God's Design for Lifelong Marriage and Intimacy

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Blueprint for Marriage

Marriage is not a human invention but a divine construct, designed to be a lifelong partnership between one man and one woman. This sacred union is established on the principles of leaving one's family of origin and cleaving to one's spouse, forming a new, independent, and committed relationship. This act of leaving and cleaving is not merely a physical separation from parents but a shift in allegiance and priority, where the spouse becomes the primary human relationship. It is a foundational element that honors God and mirrors His purpose for human companionship. The decision to marry should be approached with solemnity and a clear understanding that it is a covenantal relationship, reflecting the steadfastness and exclusivity of God's love for His people. [07:40]

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." - Genesis 2:24 ESV

Reflection: How does the concept of leaving and cleaving challenge or affirm your current understanding or practice of marriage?

Day 2: Commitment Beyond the Wedding Day

The wedding day marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of commitment that must be nurtured and strengthened with each passing day. This journey is characterized by mutual love, service, sacrifice, protection, encouragement, support, and respect. These virtues should be cultivated during the dating and engagement phases and become second nature in marriage. A strong marriage is not built on the excitement of the wedding day alone but on the daily choices to love and honor one's spouse. It is a continuous process of growing together and reaffirming the vows made before God and witnesses. [14:38]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." - Romans 12:9-10 ESV

Reflection: What are some specific ways you can strengthen your commitment to your spouse today?

Day 3: The Sacredness of Marital Intimacy

Sexual intimacy within marriage is a divine gift, intended to be a source of joy and a means of deepening the bond between husband and wife. It is an act that symbolizes the unity of two individuals becoming one flesh, a physical manifestation of their emotional and spiritual connection. Approaching the wedding night and subsequent intimate moments with patience, understanding, and a desire to honor God's design is crucial. Couples are encouraged to communicate openly and lovingly, ensuring that their intimate life is fulfilling and respectful, reflecting the beauty and sanctity of the marital covenant. [27:03]

"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: In what ways can you honor God through the expression of intimacy in your marriage?

Day 4: Christ, the Cement of Marriage

For a marriage to withstand the trials of life, it must have Christ at its center. Just as cement binds sand and gravel to form concrete, Jesus solidifies the relationship between husband and wife, making it resilient and enduring. Inviting Christ into every aspect of the marriage creates a spiritual bond that is not easily broken. This spiritual cementing is essential for a marriage that seeks to last and to reflect the love and commitment Christ has for His church. Couples are encouraged to pray together, serve together, and keep Christ at the forefront of their relationship. [41:34]

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV

Reflection: How can you more intentionally include Christ in your marriage to strengthen your bond?

Day 5: Reclaiming Godly Perspectives on Sex and Marriage

The church must actively engage in conversations about sex and marriage, addressing the distortions and misunderstandings prevalent in society. By breaking the silence and stigma, believers can educate and advocate for a biblical understanding of these gifts from God. It is the responsibility of the church to uphold the sanctity of marriage and the joy of sexual intimacy as God designed them. This includes providing guidance and support to couples and individuals, ensuring that they honor and enjoy these gifts in ways that are pleasing to God and beneficial to their relationships. [32:18]

"Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you." - Proverbs 5:15-17 ESV

Reflection: What steps can you take to promote a healthy, biblical view of sex and marriage within your community?

Sermon Summary

In my recent sermon, I embarked on a journey through the Scriptures to explore the sanctity and significance of marriage as God intended. I began with Genesis 2, where we see God's declaration that it is not good for man to be alone, leading to the creation of Eve as a suitable helper for Adam. This passage sets the stage for the divine design of marriage: one man and one woman united for a lifetime. I emphasized the importance of leaving one's parents and cleaving to one's spouse, highlighting the commitment that marriage entails.

As we progressed, I delved into the Song of Solomon, a poetic book that celebrates the beauty of marital love and intimacy. I walked through the stages of a relationship, from the initial attraction and dating to the deepening commitment of engagement. I then focused on the wedding day, where vows are exchanged, and the relationship is solidified. But it doesn't stop there; every day after the wedding is an opportunity to strengthen the commitment made.

I provided practical advice for the wedding night, encouraging gentleness and patience as the couple enters into sexual intimacy, an act of worship towards God. I stressed the importance of enjoying the experience, as Solomon did with his bride, and reminded the congregation that God created sex to be a regular and joyful part of marriage.

Furthermore, I addressed the need for cementing the marriage by pouring Jesus over the relationship. I warned against the high divorce rates within the church and urged couples to treat their unions as sacred, with divorce not being an option except in extreme circumstances. I called for a commitment to Christ that makes the marriage inseparable, much like cement that binds sand and gravel.

