Bless This Home The Art Of Marriage

BLESS THIS HOME

The Art of Marriage

“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.

What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Matthew 19:6

Miracle Place Church

May 26, 2013 - Sunday

I. What Happens in Marriage

In marriage God somehow supernaturally fuses two individuals into one flesh that is not supposed to be torn apart. Marriage is to be a covenant between two people and the Lord. A contract is a binding, legal instrument between men. Contracts are only as good as the people who sign them and are often broken. A covenant is so similar except that it is used more often when you bring God into the formal agreement. A covenant is a binding, life time commitment between you, your spouse and your God. Most marriage vows include the phrase “Do you promise before God and these witnesses that you will love, honor and keep in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto him/her so long as you both shall live?” The customary response is “I do!”

II. The Purpose of Marriage

The main purpose of marriage must be to bring glory to God and to bring Him pleasure. Any other reason will cause you to center on yourself or the marriage relationship instead of God. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. “...all things were created by Him and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16b, 17.

Genesis 2:18, 22 - You will notice that woman was not taken out of man’s head; therefore she must not be lorded over. She was not taken from his feet; therefore she should not be trampled on by him. She was, however, taken from his side, right under his arm, next to his heart. Her place is not before him nor behind him, but by his side.

She must be treated equally because she came from his side. She must be protected as she came from under his arm. She must be loved by him because she came from next to his heart.

III. What is Marriage?

A. Marriage is the legal, publicly witnessed and binding commitment between man and woman. In the Bible it is the process of leaving and cleaving.

1. Leaving - Genesis 2:24 “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother...” Leaving requires putting your spouse before everyone except God. This would include parents, friends and family.

2. Cleaving - Genesis 2:24 “...and shall cleave unto his wife and they flesh.” Cleave means to cling to, to adhere, stick together, a refusal to let go. Both husband and wife must submit their own rights and demands to building a marriage that reflects oneness.

IV. The Power of Marriage

A. Love - Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.” Genuine love is based upon a desire to please God and a commitment to your mate to be the best you can be.

1. Superficial Love - If our love is based upon feelings; our marriage will be a real roller coaster ride - up today down tomorrow. Love is to be based upon intentions and actions, not the whims of emotion.

2. Real Love - God kind of love requires the inner workings of the cross. There must be a denial of self mingled with selfless giving towards your partner. This is the power of God in a marriage.

B. Commitment is Foundational - Commitment is seen in the word cleave. The demands and trials of life will work to perfect and strengthen the love of those whose marriage is based upon commitment. Love based upon commitment will bring consistency.

V. The Order of Marriage

A. I Corinthians 11:3 “...the head of every man is Christ; and the head of woman is man; and the head of Christ is God.” God sustains the universe by order (Romans 13:1-2). Headship implies responsibility and covering, not superiority, nor greater intelligence, gifting or status in God. Male and female are created equal and are heirs together of the grace of life (I Peter 3:7).

Biblical submission requires the wife to yield and be supportive of her husband’s leadership. She is to undergird and encourage him. The husband in turn yields to and obeys Christ. A man uses his headship to establish his home in Godly order and to cultivate his wife’s potential as his helpmeet.

VI. Keys to a Successful Marriage

A. Christ at the Center - Stay spiritual, not carnal!

1. Individually make Jesus Lord of your lives. Now pray, read the Bible, go to church every time the doors are open.