Divine Principles for a Lasting Marriage
Summary
In our journey through the "Heart and Soul" series, we have delved into the essence of relationships and their profound impact on our lives. We were created for connection, not isolation, and our relationships are a testament to the life we lead. In the first week, we established the need for friends who love us heart and soul, and last week, we navigated the seasons of love, marriage, and parenting. Today, we focus on the sanctity of marriage and its divine purpose in our lives.
Marriage was always part of God's divine plan, a sacred covenant designed to reflect His love and commitment to us. It is a relationship that, when entered into with God at the center, promises a 100% chance of success. This is contrary to the world's approach to marriage, which often results in a staggering 50% divorce rate. But when we adhere to God's laws for love and marriage, we create a union that is the safest and most fulfilling relationship on earth.
God's laws for love and marriage are not restrictive but protective, designed to foster safety, order, and predictability. These laws are the law of priority, the law of pursuit, the law of partnership, and the law of purity. The law of priority dictates that your spouse becomes your foremost human relationship upon marriage. The law of pursuit challenges us to continually work at our marriage, climbing the mountain of life together. The law of partnership speaks to the unity and shared life that marriage brings, where decisions and dreams are intertwined. Lastly, the law of purity emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pure and exclusive relationship, both physically and emotionally.
In a world where marriages are crumbling, we are called to be a beacon of hope, demonstrating that God's design for marriage is not only viable but victorious. We must be vigilant in protecting our marriages, confronting any threats to their sanctity, and committing to live out these laws daily.
As we apply these principles, we can envision a future where our marriages are celebrated for their longevity and love, where our children and grandchildren aspire to the legacy of commitment we leave behind. Let us be a testament to the world that God's love and laws work when we apply them wholeheartedly.
Key Takeaways:
- The law of priority ensures that your spouse holds the preeminent place in your human relationships. Just as God is above all, your spouse should come before all others once you are married. This reorientation of priorities is crucial for a thriving marriage and must be intentionally maintained to prevent the drift that can lead to disconnection and discontent. [13:11]
- The law of pursuit is a lifelong commitment to actively seek and cherish your spouse. Marriage is not the finish line but the starting point of a relentless journey of love and service. It requires consistent effort, akin to climbing a mountain, and the understanding that love is not a passive state but an active verb that demands our best selves. [18:26]
- The law of partnership embodies the unity of marriage, where two become one in every aspect of life. This unity extends beyond the physical to the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual realms, creating a bond that is fortified against external pressures and internal conflicts. It is a partnership that thrives on mutual respect, shared goals, and collective decision-making. [23:20]
- The law of purity is foundational to trust and intimacy within marriage. It calls for a commitment to exclusivity, guarding against the intrusion of outside influences that can erode the sacred bond between spouses. Purity is not merely about abstaining from physical infidelity but also about fostering an environment where emotional and spiritual fidelity flourishes. [28:58]
- The testimony of a godly marriage is a powerful witness to the world. In a society where relationships are often transient and conditional, a marriage that stands the test of time and tribulation speaks volumes about the transformative power of God's love and principles. Let your marriage be a light that guides others toward the truth of God's design for love and commitment. [04:14]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:18-25
2. Matthew 19:6
3. 1 Corinthians 7:3-4
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 2:24, what are the two actions a man must take when he gets married? How do these actions relate to the concept of priority in marriage? [12:02]
2. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus speaks about the unity of marriage. What does He mean by "what God has joined together, let no one separate"? How does this reinforce the idea of partnership in marriage? [23:52]
3. 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 discusses mutual authority over each other's bodies in marriage. How does this passage relate to the law of purity and the importance of exclusivity in marriage? [26:39]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon mentions the law of priority, stating that your spouse should be your foremost human relationship. How might this reorientation of priorities impact other relationships in your life, such as with parents or children? [13:49]
2. The law of pursuit emphasizes the need for continuous effort in marriage. How does this concept challenge the common perception that marriage is the "finish line" of a relationship? [18:26]
3. The law of partnership speaks to the unity and shared life in marriage. How does this unity extend beyond the physical to the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual realms? [23:20]
4. The law of purity calls for maintaining a pure and exclusive relationship. How does this principle help in building trust and intimacy within a marriage? [28:58]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationships. Are there any that might be competing with your spouse for priority? How can you reorient your priorities to ensure your spouse holds the preeminent place in your life? [13:49]
2. The sermon suggests that marriage requires continuous effort, akin to climbing a mountain. What are some practical ways you can actively pursue and cherish your spouse this week? [18:26]
3. Think about a recent decision you made. Did you involve your spouse in the decision-making process? How can you improve your partnership by ensuring that all significant decisions are made together? [23:20]
4. The law of purity emphasizes exclusivity in marriage. Are there any external influences or habits that might be threatening the purity of your relationship? What steps can you take to guard against these threats? [28:58]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of being a beacon of hope through a godly marriage. How can your marriage serve as a testimony to others about the transformative power of God's love and principles? [04:14]
6. Reflect on the concept of "righteous jealousy" mentioned in the sermon. Have you ever felt this in your marriage? How can you address and resolve feelings of jealousy in a healthy and constructive manner? [16:33]
7. The sermon ends with a call to be vigilant in protecting your marriage. What are some specific actions you can take to confront any threats to the sanctity of your marriage and commit to living out God's laws daily? [33:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Elevating Spousal Priorities
Marriage calls for a reorientation of one's priorities, where the spouse takes precedence over all other human relationships. This principle is not about neglecting other relationships but about recognizing the unique covenant made with one's spouse. It is a deliberate choice to place the spouse's needs, desires, and well-being at the forefront of daily decisions. This act of prioritizing creates a secure and nurturing environment for both partners, fostering a deep sense of belonging and commitment. It is a daily practice, a conscious effort to choose the spouse first, which strengthens the marital bond and ensures that the relationship thrives amidst life's many distractions and obligations. [13:11]
"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD." - Song of Solomon 8:6
Reflection: How can you demonstrate to your spouse today that they are your top priority, above all other relationships and responsibilities?
