Marriage as a Mission: Glorifying God Together
Summary
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, relationships, and personal ambitions. Yet, amidst all this, it's crucial to remember the greater purpose that God has for us. Our lives, including our marriages, are not just about personal happiness or comfort but about fulfilling God's mission. This perspective shifts our focus from merely maintaining a happy marriage to pursuing a life that glorifies God and advances His kingdom.
Reflecting on the story of being pulled over by a state trooper, I was reminded of the mercy and grace that God extends to us daily. It's easy to make assumptions about others, especially those in leadership, thinking they have everything together. However, as Jesus warned the church in Sardis, appearances can be deceiving. We must be vigilant in our spiritual walk, ensuring that our lives align with God's truth and purpose.
Marriage, while a beautiful gift, is not the ultimate goal. It's a reflection of the greater relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5 speaks to this mystery, emphasizing the union between God and His people. Our earthly marriages should point to this divine relationship, reminding us that our ultimate devotion is to God.
Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 7 challenge us to live with an eternal perspective. He advises those who are married to live as though they are not, not to neglect their spouses, but to prioritize their devotion to the Lord. This doesn't mean abandoning our responsibilities but rather integrating our lives and marriages into God's mission.
The analogy of "The Amazing Race" illustrates how our marriages should function. We are partners in a race, working together to reach the ultimate goal of standing before God and hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This mission-focused mindset transforms our relationships, reducing conflicts and fostering unity as we pursue God's calling together.
Key Takeaways:
- Assumptions and Reality: It's easy to assume that those around us, especially leaders, have everything together. However, like the church in Sardis, appearances can be deceiving. We must be intentional in our relationships, asking meaningful questions and supporting each other in our spiritual journeys. [02:54]
- Marriage and Mission: While marriage is a significant part of life, it is not the ultimate goal. Our marriages should reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church, pointing others to the greater reality of God's love and purpose. [04:38]
- Eternal Perspective: Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7 to live as though we are not married challenges us to prioritize our devotion to God. This eternal perspective helps us integrate our lives and marriages into God's mission, ensuring that our focus remains on Him. [10:34]
- The Amazing Race Analogy: Our marriages should resemble a race, where partners work together towards a common goal. This mission-focused mindset reduces conflicts and fosters unity, as we strive to fulfill God's calling in our lives. [17:39]
- Action and Faith: We are called to live by faith, taking action in response to God's word. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones, trusting God, and pursuing His mission, even when it seems daunting. [36:47]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Travel Challenges and Mercy
- [02:13] - Assumptions in Relationships
- [03:24] - Reputation vs. Reality
- [04:07] - The Bigger Picture
- [05:12] - Sacred Ground of Marriage
- [06:50] - Emphasis of Scripture
- [07:18] - Return to God
- [09:32] - Living with Eternal Perspective
- [11:21] - Undivided Devotion
- [13:39] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [17:11] - The Amazing Race Analogy
- [19:28] - Finishing the Race
- [21:23] - Happy but Worthless Marriages
- [25:49] - Focus on Mission
- [36:47] - Assume Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 5:31-32
2. 1 Corinthians 7:29-35
3. Revelation 3:1-3
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Observation Questions:
1. In Ephesians 5:31-32, what is the "mystery" that Paul refers to, and how does it relate to the relationship between Christ and the Church?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 7:29-35, what does Paul mean when he advises those who are married to live as though they are not? How does this relate to the concept of undivided devotion to the Lord?
3. In Revelation 3:1-3, what warning does Jesus give to the church in Sardis, and how does this relate to the theme of appearances versus reality? [03:24]
4. How does the analogy of "The Amazing Race" illustrate the mission-focused mindset in marriage, as discussed in the sermon? [17:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the relationship between Christ and the Church, as described in Ephesians 5, serve as a model for earthly marriages? What implications does this have for how we view marriage?
2. What might Paul be suggesting about the priorities of married life in 1 Corinthians 7:29-35? How can this perspective help believers integrate their marriages into God's mission?
3. How can the warning to the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1-3 be applied to our personal spiritual lives and relationships? What does it mean to have a reputation for being alive but being spiritually dead?
4. How does the sermon suggest that focusing on God's mission can transform relationships and reduce conflicts? What practical steps can couples take to adopt this mission-focused mindset? [22:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own marriage or close relationships. How can you ensure that they reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church, as described in Ephesians 5? What specific changes might you need to make?
2. In what ways can you prioritize your devotion to God in your daily life, as Paul advises in 1 Corinthians 7? Are there specific areas where your interests are divided, and how can you address them?
