Introduction

Good morning, beloved. Pastor Garrett Kell says that “Before a sin, Satan tempts you to believe repentance will be easy. After a sin, Satan tempts you to believe repentance is impossible.”

Opening Scripture reading: Today, we find ourselves diving into 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 that reads, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

I. God's Design for Marriage and Family

God's design for marriage and family is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, commitment, and mutual respect. It is a divine institution, a covenant relationship that reflects the love and unity of the Trinity. In the book of Genesis, we see the first marriage between Adam and Eve. God said, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." This shows that from the very beginning, God intended for marriage to be a partnership, a union of two people complementing each other.

A. Marriage, in God's design, is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. Anything outside of that is outside of the Biblical definition for what marriage is. Marriage is an exclusive relationship, as stated in 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 oneness is not just physical but also emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. It's a bond that is meant to be unbroken, symbolizing the unending love between Christ and the church.

B. In a godly marriage, the husband and wife are called to love and respect each other. Ephesians 5:22-33 provides a clear blueprint for this. Wives are called to respect their husbands, and husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. This mutual love and respect create a nurturing environment for the growth and development of both individuals and the relationship.

C. The family, on the other hand, is the basic unit of society in God's design. It is within the family that children are born and nurtured, values are taught, and the knowledge of God is passed down from generation to generation. Psalm 127:3 reminds us that "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." As parents, we are stewards of these precious gifts from God, and it is our responsibility to raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

D. In God's design, the family is a place of security, love, and learning. It is where children first learn about relationships, about love, about responsibility, and about God. It is a training ground for life. Parents are called to model godly behavior and to teach their children the ways of the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

E. God's design for marriage and family is perfect. It brings joy, fulfillment, and blessings when followed according to His plan. However, we live in a fallen world, and we often fall short of God's design. But God, in His grace and mercy, is always ready to forgive, to heal, and to restore.

II. The Benefits of Living According to God's Plan

Living according to God's plan has numerous benefits that extend beyond the spiritual realm and into our everyday lives ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO