Introduction

Good morning, family! Today we're going to dive deep into a sometimes tricky but always rewarding topic: The struggle of a Kingdom Marriage. But not just the struggle, folks, we're also going to explore the Lord's Deliverance and the Power of Transformation. As we go on this journey, let's take to heart the words of respected Christian author, Philip Yancey, who said, "Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part."

Today's scripture comes from 2 Corinthians 10:3-9, 18, 12-17 KJV, and it reads [read text]. Friends, this passage is a powerful reminder that our struggles, including those within our marriages, are not just physical but spiritual. But, we're not left alone in these battles. We have the deliverance of the Lord and the power of transformation in Christ.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds today as we delve into your Word, and help us to understand and apply it in our lives. Let your grace flow over us, filling the lowest parts, and empowering us to live out our Kingdom marriages with strength, love, and humility. In Jesus' name, amen.

I. The Struggle of a Kingdom Marriage

The struggle of a Kingdom Marriage is a topic that is often shied away from in many Christian circles, yet it is a reality that needs to be addressed. A Kingdom Marriage, as we understand it, is a marriage that is centered on Christ, where both partners are committed to living out God's design for marriage. However, like any worthwhile endeavor, it comes with its fair share of struggles.

One of the most common struggles in a Kingdom Marriage is the battle against selfishness. In a world that often promotes self-interest and individualism, it can be challenging to consistently put the needs of your spouse above your own. Yet, this is what we are called to do in a Kingdom Marriage. Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. This is a sacrificial, selfless love that is counter-cultural and often difficult to live out. Wives, too, are called to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33), which can be a struggle, especially in times of disagreement or when the husband is not acting respectably.

Another struggle is maintaining unity in the face of conflict. Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship, and marriages are no exception. However, in a Kingdom Marriage, these disagreements should not lead to division but should be opportunities for growth and increased understanding. This requires humility, patience, and good communication, all of which can be challenging to consistently practice.

The struggle against worldly influences is another significant challenge in a Kingdom Marriage. Society often has a very different view of marriage than what is presented in the Bible. The world promotes a transactional view of marriage, where love is conditional and based on what each person can get out of the relationship. In contrast, a Kingdom Marriage is based on unconditional love and mutual submission to one another (Ephesians 5:21). Resisting these worldly influences and staying true to God's design for marriage can be a constant struggle.

Moreover, there is the struggle of maintaining a Christ-centered focus in the midst of life's distractions. With the demands of work, raising children, and other responsibilities, it can be easy for couples to lose sight of the central role that Christ should play in their marriage. Keeping Christ at the center requires intentional effort and regular time spent together in prayer and studying God's Word.

Finally, there is the struggle against the spiritual forces of evil. As our scripture reading reminds us, our battles are not just physical but spiritual. Satan seeks to destroy marriages because he knows the power that a united, Christ-centered couple can have. This spiritual warfare can manifest in many ways, including temptation, doubt, and discouragement.

II. The Lord's Deliverance

The Lord's Deliverance is the belief that God, in His infinite love and mercy, rescues us from the clutches of sin, despair, and even the struggles we face in our marriages ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO