Living for God's Glory in Marriage and Life
Summary
In our journey through life and marriage, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate purpose is not merely to achieve personal happiness or to create a perfect family. Instead, our focus should be on living for God's glory and fulfilling His mission. This perspective transforms how we view our relationships, our possessions, and our daily lives. When we prioritize God's kingdom, everything else falls into place, including our marriages and families. This doesn't mean neglecting our loved ones, but rather integrating them into the mission God has set before us.
The Bible often emphasizes the importance of living with an eternal perspective. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul speaks about living as though we have no earthly attachments because the present form of this world is passing away. This doesn't mean we should disregard our responsibilities, but rather that we should hold them lightly, always ready to follow God's call. Our marriages should reflect this mindset, focusing on making disciples and serving God's kingdom together.
Unity in marriage is not the primary goal but a byproduct of pursuing a common mission. Just like a sports team that unites in the pursuit of a championship, couples who focus on God's mission find a deeper unity and purpose. This mission-oriented approach helps us navigate challenges and conflicts, as we are driven by a higher calling.
Moreover, our satisfaction should be found in Christ alone. When we are truly content in Him, we are less likely to place unrealistic expectations on our spouses or children. This contentment allows us to love and serve others selflessly, reflecting God's love and grace.
Finally, we must remember that our lives are a testimony to God's glory. Whether in our marriages, parenting, or daily interactions, we should strive to reflect Christ's love and truth. Our ultimate goal is to stand before God and hear Him say, "Well done," knowing that we have lived for His glory and not for our own comfort or success.
Key Takeaways:
- Eternal Perspective: Our lives and marriages should be lived with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's mission rather than personal happiness. This mindset helps us prioritize what truly matters and prepares us for the day we stand before God. [02:03]
- Unity Through Mission: Unity in marriage is a byproduct of pursuing a common mission. When couples focus on God's kingdom, they find deeper unity and purpose, much like a sports team united in the pursuit of a championship. [07:47]
- Satisfaction in Christ: True contentment comes from being satisfied in Christ alone. When we find our fulfillment in Him, we are less likely to place unrealistic expectations on our spouses or children, allowing us to love and serve selflessly. [16:12]
- God's Glory at Stake: In every aspect of our lives, God's glory is at stake. Whether in marriage, work, or daily interactions, we should strive to reflect Christ's love and truth, living as a testimony to His glory. [11:15]
- Raising Warriors for Christ: Our goal should be to raise children who are warriors for Christ, willing to risk everything for the gospel. This requires modeling a life of faith and sacrifice, showing them that God's kingdom is worth any cost. [31:23]
YouTube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - Evaluating Our Focus
[01:02] - Marriage and Eternity
[02:03] - Living with an Eternal Perspective
[03:28] - Undivided Devotion to the Lord
[05:19] - The Byproduct of Mission
[07:47] - Unity Through Common Goals
[09:29] - Seeking First His Kingdom
[11:15] - God's Glory in Our Lives
[13:06] - Finding Satisfaction in Christ
[15:00] - Addressing Marriage Problems
[17:12] - The Worth of a Mission-Driven Marriage
[19:01] - Encouragement for Young Couples
[21:32] - Living with an Eternal Mindset
[23:26] - The Joy of Sacrifice
[25:44] - Trusting God's Plan
[28:13] - The Blessing of Obedience
[31:23] - Raising Warriors for Christ
[33:25] - The Ultimate Goal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
2. Matthew 6:33
3. Colossians 3:23
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Observation Questions:
1. In 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Paul talks about living as though we have no earthly attachments. What does he mean by this, and how does it relate to the idea of living with an eternal perspective? [02:37]
2. The sermon mentioned that unity in marriage is a byproduct of pursuing a common mission. How was this concept illustrated using the example of a sports team? [07:16]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of finding satisfaction in Christ alone, and how does it affect our relationships with our spouses and children? [16:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of God's glory in our daily lives and interactions, particularly in marriage? [11:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does living with an eternal perspective, as described in 1 Corinthians 7, change the way we approach our responsibilities and relationships? [02:03]
2. What does it mean for unity in marriage to be a byproduct of a common mission, and how can this principle be applied to other areas of life? [07:47]
3. In what ways does finding satisfaction in Christ alone help prevent placing unrealistic expectations on our loved ones? [16:12]
4. How can the idea that "God's glory is at stake" in our actions influence the way we live and make decisions? [11:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current perspective on life and marriage. Are there areas where you are prioritizing personal happiness over God's mission? How can you shift your focus to align with an eternal perspective? [02:03]
2. Consider a challenge you are currently facing in your marriage or relationships. How can pursuing a common mission with your spouse or loved ones help you navigate this challenge? [07:47]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you have placed unrealistic expectations on someone else. How can you find contentment in Christ to alleviate this pressure? [16:12]
4. Think about a recent decision you made. How did you consider God's glory in that decision? What steps can you take to ensure that God's glory is at the forefront of your future decisions? [11:15]
5. How can you model a life of faith and sacrifice to your children or those you influence, showing them that God's kingdom is worth any cost? [31:23]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from your spouse or family. How can focusing on a shared mission help restore unity and purpose in those relationships? [07:47]
7. Choose one aspect of your daily routine where you can intentionally reflect Christ's love and truth. What practical steps can you take to make this a reality? [11:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Living with an Eternal Perspective
In our daily lives and marriages, it is essential to maintain an eternal perspective, focusing on God's mission rather than personal happiness. This mindset helps us prioritize what truly matters and prepares us for the day we stand before God. By living with an eternal perspective, we learn to hold our earthly attachments lightly, always ready to follow God's call. This approach does not mean neglecting our responsibilities but integrating them into the mission God has set before us. [02:03]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are overly focused on temporary happiness? How can you shift your focus to align with God's eternal mission today?
