A Love That Endures Series

Title: A Love That Endures

Theme: Essential Elements for Marriage

Series: Until Death Do We part

Introduction – I want to share with you something that is no big revelation, but a simple truth that should always be in the fore thought of our minds, “The world has changed, and it is going to keep changing.” (Marriage, From Surviving to Thriving) While change is certain, the marriage that thrives in uncertain times has a man and wife who set their spiritual hearts on the unchanging truths found in God’s Word.

These truths are: One: the heart of humanity has not changed. Two: the Lord’s will for marriage hasn’t changed. Three: the marriage dedicated to Jesus Christ enjoys God’s faithfulness and compassions. Four: God’s truths revealed in the Word of God will always remain unchanged.

A truth worth grasping on this special occasion, the wedding day of _______________________ and __________________, is that marriage is God’s idea not man’s. The Bible holds a powerful truth written by Moses, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” (Genesis 2:24-25) Regarding the Christian marriage the Apostle Paul quoted this passage of Scripture in his exhortation to husbands and wives in his letter to the church in Ephesus. (Ephesians 5:31) Jesus said during His teaching on marriage, "Haven’t you read, …that at the beginning the Creator `made them male and female.’ …`For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Matthew 19:4-5)

These very words should draw all of us to a heart desire to be in prayer for this wonderful couple as they choose to obey the Lord’s command and make a public profession of their marriage covenant (Malachi 2:14) for one another which is to last “Till Death Do They Part.” Let us Pray!

Proposition - I would propose to you, the world has changed and it is going to keep changing, but God never changes and the marriage that allows the Lord to protect it through the prayerful counsel of God’s Word has a couple who finds safety in the guidance of Jesus Christ. God’s protective and guiding hand is available to those who truly seek Him. Many have allowed the Lord to make Himself real in trials, temptations and hardships. Many have allowed their spiritual hearts to be opened to God’s protective hand, provision and unfailing love.

Interrogative Sentence: How can a man and woman achieve and enjoy all God intends for a couple to acquire in marriage, “Until Death Do They Part?” Just what are the essential elements of marriage and how do they build on one another?

Transitional Sentence: A key truth to grasp for enjoying love until death do you part is to understand the love that comes from God is different from the world’s view of love. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails or [ends, ESV].” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

The Greek language, the original language of the New Testament uses four separate words that describe different kinds of human affection that are all translated as “love” in English.

The Greek word “eros” is defined as a passionate emotion. It is physical sexual attraction, infatuation or lust for power, wealth or fame. It is also indicative of the strong feelings of patriotism. It is commonly selfishly motivated and arises from a person’s own inner desires. However, when this love is governed through “agape” love, “eros” love can be a blessing in marriage.

The Greek word “storge” is an affectionate emotion. This love is a naturally born emotion and is typical of the bonds between parent and child or the attraction between a loyal citizen and a trustworthy ruler. Both of these types of love are very unstable and are easily affected by present circumstances. They can wax cold and wane depending on the whim of the day.

It is important to note, sometimes these two loves focus on what is good and sometimes on what is bad. Unfortunately, these are the very two types of love that seem to be most widely sought after. Certainly most forms of media and music promote these forms of “love.” It is interesting to note that neither of these words is used for the word “love” in the New Testament. (Practical Word Studies in the New Testament)