Sermom about Marriage: Stronger Ties
Brothers and sisters, let us turn our hearts and minds to the sacred institution of marriage, a divine gift from our Creator. In a world that often distorts and diminishes its beauty, we must anchor ourselves in the unwavering truth of God's Word. Today, we will explore the foundational principles of marriage, as revealed in scripture, and discover how it is a reflection of God's love and a pathway to His blessings.
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1. Marriage Was Created by God (Genesis 2:18):
"Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'" From the very beginning, God recognized the inherent need for companionship. He saw that Adam was incomplete without a partner, and in His infinite wisdom, He created Eve. Marriage was not a human invention; it was God's design, a deliberate act of love and provision. It was woven into the fabric of creation itself.
2. Marriage Is the Union of One Man and One Woman (Genesis 2:24):
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This verse establishes the fundamental structure of marriage: a lifelong union between one man and one woman. It is a unique and intimate bond, a joining of two individuals into a single entity, a reflection of God's own unity. This is the foundation upon which all other aspects of marriage are built.
3. Marriage Should Reflect Christ’s Relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:25):
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." This is the pinnacle of marital understanding. Our marriages are meant to be a living parable, a visible representation of Christ's sacrificial love for His bride, the Church. Just as Christ gave Himself for us, husbands are called to selflessly love and serve their wives.
4. The Husband’s Role in Marriage (Colossians 3:19):
"Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." The husband's role is one of loving leadership, characterized by gentleness, respect, and provision. He is called to nurture and protect his wife, to cherish her as a precious gift. Harshness and domination have no place in a godly marriage. Instead, he must lead with humility and compassion.
5. The Wife’s Role in Marriage (Ephesians 5:22):
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." This verse is often misunderstood. Biblical submission is not about subservience or inequality. It is about a willing and joyful partnership, a recognition of the husband's God-given role as head of the household. It is a response to love, a demonstration of trust, and a contribution to the harmony of the marriage.
6. Marriage Should Be Based on Love and Respect (Ephesians 5:33):
"However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." Love and respect are the twin pillars of a strong and healthy marriage. Husbands are called to love their wives unconditionally, while wives are called to respect their husbands' leadership. When these two principles are practiced, harmony and unity will flourish.
7. Faithfulness in Marriage is Essential (Hebrews 13:4):
"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." Faithfulness is non-negotiable. It is the bedrock of trust and security in marriage. Infidelity shatters the sacred bond and brings devastating consequences. God designed marriage to be a safe haven of love and intimacy, free from the intrusion of outside influences.
8. Marriage Should Be a Source of Fruitfulness (Genesis 1:28):
"And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.'" While not all marriages will be blessed with children, fruitfulness extends beyond physical offspring. It encompasses the growth of character, the development of spiritual maturity, and the impact a couple has on their family, community, and the world. Marriage is a partnership designed to produce good fruit.
9. Forgiveness and Patience Are Necessary in Marriage (Colossians 3:13):
"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Marriage is a journey, not a destination. It is a journey shared by two imperfect people, and inevitably, there will be disagreements and disappointments. Forgiveness and patience are essential tools for navigating these challenges. We must extend to our spouses the same grace and mercy that God has shown us.
No one like to be “in the dark”
Communication that is beneficial to us and pleasing to God is the kind that edifies (Eph. 4:29)
The principles of the spousal relationship requires conversation AND understanding in communi-cation (Eph. 5:22, 25, 28-29)
When they communication together to make each day more manageable, both should be expected to contribute to the same goals.
10. Marriage is a Covenant Unbreakable Before God (Matthew 19:6):
"So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." Marriage is not a contract that can be easily broken. It is a sacred covenant, a solemn promise made before God. It is a lifelong commitment, a bond that is meant to endure through trials and tribulations. We must approach marriage with a deep sense of commitment and a willingness to work through challenges.
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