Guarding Marriages: Overcoming Temptation Through Faith

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of protecting our marriages and families from the pervasive threat of temptation. We began by acknowledging the importance of community and fellowship in nurturing our faith, emphasizing that involvement in church activities can significantly influence the spiritual growth of our children. The dedication of young Georgia served as a poignant reminder of our commitment to raise children in faith, underscoring the vital role of both parents in this spiritual journey.

We then delved into the theme of temptation, particularly within the context of marriage. Temptation is a universal experience, affecting everyone regardless of age or status. It can manifest in various forms, from minor daily choices to significant moral challenges. The story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness provided a powerful framework for understanding how to confront and overcome these challenges. Jesus' responses to Satan's temptations highlighted the importance of relying on God's word and maintaining a steadfast faith.

We discussed the devastating impact of infidelity and immorality, noting that these temptations can destroy families, derail futures, and deplete faith. The key to safeguarding our relationships lies in recognizing the stakes involved and establishing boundaries and transparency with our spouses. We must also be aware of the correlation between our confidence in God and our susceptibility to temptation. A strong faith can fortify us against the allure of sin.

Finally, we explored practical steps to protect our marriages and families. These include prioritizing our spouses, maintaining open communication, and fostering a deep emotional connection. By doing so, we can fill our emotional tanks and resist the allure of temptation. As we concluded, we were reminded that Jesus meets us where we are, offering grace and strength to overcome the challenges we face.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Community and Faith: Engaging in church activities and fostering a strong community can significantly impact the spiritual growth of our children. When both parents are actively involved in their faith, it greatly increases the likelihood of their children developing a sincere faith in adulthood. [26:25]

- Understanding Temptation: Temptation is a universal experience that can manifest in various forms. It is crucial to recognize that there is always more at stake than we realize. Temptation can destroy families, derail futures, and deplete faith, making it essential to remain vigilant and grounded in God's word. [38:04]

- The Impact of Infidelity: Infidelity and immorality are particularly damaging temptations that can have far-reaching consequences. These temptations not only affect the individuals involved but also impact everyone they love. Establishing boundaries and maintaining transparency with our spouses are vital steps in safeguarding our relationships. [43:42]

- The Role of Faith in Overcoming Temptation: A strong faith can fortify us against the allure of temptation. There is a direct correlation between our confidence in God and our susceptibility to temptation. By nurturing our faith and relying on God's word, we can resist the temptations that threaten our relationships and futures. [49:57]

- Practical Steps to Protect Relationships: Prioritizing our spouses, maintaining open communication, and fostering a deep emotional connection are essential in protecting our marriages and families. By filling our emotional tanks and addressing problems together, we can create a strong foundation that resists the allure of temptation. [55:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opportunities for Growth
- [01:15] - Opening Prayer
- [02:30] - Family Dedication
- [05:00] - Importance of Community
- [07:45] - Reflecting on 16 Years
- [10:00] - Maintaining Our Church Home
- [12:30] - Series Introduction: Love, Marriage, and Family
- [15:00] - The Reality of Temptation
- [18:00] - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
- [22:00] - The Stakes of Infidelity
- [26:00] - Recognizing Temptation's Impact
- [30:00] - Practical Steps for Protection
- [35:00] - The Role of Faith
- [40:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 4:1-11
2. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 4:1-11, how does Jesus respond to each of Satan's temptations, and what does this reveal about the importance of Scripture in resisting temptation?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, why is immorality considered a sin against one's own body, and how does this relate to the concept of our bodies being temples of the Holy Spirit?
3. The sermon mentioned the impact of community and faith on children's spiritual growth. What statistics were shared about the likelihood of children developing sincere faith based on their parents' involvement? [26:25]
4. How does the sermon describe the correlation between one's confidence in God and susceptibility to temptation? [49:57]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Jesus' use of Scripture during His temptation in the wilderness teach us about the role of God's word in overcoming challenges and temptations in our own lives?
2. How might the concept of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit influence the way we approach personal boundaries and transparency in relationships, especially in marriage?
3. The sermon highlighted the devastating impact of infidelity. How does understanding the broader consequences of temptation help in establishing boundaries and maintaining transparency with one's spouse? [43:42]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, how does a strong faith act as a defense against temptation, and what practical steps can individuals take to nurture their faith? [49:57]

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Application Questions:

1. The sermon emphasized the power of community in nurturing faith. How can you actively engage in your church community to support your family's spiritual growth? [26:25]
2. Reflect on a recent temptation you faced. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to rely more on God's word and community support?
3. Consider the boundaries you have in place within your marriage or close relationships. Are there areas where you need to establish clearer boundaries or increase transparency to protect against temptation? [43:42]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of prioritizing your spouse and maintaining open communication. What specific actions can you take this week to strengthen your emotional connection with your spouse or loved ones? [55:00]
5. How can you cultivate a deeper confidence in God to fortify yourself against temptation? Identify one spiritual practice you can commit to this week to strengthen your faith. [49:57]
6. Reflect on the idea that "when you are empty, garbage looks good." What are some ways you can ensure your emotional and spiritual "tanks" are full to resist temptation more effectively? [55:00]
7. The sermon concluded with the reminder that Jesus meets us where we are. How can you seek Jesus' grace and strength in your current challenges, and what steps can you take to invite His presence into your daily life? [01:03:21]

Devotional

Day 1: The Influence of Community on Spiritual Growth
Engaging in a community of faith is not just about attending church services; it is about actively participating in a fellowship that nurtures spiritual growth. When parents involve themselves in church activities, they set a powerful example for their children, demonstrating the importance of faith in everyday life. This involvement can significantly impact the spiritual development of children, increasing the likelihood that they will carry a sincere faith into adulthood. The dedication of young Georgia serves as a reminder of the commitment to raise children in faith, highlighting the vital role both parents play in this spiritual journey. [26:25]

"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, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively engage in your church community this week to set a positive example for the younger generation?


Day 2: Recognizing the Stakes of Temptation
Temptation is a universal experience that can manifest in various forms, from minor daily choices to significant moral challenges. It is crucial to recognize that there is always more at stake than we realize. Temptation can destroy families, derail futures, and deplete faith, making it essential to remain vigilant and grounded in God's word. By understanding the gravity of temptation, individuals can better prepare themselves to confront and overcome these challenges, just as Jesus did in the wilderness. [38:04]

"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific temptation you face regularly. What practical steps can you take today to guard against it?


Day 3: The Consequences of Infidelity
Infidelity and immorality are particularly damaging temptations that can have far-reaching consequences. These temptations not only affect the individuals involved but also impact everyone they love. Establishing boundaries and maintaining transparency with our spouses are vital steps in safeguarding our relationships. By recognizing the potential devastation of infidelity, couples can take proactive measures to protect their marriages and families from these destructive forces. [43:42]

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (Hebrews 13:4, ESV)

Reflection: What boundaries can you establish in your relationships to protect against the temptation of infidelity?


Day 4: Fortifying Faith Against Temptation
A strong faith can fortify us against the allure of temptation. There is a direct correlation between our confidence in God and our susceptibility to temptation. By nurturing our faith and relying on God's word, we can resist the temptations that threaten our relationships and futures. This reliance on faith provides the strength needed to overcome challenges and maintain a steadfast commitment to God's principles. [49:57]

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you strengthen your faith this week to better resist temptation?


Day 5: Building Strong Marriages Through Communication
Prioritizing our spouses, maintaining open communication, and fostering a deep emotional connection are essential in protecting our marriages and families. By filling our emotional tanks and addressing problems together, we can create a strong foundation that resists the allure of temptation. These practical steps not only safeguard relationships but also enhance the overall quality of the marital bond, ensuring a resilient partnership. [55:00]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can improve communication with your spouse or loved ones today to strengthen your relationship?

Quotes

"so good morning live oaks glad you're here on this lord's day as you can see there's many opportunities to grow in your faith there's conferences there's fellowship opportunities there's ways you can give to support our kids and our teenagers lots of things going on please get involved this is where you how you grow in your faith this is the way that you make new friends fellowship i get to know some of your brothers and sisters in the lord here at live oak so please please please you have questions get plugged in we'd love to see you let's bow our heads and close our eyes and spend some time with the lord right where you are our heavenly father we thank you oh god for this opportunity just to be here today and take a few moments oh god and just praise your name and draw near to you as you draw near to us to hear oh god your word to sense the power of your presence so god no matter who we are or where we've been what we've done whether we have deep doubts or great faith god i pray that today we'll hear from you god i pray that today that we'll have a new understanding of your amazing grace of the importance of protecting our marriages and our families lord lord god one another father i pray that you'll just bless us today i pray god that we'll draw near to you as you draw near to us use this time for your glory and use this time to speak grace and truth to your people we pray these things now in jesus name amen and amen as we stand together and worship him" [00:07:34] (94 seconds)


"When a child is born, we want to dedicate him to the Lord. We want to dedicate that child unto the Lord. The reason for that is this, and parents know this, if both parents are actively involved in their church and their faith, that child has a 93 % chance of growing up into adulthood with a real and sincere faith. If only one parent is involved in their faith, in their church, that child now has a 56 % chance of growing up into adulthood with a real and sincere faith. But if neither parent's involved, faith's not a big deal, don't need church, then your child has a 7 % chance. If you're involved in your church, you're going to have a 6 % chance of growing up into adulthood with any faith at all." [00:23:44] (39 seconds)


