative Leadership]

To the Man knowingly chose (intentional sin) ….

Implication that His Leadership has been forfeited [Genesis 3:17- Failure to Lead and Protect Genesis 2:15-16]. Thus, Dominion lost [Genesis 3:18- Hardship in the Land (famine, drought, Conflict and diseases)]. Which is followed by Harsh labour (pain) to Preserve life (eat &live) [Genesis 3:17-19- Suffering and challenges for ‘daily bread’]

In the end…

Intentional sin (REBELLION) leads to death; therefore, Adam birthed death. Death to Mankind [Genesis 3:19- man shall return to dust] Romans 5:12-14.

Sin has now corrupted their ‘PERFECT SPIRITUAL DNA’, Husband and Wife can no longer function in harmony and unity …AS THEY ARE BOTH SINFUL (THEIR HEARTS ARE WICKED and CALLAOUS with HIDDEN MOTIVES).

The SINFUL WOMAN (corrupted self) will now be ‘ENSLAVED’ to the CORRUPTED HEADSHIP = Yet your desire and longing will be for your husband, And he will rule [with authority] over you and be responsible for you.” – she is inherently (intrinsically) seeking security, validation, and attention from SINFUL MAN. Man in his corrupted Masculinity ‘forces’ her in a place where she Manipulates (corrupted femininity) the sinful Man knowingly; to gain benefit/advantages FROM HIM to glorify and promote herSELF in pursuing her OWN agenda [Jeremiah 17:9-10].

While the SINFUL MAN (corrupted self) will now be ‘ENSLAVED’ to HIMSELF; OWN-PERSONAL Ambitions, Achievement and Fulfilment = By the sweat of your face You will eat bread. -he is inherently (intrinsically) seeking anything that serves corrupted SELF (the sinful man), … selfish, self-centred and egocentric. SINFUL WOMAN must now SERVE HIS INTEREST - labour FOR HIM!!! And because of her biological nature (the weaker vessel- Femininity), he will Deceive (corrupted Masculinity) her knowingly to glorify and promote himSELF to pursue his OWN agenda [Jeremiah 17:9-10].

Adam never interceded for his Wife nor took any accountability rather, he blamed her and God [Luke 22:31-32, Romans 8:34-39]. This displayed the hidden (corrupted) desire that lurked in his heart which had already taken root and now it came out in full force as he chose ‘to preserve self’ [Genesis 3:7-10]. This is equated to choosing the Serpent and death (risk it all) over his relationship with both God and his Wife. On the other hand, the Woman took the blame admitting sole responsibility to the deception by the Serpent [Genesis 3:13]. She is therefore casted in a pitiful and self-sacrificing position which is “inferior” to the Sinful Man.

After all, she is the “one to blame” …man’s heart having been darkened must now use guilt complex ‘object of his anger’ as a persuasive tool to blame and shame her, so she is subconsciously reminded of her position ‘beneath him’. He must also criticize her need to want to be an independent autonomy ‘having the opportunity to self-explore and express the identity within her spirit’. In addition to these, he must devalue her existence through internalized misogyny. Selfishness and weaponized incompetence disguised as this is how men are, putting her ‘internal consciousness’ off balance and chaotic. This renders her unstable and unpredictable - irrational/hormonal. In return, the Sinful Man deems this as “chaos against the order of things” and an existential threat to his survival. Because of these perceived feelings drawn from the sinful flesh, the need ‘to preserve self’ kicks in. The quest is to now find stability; overcome “this” existential crisis within and around him. Consequently, his ‘ego’ presents the need to either “put her back in her place” or “exterminate her”. How? Suppress her into submission through intimidation and abusive behaviour, weaponizing God’s Word which then pressure her into ‘dutiful’ compliance.

Now, because of internalized misogyny the “Subservient Wife” has resided to the dominating patriarchal society which “highly depend” on her absolute and unquestionable compliance for “survival and social order”.

