Faithfulness in Marriage and Our Relationship with God
Summary
### Summary
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we gather to give thanks for a new day and seek God's guidance. We begin by acknowledging our sins and asking for forgiveness, preparing ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries. The Gospel reading from Matthew addresses the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing that what God has joined together, no one should separate. Jesus explains that Moses allowed divorce due to hard-heartedness, but from the beginning, it was not so. He stresses that unfaithfulness is the only valid reason for divorce.
The sermon draws a parallel between God's relationship with Israel and a marriage. God nurtured Israel from infancy, providing everything needed for growth and maturity. Similarly, God finds us in vulnerable situations and continually provides for us as we grow in faith, hope, and charity. Our spiritual beauty is reflected in our character, behavior, and holiness, not just physical appearance. However, like Israel, we can stray by prioritizing worldly things over God, which is akin to spiritual adultery.
The message underscores the importance of faithfulness in marriage and our relationship with God. Just as God remains faithful to us, we are called to remain faithful to our spouses and to God. Unfaithfulness breaks the bond, but other challenges can be overcome with God's support. The sermon concludes with a call to entrust our covenant with God, asking for the grace to remain faithful in our spiritual and marital commitments.
### Key Takeaways
1. Acknowledging Our Sinfulness: Before approaching God, it is crucial to recognize our sins and seek forgiveness. This act of humility prepares us to receive God's grace and guidance throughout the day. Acknowledging our faults allows us to grow spiritually and align ourselves more closely with God's will. [21:23]
2. Sanctity of Marriage: Marriage is a sacred covenant that should not be broken lightly. Jesus teaches that divorce was permitted by Moses due to hard-heartedness, but God's original plan was for lifelong union. Faithfulness is the cornerstone of this covenant, and unfaithfulness is the only valid reason for separation. [22:43]
3. God's Nurturing Love: God nurtures us from our vulnerable beginnings, providing what we need to grow in faith, hope, and charity. This divine grooming transforms us into spiritually beautiful beings, reflecting God's love and grace in our character and actions. [24:35]
4. Spiritual Adultery: Just as Israel strayed by prioritizing other gods, we too can commit spiritual adultery by placing worldly things above God. This abandonment of our divine relationship leads to spiritual decay and separation from God's grace. [27:55]
5. Faithfulness in Trials: Remaining faithful in marriage and our relationship with God is essential, even when faced with challenges. God's support enables us to bear our crosses and maintain our commitments, reflecting His unwavering faithfulness to us. [29:35]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:23] - Acknowledging Our Sinfulness
[22:43] - Sanctity of Marriage
[23:29] - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce
[24:35] - God's Nurturing Love
[25:39] - Spiritual Growth and Beauty
[26:53] - Building Character in Faith
[27:55] - Spiritual Adultery
[28:51] - Faithfulness in Marriage
[29:35] - Bearing Our Crosses
[32:16] - Entrusting Our Covenant with God
[34:02] - Offering and Sacrifice
[35:08] - Giving Thanks to the Lord
[36:33] - Consecration of the Eucharist
[37:31] - The Chalice of Salvation
[39:06] - Prayers for the Church
[40:47] - The Lord's Prayer
[46:01] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 19:3-9 - "Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?' 'Haven't you read,' he replied, 'that at the beginning the Creator "made them male and female," and said, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh"? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.' 'Why then,' they asked, 'did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?' Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.'"
2. Ezekiel 16:4-14 - "On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths. No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised. Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, 'Live!' I made you grow like a plant of the field. You grew and developed and entered puberty. Your breasts had formed and your hair had grown, yet you were stark naked. Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine. I bathed you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointments on you. I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put sandals of fine leather on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments. I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. So you were adorned with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth. Your food was honey, olive oil and the finest flour. You became very beautiful and rose to be a queen. And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign Lord."
#### Observation Questions
1. What reason does Jesus give for Moses allowing divorce, and what does He say about God's original plan for marriage? ([22:43])
2. How does the sermon describe God's nurturing love for Israel, and how is this paralleled to His care for us? ([24:35])
3. What is meant by "spiritual adultery" in the context of the sermon, and how does it relate to our relationship with God? ([27:55])
4. According to the sermon, what is the only valid reason for divorce, and how should other marital challenges be addressed? ([28:51])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' teaching on divorce challenge the cultural norms of His time, and what implications does it have for us today? ([22:43])
2. In what ways does the imagery of God nurturing Israel from infancy to maturity in Ezekiel 16:4-14 reflect our spiritual journey with God? ([24:35])
3. How can prioritizing worldly things over God be seen as "spiritual adultery," and what are some modern examples of this? ([27:55])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of faithfulness in both marriage and our relationship with God, especially during trials? ([29:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you acknowledged your sins before God. How did this act of humility prepare you to receive His grace and guidance? ([21:23])
2. How can you actively work to strengthen the sanctity of your marriage or relationships, ensuring that they align with God's original plan for lifelong union? ([22:43])
3. In what ways can you recognize and respond to God's nurturing love in your life, especially during times of vulnerability and growth? ([24:35])
4. Identify areas in your life where you might be prioritizing worldly things over your relationship with God. What steps can you take to realign your priorities? ([27:55])
5. Think of a specific challenge you are facing in your marriage or spiritual life. How can you seek God's support to remain faithful and overcome this challenge? ([29:35])
6. How can you cultivate spiritual beauty in your character, behavior, and holiness, reflecting God's love and grace in your daily actions? ([26:53])
7. What practical steps can you take to avoid "spiritual adultery" and ensure that your relationship with God remains your top priority? ([27:55])
Devotional
Day 1: Humility in Acknowledging Our Sinfulness
Recognizing our sins and seeking forgiveness is a fundamental step in our spiritual journey. This act of humility prepares us to receive God's grace and guidance throughout the day. By acknowledging our faults, we open ourselves to spiritual growth and align more closely with God's will. This process is not just a one-time event but a daily practice that helps us remain aware of our need for God's mercy and support.
