Embracing God's Design for Marriage and Holiness

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound wisdom found in Proverbs 5, which serves as a guide for understanding God's intention for marriage. Solomon's words remind us of the importance of marital fidelity and the dangers of straying from this path. The passage paints a vivid picture of the consequences of infidelity, urging us to cherish and find delight in the spouse of our youth. This is not just a call to avoid sin but an invitation to experience the fullness of love and intimacy as God intended.

We also delved into the sensitive topics of marriage and divorce, acknowledging the pain and complexity that often accompany these experiences. It's crucial to understand that God's design for marriage is not a mere social contract but a divine covenant meant to reflect His love and commitment. While the Bible provides grounds for divorce, such as infidelity and abandonment, it is not prescriptive but rather permissive. The heart of God is always for reconciliation and restoration, urging us to fight for our marriages and seek healing and forgiveness.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of holiness in our lives as followers of Christ. Holiness sets us apart, enabling us to live differently from the world. It empowers us to forgive, love our enemies, and uphold the sanctity of marriage. This call to holiness extends to our understanding of sexual intimacy, which is a beautiful gift within the bounds of marriage. It is not merely for procreation but a vital part of the marital bond that deepens love and connection.

Finally, we addressed the challenging issue of remarriage after divorce. While Jesus' words may seem harsh, they are meant to uphold the sanctity of marriage. However, if you find yourself in a second marriage, it is not an ongoing act of adultery. Instead, it is an opportunity to honor God with your current relationship, seeking forgiveness for past mistakes and committing to a future that reflects Christ's love and grace.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Design for Marriage: Marriage is a divine covenant, not just a social contract. It reflects God's love and commitment, urging us to cherish and find delight in our spouse, as highlighted in Proverbs 5. This bond is meant to last a lifetime, encouraging us to grow in love and satisfaction with our partner. [06:07]

- Holiness in Marriage: As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives marked by holiness, which sets us apart from the world. This holiness empowers us to forgive, love our enemies, and uphold the sanctity of marriage, even when faced with challenges. [09:09]

- Grounds for Divorce: While the Bible provides grounds for divorce, such as infidelity and abandonment, it is not prescriptive but permissive. God's heart is always for reconciliation and restoration, urging us to fight for our marriages and seek healing and forgiveness. [24:09]

- The Gift of Marital Intimacy: Sexual intimacy is a beautiful gift within the bounds of marriage, not merely for procreation but a vital part of the marital bond that deepens love and connection. It is encouraged and blessed by God within the context of biblical marriage. [10:33]

- Remarriage and Redemption: If you find yourself in a second marriage, it is not an ongoing act of adultery. Instead, it is an opportunity to honor God with your current relationship, seeking forgiveness for past mistakes and committing to a future that reflects Christ's love and grace. [36:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:09] - Introduction and Announcements
- [03:11] - Opening Prayer
- [06:07] - Wisdom from Proverbs 5
- [07:02] - God's Design for Marriage
- [08:02] - Addressing Divorce and Pain
- [09:09] - Call to Holiness
- [10:33] - Importance of Marital Intimacy
- [12:08] - Jesus' Teachings on Marriage
- [14:10] - Marriage as a Lifelong Commitment
- [15:54] - Sexual Immorality and Its Consequences
- [16:35] - God's Plan for All, Including the Same-Sex Attracted
- [18:04] - Jesus' Words on Divorce and Adultery
- [19:35] - Understanding Biblical Grounds for Divorce
- [24:09] - Abandonment as Grounds for Divorce
- [29:33] - Repentance and Moving Forward
- [33:11] - The Story of the Adulterous Woman
- [36:27] - Remarriage and Redemption
- [38:56] - Letting Christ Define Your Future
- [40:00] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

- Proverbs 5:1-23
- Mark 10:2-12
- 1 Corinthians 7:15

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### Observation Questions

1. What does Proverbs 5 warn against, and what are the consequences mentioned for ignoring this warning? [06:07]

2. According to Mark 10, what does Jesus say about the nature of marriage and divorce? [18:04]

3. How does 1 Corinthians 7:15 address the issue of abandonment in marriage? [24:09]

4. What are the key characteristics of holiness as discussed in the sermon, and how do they relate to marriage? [09:09]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. How does the wisdom in Proverbs 5 reflect God's intention for marriage, and why is it important to heed this wisdom? [06:07]

2. In what ways does Jesus' teaching in Mark 10 challenge contemporary views on marriage and divorce? [18:04]

3. How does the concept of holiness empower believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage, even in difficult circumstances? [09:09]

4. What is the significance of understanding biblical grounds for divorce, and how does it affect one's approach to marriage and reconciliation? [24:09]

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### Application Questions

1. Reflect on your own marriage or relationships. How can you actively cherish and find delight in your partner, as encouraged in Proverbs 5? [06:07]

2. If you have experienced divorce or know someone who has, how can you seek or offer support for healing and reconciliation in light of Jesus' teachings? [18:04]

3. In what ways can you cultivate holiness in your life, particularly in how you approach relationships and marriage? [09:09]

4. How can you apply the principle of forgiveness in your marriage or relationships, especially when faced with challenges or past mistakes? [24:09]

5. If you are in a second marriage, how can you honor God with your current relationship and seek forgiveness for past mistakes? [36:27]

6. Consider the role of sexual intimacy in your marriage. How can you ensure it remains a vital and blessed part of your relationship? [10:33]

7. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with issues related to marriage, divorce, or remarriage, offering them grace and understanding? [38:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Marriage as a Divine Covenant
Marriage is not just a social contract but a divine covenant that reflects God's love and commitment. Proverbs 5 emphasizes the importance of marital fidelity, urging individuals to cherish and find delight in their spouse. This bond is meant to last a lifetime, encouraging growth in love and satisfaction with one's partner. The passage warns of the consequences of infidelity, highlighting the need to remain faithful and devoted. This call is not merely to avoid sin but to experience the fullness of love and intimacy as God intended. [06:07]

"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, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively cherish and delight in your spouse today, reflecting the divine covenant of marriage in your relationship?