In conclusion, I reiterated that marriage is a covenant relationship, akin to the covenant God has with us through Christ. It requires commitment, consummation, and cementing—three essential elements that must be present for a marriage to reflect God's design and endure through life's challenges.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Genesis 2:18-25, why did God create Eve, and what does this imply about the nature of marriage? ([02:13])
In Song of Solomon 4:1-16, how does Solomon describe his bride, and what does this reveal about the importance of gentleness and admiration in marriage? ([18:40])
What does Jesus emphasize about marriage in Matthew 19:3-6, and how does this relate to the concept of "cementing" a marriage? ([37:28])
How does the sermon describe the process of "leaving and cleaving" in Genesis 2:24, and why is this foundational for a Godly marriage? ([07:43])

Interpretation Questions

What does the creation of Eve as a "suitable helper" for Adam in Genesis 2:18-25 suggest about the roles and partnership in marriage? ([02:13])
How does the detailed admiration of the bride in Song of Solomon 4:1-16 reflect the importance of verbal affirmation and physical intimacy in a marriage? ([18:40])
In Matthew 19:3-6, Jesus speaks against divorce by affirming God's original design for marriage. How does this passage challenge modern views on marriage and divorce? ([37:28])
The sermon mentions that marriage is a covenant relationship similar to God's covenant with us through Christ. How does this comparison deepen our understanding of marital commitment? ([15:13])

Application Questions

Reflecting on Genesis 2:24, how can you better "leave and cleave" in your own marriage or future marriage? Are there relationships or dependencies you need to adjust to prioritize your spouse? ([07:43])
Considering the practical advice given for the wedding night in the sermon, how can you approach sexual intimacy with gentleness and patience in your marriage? ([18:40])
The sermon emphasizes the importance of daily actions that strengthen marital commitment. What specific actions can you take this week to affirm, serve, and support your spouse? ([14:38])
How can you ensure that Christ is at the center of your marriage, acting as the "cement" that binds you together? What spiritual practices can you incorporate to achieve this? ([38:46])
The sermon calls for reclaiming the conversation on sex and marriage within the church. How can you contribute to breaking the stigma and educating others about the sanctity of marriage and sexual intimacy? ([32:18])
Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge in your marriage or relationship. How did your faith in Christ help you navigate that situation, and what can you do to strengthen your reliance on Him in future challenges? ([41:00])
The sermon warns against the high divorce rates within the church. What steps can you take to safeguard your marriage against this trend, and how can you support others in your community to do the same? ([41:34])

Sermon Clips

"Marriage as God created to be is one man and one woman for one lifetime. This is the design...there shouldn't be any doubt or questioning at this point in the relationship...there should be no doubt at this point that this is the person that I want to spend the rest of my life with." [07:43]( | | )

"Your marriage relationship is to show an unwavering commitment to each other...no one should ever be given a reason to wonder if you're committed...cleave, hold fast to one another...you solidify your commitment to each other on that special day but on every other day that follows after that you strengthen that commitment to each other." [11:58]( | | )

"God's word says this therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife...you leave the parents...your primary relational obligation is to your spouse...you do whatever you have to do to make sure that relationship survives...you work through your problems...it's time to handle things yourself." [09:04]( | | )

"Sexual intimacy is not just a part of the routine...it is an important part of bringing the relationship into completion...enjoy the experience...as they enter into experiencing everything that they have been Desiring to experience for so long, Solomon starts off this entire Affair by describing the beauty of his wife as he is undressing her." [18:40]( | | )

"God is absolutely for sex within the context of marriage and he says it is something that you should not deprive one another of...if you do things right and you do things in a way that honors God...you will learn to enjoy the experience and I promise you you won't lack in intimacy." [36:19]( | | )

"God's design by saying one man one woman one Lifetime and then he goes on to make an important statement he says what God has joined together let not man separate...you take one man and one woman and you put them together in a common relationship but then you pour Jesus over that relationship and a funny thing a reaction takes place a bond is formed that becomes Inseparable." [38:03]( | | )

"Listen you're going to face all kinds of Trials...if you want to have a marriage that lasts...then the two of you must become one...every day of your marital lives together you pour Jesus all over that thing to make sure that it gets cemented to a point that nothing can tear it apart." [40:19]( | | )

"We're going to talk about it with each other we're going to teach our kids the right ways and the wrong ways and how it can be fully enjoyed in its entirety that's what I'm here to do and that's what I hope y'all will carry on." [32:18]( | | )

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