[ ] 1/11/2018 #1229

GOD’S WORD ON MARRIAGE

Genesis 2:23-24

INTRODUCTION: One of the many gifts God has given the human race is marriage. Sin has corrupted God’s purpose for marriage. Regardless, marriage is good because it is from God. Marriage works because of His plan and our commitment to our marriages. As someone has said, marriage that works is work.

A report by the Law for marriage Commission of Canada said, "Marriage is no longer a sufficient model, given the variety of relationships that exist in Canada today. Canadian laws and statutes that use traditional marriage as the guideline for certain rights and responsibilities are out-of-date, and need revision."

I. BEGINNING OF MARRIAGE

A. GOD'S PLAN FOR MARRIAGE.

God created Adam and Eve in His image. God's plan for marriage was to reflect His image in a marriage relationship. His plan for marriage is revealed throughout Scripture. God's glory is manifested in a godly marriage between a man and woman who love each other. We should be encouraged and challenged by watching a godly marriage. People should see something of the glory and the greatness of God in Christian marriages.

B. GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MARRIAGE.

Marriage brings stability in the lives of men and women. Marriage is foundational for raising children and for the good of civilizations. God's purpose for marriage was for the human race to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth.

Marriage has a spiritual purpose also. Another purpose for marriage is the building of God's kingdom. Marriage is a nucleus for the teaching and propagation of the gospel. Marriage provides an opportunity for growth in Christ's grace and in the fruit of the Spirit.

Marriage is a picture of Christ's love for the church and the church's love for Christ. Paul used Christ's relationship with His bride to teach husbands and wives how to love and care for each other.

II. BATTLE FOR MARRIAGE

A. DETECTING THE ENEMY.

You will surely lose any battle if you cannot identify your enemy. The greatest enemy is Satan. Satan was successful in deceiving Adam and Eve. Their disobedience brought sin and death to the entire human race. Sin affected Adam and Eve's relationship. The marriage God instituted in the garden became infested with sin. Our sinful nature gives Satan a crack into each of our lives. This means every marriage is battling Satan.

Satan is the prince of this world. This means he has influence in every medium the world has to offer. Seductive movies and music corrupts the heart and mind of every person. We must be wise in Satan's schemes and the weakness of our human nature. Like a roaring lion, Satan is seeking whom he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Couples oftenfight each other as an enemy rather than fighting against the real enemy.

B. DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE.

1. Socially.

Christians must be united and fight against social attacks on marriage. The failure and collapse of marriage has destroyed homes and nations. We need to vote for leaders who will stand for biblical teachings concerning marriage. Many leaders have wavered and compromised on marriages. President Obama is just one of many who changed their view on marriage. In 2004 Obama said in an interview with Pastor Rick Warren, “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. For me, as a Christian, it’s also a sacred union. God’s in the mix.”

It was in May 2012; just six months before he won reelection that President Obama officially endorsed same-sex marriage. Later he said, “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.”

After the Supreme Court’s gay marriage ruling, President Obama made the decision to light the White House up with rainbow colors. This action was offensive to Bible believing Christians and many other Americans who do not approve of same sex marriages. This action was an open attack against the Judo-Christian belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.

2. Spiritually.

We have many spiritual resources in our battle against Satan, self, and the world. We have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit whom we can rely on daily. In order for usto have His help, we must be under His control. The Holy Spirit will produce spiritual fruit to change us from within. We will never be perfect, but we can try. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)

We have the copy of God's Word. It is our instruction book on how to please God and live a godly life. It tells us how to have stronger marriages and families. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Marriages in which both partners apply the principals of God's Word will have a stronger union.

We have the blessing of prayer. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

III. BENEFITS OF MARRIAGE

A. DECLARED BY SCRIPTURE.

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Gen 2:24)

"Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth." (Pro 5:18)

"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." (Pro 18:22)

"Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun. " (Ecc 9:9)

A quote from Matthew Henry about wives: “He has found agood thing,a jewel of great value, a rare jewel; he has found that which will not only contribute more than anything to his comfort in this life, but will forward him in the way to heaven.”

B. DEMONSTRATED BY SURVEYS.

Surveys have demonstrated that married couples receive many benefits that single people don’t enjoy. Healthy married couples are happier, healthier, and more productive. They enjoy a greater satisfaction, earn a larger income, and are less likely to divorce or separate. Children raised in a stable home are more likely to finish school, less likely to do drugs, or to get into trouble.

IV. BEST OF MARRIAGES

A. MARRIAGES CAN FAIL.

All couples will have troubles in their marriage. It may be money problems, or differences in opinions. Personality conflicts can bring about major issues. Unresolved matters can cause a good marriage to fail. Divorce may be the result of an unfaithful husband or wife.One in every two married couples end up divorced. God meantfor marriage to last for a lifetime.The list of possibilities for failure of a marriage is long. While marriages may fail, there is healing from the Lord.

Feeling of shame, fear and grief may be overwhelming. A person may blame himself or herself for the divorce. This may cause them to have guilt and depression. They may allow guilt to affect their relationship with God and with people who love them. The Lord is in the business of mending broken lives. A person going through or recovering from a divorce needs to receive God’s forgiveness and help. Seeking the face of God will aid in the recovering process. Prayer, Bible study, and help of family and Christian friends will help themovercomethe pain.

B. MARRIAGES CAN FLOURISH.

Two people who are committed to each other can survive times of trouble. They can have a happy and fulfilling marriage. Their marriage can be stronger. “A national survey revealed that when two criteria are present--the couple attends church, and they pray together at home--there was only one divorce in one thousand marriages!” Two people who love God will have greater love for each other. A husband and wife who walk with God every day are more likely to live together in harmony. If a married couple will strive to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus instead of trying to change their mate,they both can experience God’s blessings.

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. Marriage is honorable. We must keep it holy.

2. Healthy marriages are good for individuals, couples, and culture.

3. The institution of marriage is worth fighting to preserve.