Day 2: Unity Through a Common Mission
Unity in marriage is a byproduct of pursuing a common mission. When couples focus on God's kingdom, they find deeper unity and purpose, much like a sports team united in the pursuit of a championship. This mission-oriented approach helps navigate challenges and conflicts, as couples are driven by a higher calling. By prioritizing God's mission, couples can experience a profound sense of togetherness and shared purpose. [07:47]
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you and your spouse or close friend align your goals to pursue a common mission for God's kingdom this week?
Day 3: Finding Satisfaction in Christ
True contentment comes from being satisfied in Christ alone. When we find our fulfillment in Him, we are less likely to place unrealistic expectations on our spouses or children, allowing us to love and serve selflessly. This contentment in Christ frees us from the pressure of seeking satisfaction in worldly achievements or relationships, enabling us to reflect God's love and grace more authentically. [16:12]
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." (Psalm 73:25, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one expectation you have placed on a loved one that may be unrealistic. How can you release this expectation and find your satisfaction in Christ instead?
Day 4: Reflecting God's Glory in Our Lives
In every aspect of our lives, God's glory is at stake. Whether in marriage, work, or daily interactions, we should strive to reflect Christ's love and truth, living as a testimony to His glory. Our ultimate goal is to stand before God and hear Him say, "Well done," knowing that we have lived for His glory and not for our own comfort or success. This perspective encourages us to live intentionally, seeking to honor God in all we do. [11:15]
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can reflect God's glory in your workplace or community today?
Day 5: Raising Warriors for Christ
Our goal should be to raise children who are warriors for Christ, willing to risk everything for the gospel. This requires modeling a life of faith and sacrifice, showing them that God's kingdom is worth any cost. By living out our faith authentically and passionately, we inspire the next generation to embrace their calling and live boldly for Christ. [31:23]
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you model a life of faith and sacrifice to the younger generation in your life this week? What specific actions can you take to inspire them to live for Christ?
Quotes
When we prioritize God's kingdom, everything else falls into place, including our marriages and families. This doesn't mean neglecting our loved ones, but rather integrating them into the mission God has set before us. The Bible often emphasizes the importance of living with an eternal perspective. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul speaks about living as though we have no earthly attachments because the present form of this world is passing away. This doesn't mean we should disregard our responsibilities, but rather that we should hold them lightly, always ready to follow God's call. [00:02:03]
Unity in marriage is not the primary goal but a byproduct of pursuing a common mission. Just like a sports team that unites in the pursuit of a championship, couples who focus on God's mission find a deeper unity and purpose. This mission-oriented approach helps us navigate challenges and conflicts, as we are driven by a higher calling. [00:07:47]
Moreover, our satisfaction should be found in Christ alone. When we are truly content in Him, we are less likely to place unrealistic expectations on our spouses or children. This contentment allows us to love and serve others selflessly, reflecting God's love and grace. Finally, we must remember that our lives are a testimony to God's glory. [00:16:12]
Whether in our marriages, parenting, or daily interactions, we should strive to reflect Christ's love and truth. Our ultimate goal is to stand before God and hear Him say, "Well done," knowing that we have lived for His glory and not for our own comfort or success. [00:11:15]
Our goal should be to raise children who are warriors for Christ, willing to risk everything for the gospel. This requires modeling a life of faith and sacrifice, showing them that God's kingdom is worth any cost. [00:31:23]
Seek first his kingdom and all these things will be added unto you. What we do is we seek first The Good Marriage or we seek first to be an awesome mom or dad instead of seeking first his kingdom and believing that out of that Pursuit our marriage, our parenting, our ministry, everything will come from that one focus and that one pursuit to seek first his kingdom. [00:09:29]
I just want to ask you like when is the last time you even thought about am I am I being married am I in this marriage for the glory of God or have I somehow forgotten that goal that whatever I'm doing is for His glory it's not about me it's not about him when is the last time you really stopped and thought about that. [00:10:23]
God's glory is at stake in how you respond to this situation God's glory is at stake how you work in your workplace and what kind of reputation you have God's glory is at stake in your marriage and how you interact with your husband and how you respond to his leadership and how you choose to love and serve him God's glory is at stake. [00:11:15]
I realized that the stakes were far greater far more immense and Cosmic than merely my satisfaction with a wheelchair and its unpleasant baggage I shifted my focus onto God his glory was at stake and that made my satisfaction in him not satisfaction with the way things were the real issue it was no longer a matter of being content with his plan for my life. [00:12:57]
I want God to say to you well done Lisa you did what you're supposed to do on this Earth come enjoy and not and again that I'm not saying that that's how she gets saved I'm saying at that moment that that idea of well done like you did it you didn't waste those years on that Earth. [00:08:19]
I think a lot of times you know like when we counsel couples which I'm sure a lot of you guys do you know this is the issue we bring it back to is are you satisfied you know let's focus on you as individuals first you know the Bible says the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want does that describe you like I am so in love with the god of the universe. [00:15:00]
You can have a fun yet worthless marriage there are a lot of happy couples that are absolutely worthless in the that's great you guys having fun are you having fun at Disneyland awesome awesome awesome but what are you doing there's a war going on how many disciples have you made you know did your neighbors have they heard the gospel from you. [00:17:12]
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