Before the Fall, Woman and Man were in perfect harmony and unity in their interaction with one another.  She was able to blossom and express her true authentic feminine nature under the favourable conditions within the Marriage Covenant [Genesis 2:23-25]. But now, Genesis 3:7 states that the eyes of the two of them were opened [that is, their awareness increased], and they knew that they were naked; becoming “Self-Focused” and they fastened fig leaves together and made themselves coverings “Self-Preserve” (attempts to cover their shame/sin). Fig leaves are not long lasting they quickly become limp and shrivelled. Which means they easily wither and decay, giving off a pungent odour. They are simply ornamental >> clothed with ‘good works and materialism’ which is man-made traditions & laws/religious doctrines and worldly systems, a type of False/Self-righteousness. It does not bear fruit in the Kingdom of God [Luke 13:6-9, Matthew 21:18-22].

Next, at the heart of the Fall ‘the tree of the knowledge (recognition) of good and evil’, is a proud heart independent of God and Self-Centred = “SELF”. Which translates to;

• Hides parts of self from God (conceited)
• Endearing of Self-Promotion (Idolizing self-own god)
• Makes OWN decisions without God (Independent mindset)
• Prides self in “good works” (hypocritical)
• Outward actions are prompted by inward insecurities, fear, shame and guilt
• Often blames others instead of taking OWN accountability and responsibility
• Prioritizes their OWN needs ABOVE others (Selfish and Egocentric)
• Is Carnal minded and is influenced by the desires of the flesh (Worldliness, Fame, Money and possessions)

However, Genesis 3:21 states that after judgement…. the Lord God made tunics of [animal] skins for Adam and his wife and clothed them. Animal skin is durable, can endure wear and tear and the trials of time while maintaining its structure and appearance. It is the embodiment of longevity. Simply bare (unadorned) before God therefore the ‘Coats of Skin’ typifies and foreshadows Jesus Christ the Lamb of God “guilt offering/sin sacrifice” the perfect and ultimate atonement for the sins of God’s Children, to cover the sin/nakedness [John 1:29; 36; 3:16, Romans 8:3, Hebrews 10]. >> Clothed with the “Robe of Righteousness” [Psalm 132:9; Isaiah 59:17; Isaiah 61:10; Isaiah 11:5; Ephesians 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:8].

It is from this parallel that we can discern that when sin besets mankind, they often scramble ‘for fig leaves to make own form of false clothing’. Metaphorically, to cover it up through a presentation of FALSE-SELF; rooted in pride and driven by egocentric desires that ‘PRESERVES SELF IMAGE’. Consequently, the sinful nature causes “Spiritual Blindness” and John 9 gives us this picture when Jesus heals the blind man. He uses the miracle as a metaphor to confront the pride of those who are leading… a challenging nature for individuals in positions of Power and Authority who by default exploit the people they oversee. Power often corrupts by altering self-perception… it strives to ‘control’ those your responsible for by default. Therefore, there is a thin line between absolute leadership vs vetting of motives. Now, because the woman is equally Sinful, it becomes a case of the “blind leading the blind” [Matthew 15:14-20, Romans 2:19-24]. And so, the principal is that the sin of a husband (sinful man and corrupted headship) is not lack of knowledge (spiritual ignorance). Rather it is having “the HUBRIS syndrome” which is (exaggerated pride or over self-confidence and complacency and arrogance). To judge the wife (Sinful woman) without first looking to the example of Sacrificial love found IN-Christ.

Oh, what a great revelation by the Spirit!!!

Remember what we earlier said “Hagar the enslaved woman is a portrait of what a “Woman” is without liberation IN-Christ and Wisdom of Christ to navigate life under a Corrupted system lead by the Fallen Man. Because she is ‘housed, fed and clothed’ cloaked as protection and security... the master is already generous enough.” …IN-Christ there is a model of leadership within the Kingdom of God; it has little to do with the AMOUNT of provision, but more to do with a ‘MAN OF CHRACTER and INTEGRITY’ patterned through the Personhood (physical man) of Jesus Christ ‘Son of Man’. That way they do not become slaves to their ‘sinful nature’ thereby becoming masters and Lords over their wives.

However, I have good news to the Woman IN-Christ (Holy Spirit Led) under the CORRUPTED HEADSHIP emitting from the Corrupted System of men who function in their ‘sinful nature’. There is FULL redemption in the Lord for the Enslaved Woman who finds herself (through deception) led by a man who is not submitted to Christ and not surrendered to the working of the Holy Spirit.

The Coming Jesus Christ and His presence through the Holy Spirit overrides the old and existing corrupted system that stems from man’s ‘sinful nature’ THAT SEEKS SELF INTEREST. All hope is not lost [Genesis 3:15], there is an EXIT STRATEGY out of Corrupted Headship and its System (Patriarchy). It’s not by offering your body more, putting more effort into domestic labour, not by your voice getting louder, contouring your beauty further and not by burying your head in the sand (subservient submission). IT IS through JESUS CHRIST who becomes “our covering.” -BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB … and it is written in Revelation 12:11 And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. Let us rewind! Exodus11 & 12; the Last Plague and Passover Lamb … Note verse 35-36 the Israelites got full compensation from Egypt [Exodus 11:1-3].

Today we have the Blood of the Lamb [Hebrews 13:10-12], Jesus’ Blood dripping at Our living Altar—the cross of Christ which speaks [of mercy], a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel [which cried out for vengeance] [Hebrews 12:23-25, 1 Peter 2:4-10]. The blood of Jesus Christ, Our High Priest has given the enslaved woman IN-HIM an overcoming strategy from religion (Doctrines of men and Church), traditions (Law & Culture), Self (Ego) and worldly system (PARTRICHAL SOCIETY). Ephesians 1:7-15 states that In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace which. He lavished on us. In all wisdom and understanding [with practical insight]. He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, with regard to the fulfillment of the times [that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages]—to bring all things together in Christ, [both] things in the heavens and things on the earth. 11 In Him also we have received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him as our Lord and Savior] would exist to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God]. The Spirit is the guarantee [the first installment, the pledge, a foretaste] of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own [purchased] possession [His believers], to the praise of His glory.

A conventional woman OUTSIDE OF Christ cannot ‘logically’ strategize their way out of corrupted Headship, its systems and laws. It will either cause irreparable harm or annihilate her altogether. Because it is a structure designed to work against the woman but at the same time greatly benefits from her essence and body. A System of Slavery establish to heavily benefit the Masters (Sinful men). Like the Israelites enslaved in Egypt, they had to walk out under the Blood of the Lamb. In this age, the Woman IN-Christ will require a DIVINE COVERING which is by the Blood of the Lamb, through obedience (DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS) – it ushers the Woman into ALINGNMENT then DELIVERACE IN-Christ [John 4:1-42]

• In knowing thy self; revelation of your IDENTITY IN-Christ
• In knowing where you can service God’s Kingdom; revelation of POSITION of service
• In knowing what you can steward in God’s Kingdom; revelation of your PURPOSE
• In knowing the source of your supply; revelation of how to obtain PROVISION
• In knowing the confines of your operations; revelation of your PARAMETERS
• In the journey of becoming; revelation of the COST OF SELF SACRIFICE

This the BLUEPRINT that a Woman IN-Christ uses to securing her role in the marriage covenant. Her Authority and Power are founded in HER ALIGNMENT IN-HIM. Her submission and surrender first beginnings at the feet of the Cross. Then through the Holy Spirit, her submission to her husband is used as a tool to manifest Christ, becoming a vessel of honour and a witness to the glory of Jesus Christ.

The best antidote against the SINFUL MAN who abuses of power and has corrupted motives is seeking to be empowered by the Wisdom of Christ and embracing the life of humility (the heart of Christ) through the Holy Spirit. This in return offers her the freedom IN-Christ. Therefore, alignment with the Heart and the Mind of God the Father; His Will: Plans and Purposes for her. Will liberate her, making her victorious eventually creating and commanding Mutual Respect and Honor.

Keep John 8:34-36 in mind:

Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, everyone who practices sin habitually is a slave of sin. Now the slave does not remain in a household forever; the son [of the master] does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free.

Therefore, to the ENSLAVED Woman, thou art loosed [released; set free] from the chains of corrupted headship and its systems… courtesy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!!! Glory be to Our KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.