Day 2: The Pursuit of Love in Marriage
The law of pursuit emphasizes that love within marriage is an active journey, not a destination. It is about continually seeking to understand, cherish, and grow with one's spouse. This pursuit is akin to climbing a mountain together, facing challenges and enjoying victories side by side. It requires dedication, effort, and the willingness to invest time and energy into the relationship. Love as an active verb means that it is shown through actions, not just felt as an emotion. It is about doing the little things every day that express love and appreciation, as well as working through difficulties with patience and grace. This ongoing pursuit is what keeps the marriage vibrant and resilient. [18:26]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25
Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively pursue your spouse today, showing them love in a way that is meaningful to them?
Day 3: Unity in the Marriage Partnership
The law of partnership in marriage speaks to the profound unity that is created when two individuals come together as one. This unity transcends the physical and encompasses the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual realms. It is about sharing life's journey, making decisions together, and supporting each other's dreams and goals. A partnership in marriage means that both individuals contribute their strengths and support each other's weaknesses, creating a balanced and harmonious relationship. It is a bond that is fortified against external pressures and internal conflicts, thriving on mutual respect and shared values. [23:20]
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Reflection: In what ways can you strengthen the partnership aspect of your marriage, ensuring that both you and your spouse feel equally valued and involved in your life together?
Day 4: Fostering Purity in Marriage
The law of purity is foundational to building trust and intimacy within marriage. It calls for a commitment to exclusivity, not only in physical terms but also in emotional and spiritual fidelity. Purity within marriage means safeguarding the relationship from outside influences that can harm the sacred bond between spouses. It is about creating an environment where trust can flourish, and where both partners feel secure in their commitment to one another. Maintaining purity involves open communication, setting boundaries, and being intentional about nurturing the relationship. It is a commitment that, when honored, leads to a deep and fulfilling connection. [28:58]
"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." - Hebrews 13:4
Reflection: What steps can you take to protect the purity of your marriage, ensuring that it remains a place of trust, safety, and exclusive love?
Day 5: Witnessing Through Godly Marriage
A godly marriage serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of God's love and principles. In a society where relationships are often transient and conditional, a marriage that endures through time and tribulation speaks volumes. It is a testimony to the viability and victory of God's design for love and commitment. Such a marriage becomes a beacon of hope, guiding others toward the truth of God's intentions for relationships. By living out the principles of a godly marriage, couples can inspire those around them and leave a legacy of commitment for future generations. [04:14]
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:35
Reflection: How can your marriage serve as a witness to others of God's love, and what is one action you can take this week to demonstrate the strength of your commitment to your spouse?
Quotes
- "Marriage is the safest relationship on the earth when God's laws for love are honored." [06:35] (Download | )
- "The law of priority says that when I assess every relationship in my life, when you get married the order and the priority shifts and changes." [12:38] (Download | )
- "The law of pursuit says nothing else gets my heart, nothing else gets my attention, and nothing else gets my energy more than you." [22:10] (Download | )
- "The law of partnership means that when you get married, you are in this for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part, together." [22:45] (Download | )
- "The law of purity paves the way to intimacy. You are after something so much more profound which is intimacy, two lives forever entangled in a beautiful romantic pursuit of each other." [30:40] (Download | )
- "If you place your children above the priority of your spouse, it's one of the reasons that one of the number one age groups for divorce is actually in their 50s." [16:02] (Download | )
- "In marriage, you are to be my number one and I am to be your number one, and when anything gets in the way it causes this sense of jealousy." [16:33] (Download | )
- "Marriage must be first. It's the law of priority." [17:48] (Download | )
- "In every part of your life, in your thoughts, in your emotions, in your energy, in your decisions, you operate as one." [27:17] (Download | )
- "Adam and his wife were both naked and they felt no shame... it means that there was nothing in their soul that they were hiding." [28:58] (Download | )
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