"For many, this is our church home, if you will. This is the house of worship, but just like your house, this house of worship sometimes needs repair, and sometimes the roof is leaking, and sometimes the air conditioner is out, and sometimes the lights don't come on, and sometimes the water gets to start dripping somewhere, and sometimes, and the list could go on, just like your house, and so it requires time and energy and effort and money. God needs to upgrade and to upkeep all the things that we're doing here because this is the house of worship that God has blessed us with, and we get to be a part of it. And so, again, I'm so thankful for those who give and those who invite and for those who pray, for those who show up and worship because, again, as we come together in this place, God's presence is felt in this room. As we meet him, as he meets us, as Jesus said, where two or more gather in my name, I am in their midst." [00:27:15] (49 seconds)


"And then also this morning, protecting our families, our marriages, our relationships from temptation, because temptation is a reality. It's a reality in our marriages, whether you've been newly married for just a few days or you're about to have your 50th anniversary, temptation in marriage is a real thing. This is one reason why I've done a thousand weddings. One reason why there's this little phrase in the wedding vow that says, keep only unto her as long as ye both shall live. Keep only unto him as long as ye both shall live. Why is that so important? Because temptation comes into our lives. And the worst kind of temptation, I will argue, the one that will affect your family and your faith and your future is when temptation comes against your marriage." [00:33:22] (45 seconds)


"Some of our greatest regrets are the ones that we have. Some of our greatest regrets in life was when we fell to temptation. And the reason it's our greatest regret is because sometimes in some places for some of us, when we fell to temptation, it destroyed your family. When you fell to temptation, it derailed your future. You're supposed to live a long life together. You're supposed to raise grandkids together. You're supposed to go to that college. You're supposed to have that job. You're supposed to live in this neighborhood. You're supposed to have things. I mean, you had it pictured in your mind what life is gonna be like, and then the temptation hit and you fell, and it derailed your future and it destroyed your family. For some, it depleted your faith because that's what temptation does." [00:42:32] (50 seconds)


"So what do we do to protect and to safeguard our families and our marriages and our faith and our future? Number one, recognize this, that temptation comes to you throughout your marriage. Whether you're on your honeymoon or your 50th anniversary and everywhere in between, just know this, temptation will come to you throughout your marriage. This is why we're called to pause and remember what's at stake. That's the first thing to do. Pause and remember what's at stake when she starts calling you back, when he wants your Facebook account, when they say, it's just lunch, it's just coffee, it's just a ride downtown, we'll save some parking. Why don't we? No, just remember there's more at stake than meets the eye. Number two, have boundaries, have guardrails with others." [00:45:57] (52 seconds)


"Temptation can come to you at any time and anywhere. Sometimes in moments and places, you least expect it. Number two, note this, sometimes it will come to us after a spiritual victory, after a spiritual breakthrough, after this amazing experience with God, after a decision to follow Jesus, maybe after getting baptized, maybe after wanting to go into the ministry. I mean, notice what happens to Jesus. I mean, he was just baptized. The Spirit of God has now come upon him. He hears his dad, behold, my son, and am I well pleased? And what happens next? He goes into the church. He goes into the wilderness and he is tempted by the devil." [00:48:09] (40 seconds)


"Because here's what I know about God. He's not mocked. You don't play him. You can't coerce him. You can't force his hand. You can't manipulate him. That's why God put in the law of sowing and reaping. It's a very real law. What you sow, you reap. What you plant, you harvest, and you will harvest more than what you planted. The third temptation is, again, taking a shortcut. Doing the right thing the wrong way, Jesus came into the world to redeem the world. To take back from Satan what Satan had stolen from humanity. If you're not sure what that means, it means this." [00:57:48] (42 seconds)


"Every time we fall, our conscience pulls away from God. Over time, you know people, I know people who began to leave God because they fell to temptation again and again and again and again. What's at stake? I'll tell you what's at stake. Your future's at stake. Your future is at stake. Again, where are you gonna go? What you gonna do? How you gonna live your life? What's at stake? Your faith's at stake. Your future's at stake. Your family is at stake. Again, a temporary thrill can destroy your family, your faith, and your future." [01:00:40] (36 seconds)


"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, your spouse wants these things. You want these things. We are wired by God to want these things. Number four, real quickly, solve problems and avoid drama. When a problem comes into your life, here's what I know. You're gonna fall in one of two camps. You're either going to get into drama. Well, look at what you did. Well, look at what you did. You always, you never. Well, you're a mom. Well, you're a dad. You're just like her. Well, you're just like him." [01:02:27] (26 seconds)


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Transcript
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