Honoring Marriage: God's Call to Faithfulness and Purity
Summary
It's a joy to gather together and explore the depths of God's Word. Today, we delved into the seventh commandment found in Exodus 20:14, "Do not commit adultery." This commandment is not merely a prohibition but an invitation to honor the sacredness of marriage and relationships. In a world where the sanctity of marriage is often undermined, God calls us to a higher standard, one that reflects His love and commitment to us.
Marriage is a profound union where two lives become one, a reflection of God's covenant with His people. Yet, in our society, we witness the heartbreaking reality of broken marriages and families. This commandment serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of adultery, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. It is a call to safeguard our hearts and relationships, recognizing that God desires our good and fulfillment.
Jesus, in His teachings, expands on this commandment by addressing the heart's intentions. In Matthew 5, He challenges us to examine our desires, emphasizing that even lustful thoughts equate to adultery in the heart. This radical teaching calls us to purity and integrity, urging us to pursue holiness in our thoughts and actions.
The cultural shifts we witness today, with redefinitions of marriage and relationships, highlight the need for us to stand firm in God's design. Marriage, as God intended, is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. As believers, we are called to be a testament to this truth, living out our marriages as a reflection of God's love and faithfulness.
In facing temptation, we are reminded of the importance of running towards God, our calling, and our spouse. Temptation is an apex predator, and the biblical response is to flee from it, not by sheer willpower but by pursuing a greater desire for God. Our identity and worth are found in Him, and He calls us to live out our purpose with passion and dedication.
Key Takeaways:
- The Sacredness of Marriage: Marriage is a divine covenant reflecting God's love and commitment. It is a union where two become one, and God calls us to honor this sacred bond. Adultery is destructive, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually, and God desires us to safeguard our hearts and relationships. [24:42]
- Jesus' Radical Teaching on Adultery: Jesus expands the commandment against adultery by addressing the heart's intentions. He challenges us to examine our desires, emphasizing that even lustful thoughts equate to adultery in the heart. This teaching calls us to purity and integrity, urging us to pursue holiness in our thoughts and actions. [35:13]
- Cultural Shifts and God's Design: In a world redefining marriage and relationships, we are called to stand firm in God's design. Marriage, as God intended, is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. As believers, our marriages should reflect God's love and faithfulness, serving as a testament to His truth. [30:43]
- Running Towards God and Our Calling: In facing temptation, we must run towards God, our calling, and our spouse. Temptation is an apex predator, and the biblical response is to flee from it, not by sheer willpower but by pursuing a greater desire for God. Our identity and worth are found in Him, and He calls us to live out our purpose with passion and dedication. [38:25]
- Grace and a New Beginning: Despite our failures, God offers us grace and a new beginning. Our story is not defined by our worst moments but by Jesus. He invites us to leave our past behind and live a life of freedom and purpose. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord, we can embrace a future filled with hope and transformation. [52:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[21:54] - Introduction to the Seventh Commandment
[22:58] - The Beauty and Tragedy of Marriage
[24:42] - Invitation to Relationship
[27:01] - Cultural Views on Adultery
[28:31] - The Destructive Nature of Adultery
[29:39] - Guarding Your Heart
[30:43] - Cultural Shifts in Marriage
[32:27] - Redefining Relationships
[33:17] - Jesus' Teaching on Adultery
[35:13] - The Heart's Intentions
[36:12] - Grace and Redemption
[38:25] - Fleeing Temptation
[40:09] - Understanding Your Worth
[41:47] - Pursuing Your Calling
[43:06] - The Value of Marriage
[44:02] - Running to Your Spouse
[46:20] - Encouragement for Singles
[47:53] - Pursuing Your Spouse
[49:07] - Overcoming Challenges in Marriage
[50:25] - Jesus' Grace and New Beginnings
[51:36] - Invitation to a New Life
[53:04] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Exodus 20:14
- Matthew 5:27-28
- Proverbs 6:32
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the seventh commandment in Exodus 20:14 specifically prohibit, and how is it described in the sermon? [22:58]
2. According to Matthew 5:27-28, how does Jesus expand the understanding of adultery beyond physical actions? [33:17]
3. What cultural shifts regarding marriage and relationships are mentioned in the sermon, and how do they contrast with God's design? [30:43]
4. How does the sermon describe the consequences of adultery, both personally and relationally? [28:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:27-28 challenge traditional views of sin and righteousness, and what implications does this have for believers today? [35:13]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that cultural redefinitions of marriage impact the Christian understanding of relationships? [30:43]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of safeguarding one's heart against temptation, and what biblical examples are used to support this? [38:25]
4. What role does grace play in the sermon’s message about overcoming past failures and pursuing a new beginning in Christ? [52:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own understanding of marriage and relationships. How does it align with the biblical perspective shared in the sermon? What changes might you need to consider? [30:43]
2. Jesus speaks about the heart's intentions in Matthew 5:27-28. How can you actively work on aligning your thoughts and desires with God's standards of purity and integrity? [33:17]
3. The sermon emphasizes running towards God and one's calling when facing temptation. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your relationship with God and stay focused on your calling? [38:25]
4. Consider the cultural influences on your views of marriage and relationships. How can you stand firm in God's design amidst these influences? [30:43]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of pursuing one's spouse. If you are married, what specific actions can you take this week to invest in and strengthen your marriage? [49:07]
6. For those who are single, how can you embrace your current season of life while preparing for future relationships in a way that honors God? [46:20]
7. Reflect on the concept of grace and new beginnings. How can you apply this understanding to areas of your life where you feel you have failed or fallen short? [52:23]
Devotional
Day 1: The Sacredness of Marriage
Marriage is a divine covenant that mirrors God's unwavering love and commitment to His people. It is a sacred union where two individuals become one, reflecting the profound relationship God desires with humanity. In today's world, where the sanctity of marriage is often challenged, it is crucial to remember that adultery is not just a physical act but one that can cause deep emotional and spiritual harm. God calls us to protect our hearts and relationships, emphasizing the importance of honoring the sacred bond of marriage. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's desire for our well-being and fulfillment. [24:42]
"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: Consider your current relationships. How can you actively honor and protect the sacredness of these bonds today?