In our busy lives, it's easy to overlook our shortcomings or justify our actions. However, taking a moment each day to reflect on our behavior and seek God's forgiveness can transform our spiritual lives. It allows us to start each day with a clean slate, ready to embrace God's plans for us. This practice also fosters a deeper relationship with God, as we continually turn to Him for guidance and strength. [21:23]
Psalm 32:5 (ESV): "I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin."
Reflection: Think of a specific sin or shortcoming you have struggled with recently. Can you take a moment today to confess it to God and ask for His forgiveness and guidance?
Day 2: The Sacred Covenant of Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant that should not be broken lightly. Jesus teaches that divorce was permitted by Moses due to hard-heartedness, but God's original plan was for a lifelong union. Faithfulness is the cornerstone of this covenant, and unfaithfulness is the only valid reason for separation. This teaching emphasizes the importance of commitment and loyalty in marriage, reflecting God's unwavering faithfulness to us.
In today's world, where relationships are often seen as disposable, it's crucial to remember the sanctity of marriage. This covenant mirrors our relationship with God, where faithfulness and commitment are paramount. By honoring our marital vows, we not only strengthen our relationship with our spouse but also deepen our spiritual connection with God. [22:43]
Malachi 2:15-16 (ESV): "Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 'For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her,' says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'covers his garment with violence,' says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless."
Reflection: Reflect on your commitment to your spouse or a significant relationship in your life. How can you demonstrate greater faithfulness and commitment today?
Day 3: God's Nurturing Love
God nurtures us from our vulnerable beginnings, providing what we need to grow in faith, hope, and charity. This divine grooming transforms us into spiritually beautiful beings, reflecting God's love and grace in our character and actions. Just as a parent cares for a child, God continually supports and guides us, helping us to mature spiritually.
Our spiritual beauty is not just about outward appearances but is reflected in our character, behavior, and holiness. By allowing God to nurture us, we become more like Him, embodying His love and grace in our daily lives. This transformation is a lifelong process, requiring us to remain open to God's guidance and support. [24:35]
Isaiah 46:3-4 (ESV): "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save."
Reflection: Consider how God has nurtured you in your spiritual journey. What is one area of your life where you need to allow God to nurture you more fully?
Day 4: Avoiding Spiritual Adultery
Just as Israel strayed by prioritizing other gods, we too can commit spiritual adultery by placing worldly things above God. This abandonment of our divine relationship leads to spiritual decay and separation from God's grace. It's essential to remain vigilant and ensure that our priorities align with God's will, keeping Him at the center of our lives.
In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it's easy to let our focus shift away from God. However, by regularly examining our priorities and making conscious efforts to put God first, we can avoid the pitfalls of spiritual adultery. This practice helps us maintain a strong and healthy relationship with God, ensuring that we remain connected to His grace and guidance. [27:55]
Jeremiah 3:20 (ESV): "Surely, as a treacherous wife leaves her husband, so have you been treacherous to me, O house of Israel, declares the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily priorities. Is there something you have placed above your relationship with God? How can you realign your focus to put God first today?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Trials
Remaining faithful in marriage and our relationship with God is essential, even when faced with challenges. God's support enables us to bear our crosses and maintain our commitments, reflecting His unwavering faithfulness to us. Trials and difficulties are inevitable, but they can strengthen our faith and deepen our reliance on God.
When we face challenges, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and consider giving up. However, by trusting in God's support and remaining faithful, we can overcome these obstacles and grow stronger in our faith. This perseverance not only benefits our spiritual lives but also sets an example for others, demonstrating the power of unwavering faithfulness. [29:35]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: Think of a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can you rely on God's support to remain faithful and persevere through this difficulty?
Quotes
1. "Beloved in Christ. This is how God deals with us. God finds us rather in a very bad situation, very vulnerable situation, human beings we are. But the Lord continues to pass by. To visit us, to provide us what we need as we grow. now when we grow in faith, in hope, in charity, we are expected to come to the level of God to also be merciful, to be gentle, to be kind. And our beauty is not just a physical beauty." [26:53] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our beauty is that we are not just a physical beauty. We are is the character we build up as we come to church every day. So as you come to church every day, the Lord is passing by you and providing you what you need to be able to grow well in character, in behavior, in attitude, in holiness. So you become beautiful inside, inside. A beautiful person, character." [26:53] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In our case, it will be when we abandon God and make other things, our God. Sometime property, money, friends, all that. We choose things without choosing God anymore. You can even be out of the church two, three weeks. You don't visit the church. You don't come to Christ. You don't come to God anymore. A partner, you decided to separate from the partner and go your own way. Meanwhile, he has groomed you. To this level, with his graces. Is that fair? Not fair." [27:55] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The only thing that can separate married couples is unchastity, unfaithfulness. Because that's one that breaks the bond. But once you remain faithful, any other thing, God will take care of that. Don't separate because your partner is a bit hard on you, caring, not too much concern about you. What can separate the marriage is unchastity. Once your partner is faithful to you, stay with him. Stay with you. Please bear your cross." [29:35] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Beloved, behold the Lamb of God, the merciful, gentle, and kind husband to us, our partner. He has taken away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. Lord, that you should enter. But only say the word and my soul shall be healed." [46:01] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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