Day 2: Holiness as a Mark of Christian Living
Holiness is a distinguishing mark of a follower of Christ, setting believers apart from the world. It empowers individuals to forgive, love their enemies, and uphold the sanctity of marriage, even amidst challenges. This call to holiness extends to understanding sexual intimacy as a beautiful gift within marriage, not merely for procreation but as a vital part of the marital bond that deepens love and connection. Holiness in marriage is about living differently, embodying Christ's love and grace in every aspect of life. [09:09]

"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you pursue holiness in your marriage or relationships today, allowing it to set you apart and reflect Christ's love?

Day 3: Grounds for Divorce and God's Heart for Reconciliation
While the Bible provides grounds for divorce, such as infidelity and abandonment, it is not prescriptive but permissive. God's heart is always for reconciliation and restoration, urging individuals to fight for their marriages and seek healing and forgiveness. Understanding the complexity and pain that often accompany marriage and divorce is crucial. The divine design for marriage is a reflection of God's unwavering love and commitment, encouraging believers to strive for reconciliation whenever possible. [24:09]

"To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife." (1 Corinthians 7:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area in your marriage or a relationship where you need to seek reconciliation and healing today? How can you take a step towards that?

Day 4: The Gift of Marital Intimacy
Sexual intimacy is a beautiful gift within the bounds of marriage, not merely for procreation but as a vital part of the marital bond that deepens love and connection. It is encouraged and blessed by God within the context of biblical marriage. This understanding of intimacy calls for a celebration of the marital bond, recognizing it as a reflection of God's love and a means to grow closer to one's spouse. Embracing this gift involves nurturing the relationship and fostering a deeper connection with one's partner. [10:33]

"Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love." (Proverbs 5:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: How can you nurture and celebrate the gift of intimacy in your marriage today, deepening your connection with your spouse?

Day 5: Remarriage and Redemption
If you find yourself in a second marriage, it is not an ongoing act of adultery. Instead, it is an opportunity to honor God with your current relationship, seeking forgiveness for past mistakes and committing to a future that reflects Christ's love and grace. Jesus' teachings on marriage uphold its sanctity, but they also offer redemption and hope for those who have experienced divorce. Embracing this redemption involves seeking God's guidance and striving to live out His love and grace in the present relationship. [36:27]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you honor God in your current relationship, embracing His redemption and committing to a future that reflects His love and grace?

Quotes

1. "I want you to understand that I'm preaching this because I care, because I love you, because I love our families here at Peak City Church. And if you've been through the pain of this, you understanding clearly what the Word of God has to say about it is not going to make you feel like you're less than. It's going to show you moving forward what your life ought to be looking like, how the path forward looks for you. All right, so let's strive. To honor God, to live according to His Word. And if you're good with me preaching this today, somebody say amen." ([00:08:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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2. "When others would give up, we keep trying. We keep going, because the Spirit of God within us allows us to do what in our human nature we could not. So we talked about being marked by holiness last week, and then we talked about what marriage looks like, and we talked about some of the standards within marriage. I read this passage in Proverbs 5, because it's a reminder to us that this is just one of many passages where it talks about the importance of marital intimacy. I'm going to say it again. Marital intimacy is important." ([00:10:39] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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3. "Marriage should be physically intimate. And it's lifelong. It's meant to be till death do us part. And we've got to make this clear. We've got to make this clear to the next generation because that's not what you're hearing from the world. And that hasn't been for quite a long time. We've got to make sure that the next generation understands this, that marriage is the only place that God permits. It doesn't just permit it. He blesses sexual intimacy." ([00:14:45] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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4. "Christianity is about putting your faith in the God that knows you and created you. And you may still have that desire from now until you go to meet Jesus, and you may not have an attraction for the opposite sex. And here's what I believe by faith, that God can give you friendship and community and he can give you relationships that will be fulfilling and that you will find yourself, if you do life God's way, not missing out or losing on anything, but that you can be filled to the full and overflowing because his way is better." ([00:16:35] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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5. "Jesus, he was being asked a question, all right, and he was being asked by the Pharisees about this particular verse of scripture where they were asking Jesus, can someone divorce his wife for any cause? And we'll look at that in a moment. He was correcting the Pharisees' misinterpretation and abuse of an Old Testament command. So let's look at that command. Deuteronomy chapter 24, verse 1." ([00:24:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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6. "So if someone, and this is what this covers, all right? So you've abandoned your spouse if you no longer are providing for their needs for clothing, shelter. You're not providing that home. I would go as far as to say this, and you can disagree with me if you want to. If someone is beating their spouse, and they are no longer providing for their needs, but they are putting them in harm's way, in danger, because they're being physically abused, you're abandoning your spouse." ([00:28:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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7. "But I want us, as best we can, to understand what the Bible says, and in love, because I genuinely love you and care about you. I have to teach what the Bible says, and I do that unapologetically. But hopefully, you are not hearing me come down with a hammer and smashing you today, but showing you with a heart of love, what the Word of God says. So even if this is your situation, guess what? Moving forward, it doesn't have to be." ([00:29:58] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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8. "You've got to let Christ define your future. He will take your mess and he will make it your message if you will allow him to do that. There is no one that can out-sin the grace of God. So if you find yourself in that position in another marriage and it was just irreconcilable differences where you ended the first one, well, you repent of that and then you look to the future saying, you know what, I'm going to honor you in this marriage I'm in for the rest of my days." ([00:39:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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