Day 2: Jesus' Radical Teaching on Adultery
Jesus challenges us to look beyond the mere act of adultery and examine the intentions of our hearts. In Matthew 5, He teaches that even lustful thoughts are equivalent to adultery in the heart, calling us to a higher standard of purity and integrity. This teaching urges us to pursue holiness not only in our actions but also in our thoughts. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's desire for us to live lives of integrity and righteousness, reflecting His love and commitment in all aspects of our lives. [35:13]
"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b, ESV)
Reflection: What thoughts or desires do you need to surrender to God today to pursue a heart of purity and integrity?
Day 3: Cultural Shifts and God's Design
In a world where the definitions of marriage and relationships are constantly evolving, believers are called to stand firm in God's original design. Marriage, as intended by God, is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman, serving as a testament to His love and faithfulness. As cultural norms shift, it becomes increasingly important for believers to live out their marriages in a way that reflects God's truth and serves as a beacon of His unwavering love. [30:43]
"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 can your marriage or relationships serve as a testament to God's design and truth in today's culture?
Day 4: Running Towards God and Our Calling
When faced with temptation, the biblical response is to flee, not by relying solely on willpower, but by pursuing a greater desire for God. Temptation is a powerful force, but by running towards God, our calling, and our spouse, we can overcome it. Our identity and worth are found in God, and He calls us to live out our purpose with passion and dedication. By focusing on our relationship with God, we can find the strength to resist temptation and live lives that honor Him. [38:25]
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV)
Reflection: What specific temptations are you facing today, and how can you actively pursue a greater desire for God to overcome them?
Day 5: Grace and a New Beginning
Despite our failures, God offers us grace and the opportunity for a new beginning. Our story is not defined by our worst moments but by Jesus, who invites us to leave our past behind and embrace a life of freedom and purpose. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord, we can experience transformation and hope for the future. This grace allows us to live a life that reflects God's love and commitment, free from the chains of past mistakes. [52:23]
"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: What past mistakes or failures do you need to let go of today to embrace the new beginning God offers through His grace?
Quotes
1. "But as I've matured, I love weddings. And as a pastor, I get to have the front row seat of people's best day of their life. It's fascinating. Like, I usually am standing with the groom as we are waiting for the bride to come down, and there's something incredibly powerful of that moment of anticipation because the entire room is just ready to see her come down. And usually, the groom is just a puddle of goo. Like, he's just like, oh, he's like all nervous, you know, whatever. And then the doors open, and everybody stands up and turns." [00:22:20] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And through these commandments, we find that God's inviting us not to religion, but to relationship. And so what we've seen with the Ten Commandments is that the first four are really focused vertically towards God, that we want to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, have no other gods other than Him. And then the next six are about loving others. And what I found is that most people aren't going to get too out of shape about loving God, because this is like what we do. But loving others, man, we start talking and teaching on these, man, we're getting in people's business, right?" [00:25:10] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "it's choosing to live a life that is not defined by trying to get as much as you can get out of it it's choosing to live a life that's pursuing god with all of your heart mind soul and strength and when it comes to temptation sexual temptation in particular you need to realize that you can't overcome it by sheer willpower by being strong or being smart or having all the right information sin is an apex predator it will come and it will devour you you're not strong enough there are people who are braver than you smarter than you more spiritual than you know their bible better than you have fallen to temptation and the biblical response to temptation is not strength it's running it's fleeing it's leaving the seed it's leaving the seed It's running away. Just like Joseph, when he was tempted, he ran." [00:37:11] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You know, I believe that ultimately sin of every kind is found when we don't really understand God and when we're not pursuing him and we're not pursuing the one who created us in his image. When we don't have a clear understanding of who God is, we will try to find our satisfaction in somebody or something else. And so we need to be the kind of people who constantly pursue God in his presence. Why? Because he's made us for a purpose and he knows us and loves us." [00:39:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So if you're married in this room, my invitation to you is to pursue your spouse, both of you, with the same passion, even greater passion than you did with the first time that you got that message from them or they asked you out or you went on that first date. To pursue them and to intentionally set time aside so that you can look at each other in the face and go, this is why I married you. Like Tabitha and I like to take trips sometimes without the kids, why? Because we get to sleep in, yes. We also get to sit and talk and connect." [00:48:30] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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