3. Consider the warning to the church in Sardis. Are there areas in your life where you might be relying on appearances rather than genuine spiritual vitality? How can you address these areas? [03:24]
4. How can you and your spouse or close partner work together as a team, similar to the analogy of "The Amazing Race," to pursue God's calling in your lives? What specific goals can you set to foster unity and reduce conflicts? [17:39]
5. Think about a recent conflict or challenge in your marriage or a close relationship. How might adopting an eternal perspective, as discussed in the sermon, change the way you approach such situations? [22:23]
6. Identify one assumption you have made about someone in your life, especially a leader or someone in a position of authority. How can you take steps to understand their reality better and support them in their spiritual journey? [02:54]
7. Reflect on the concept of living by faith and taking action in response to God's word. What is one specific area in your life where you feel called to step out of your comfort zone and trust God more fully? [36:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Assumptions and Reality
In our daily interactions, it's easy to assume that those around us, especially leaders, have everything together. However, appearances can be deceiving, as highlighted by the warning to the church in Sardis. We must be intentional in our relationships, asking meaningful questions and supporting each other in our spiritual journeys. This involves recognizing that everyone, regardless of their position, faces struggles and challenges. By fostering genuine connections, we can help each other align our lives with God's truth and purpose. [02:54]
Revelation 3:1-2 (ESV): "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God."
Reflection: Think of a leader or someone you admire. How can you reach out to them this week to offer genuine support and encouragement in their spiritual journey?
Day 2: Marriage and Mission
Marriage is a significant part of life, but it is not the ultimate goal. Our marriages should reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church, pointing others to the greater reality of God's love and purpose. This perspective shifts our focus from personal happiness to fulfilling God's mission together. By viewing marriage as a partnership in God's work, we can better align our relationships with His divine plan, using our union to demonstrate His love to the world. [04:38]
Ephesians 5:31-32 (ESV): "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."
Reflection: How can you and your spouse intentionally reflect the love and unity of Christ and the Church in your daily interactions with others?
Day 3: Eternal Perspective
Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7 challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing our devotion to God. This doesn't mean neglecting our responsibilities but integrating our lives and marriages into God's mission. By focusing on eternity, we can ensure that our actions and decisions align with His purpose, allowing us to live fully devoted to Him. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with a focus on what truly matters. [10:34]
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (ESV): "This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal priorities today?
Day 4: The Amazing Race Analogy
Our marriages should resemble a race, where partners work together towards a common goal. This mission-focused mindset reduces conflicts and fosters unity, as we strive to fulfill God's calling in our lives. By viewing our relationships as a partnership in God's race, we can support each other in reaching the ultimate goal of standing before God and hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This perspective transforms our interactions, encouraging us to work together in harmony. [17:39]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: How can you and your spouse work together this week to overcome a specific challenge or pursue a shared goal in your spiritual journey?
Day 5: Action and Faith
We are called to live by faith, taking action in response to God's word. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones, trusting God, and pursuing His mission, even when it seems daunting. By embracing this call, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us, growing in our faith and impacting the world around us. This requires courage and a willingness to follow God's leading, trusting that He will guide us every step of the way. [36:47]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one specific step of faith you can take this week to act on God's calling in your life, even if it feels uncomfortable or challenging?
Quotes
Our lives, including our marriages, are not just about personal happiness or comfort but about fulfilling God's mission. This perspective shifts our focus from merely maintaining a happy marriage to pursuing a life that glorifies God and advances His kingdom. [00:03:41]
Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 7 challenge us to live with an eternal perspective. He advises those who are married to live as though they are not, not to neglect their spouses, but to prioritize their devotion to the Lord. This doesn't mean abandoning our responsibilities but rather integrating our lives and marriages into God's mission. [00:09:25]
The analogy of "The Amazing Race" illustrates how our marriages should function. We are partners in a race, working together to reach the ultimate goal of standing before God and hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This mission-focused mindset transforms our relationships, reducing conflicts and fostering unity as we pursue God's calling together. [00:17:12]
It's easy to assume that those around us, especially leaders, have everything together. However, like the church in Sardis, appearances can be deceiving. We must be intentional in our relationships, asking meaningful questions and supporting each other in our spiritual journeys. [00:02:54]
Marriage, while a beautiful gift, is not the ultimate goal. It's a reflection of the greater relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5 speaks to this mystery, emphasizing the union between God and His people. Our earthly marriages should point to this divine relationship, reminding us that our ultimate devotion is to God. [00:04:38]
We are called to live by faith, taking action in response to God's word. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones, trusting God, and pursuing His mission, even when it seems daunting. [00:36:47]
Our marriages should resemble a race, where partners work together towards a common goal. This mission-focused mindset reduces conflicts and fosters unity, as we strive to fulfill God's calling in our lives. [00:17:39]
Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7 to live as though we are not married challenges us to prioritize our devotion to God. This eternal perspective helps us integrate our lives and marriages into God's mission, ensuring that our focus remains on Him. [00:10:34]
Assumptions and Reality: It's easy to assume that those around us, especially leaders, have everything together. However, like the church in Sardis, appearances can be deceiving. We must be intentional in our relationships, asking meaningful questions and supporting each other in our spiritual journeys. [00:02:54]
Marriage and Mission: While marriage is a significant part of life, it is not the ultimate goal. Our marriages should reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church, pointing others to the greater reality of God's love and purpose. [00:04:38]
Eternal Perspective: Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7 to live as though we are not married challenges us to prioritize our devotion to God. This eternal perspective helps us integrate our lives and marriages into God's mission, ensuring that our focus remains on Him. [00:10:34]
The Amazing Race Analogy: Our marriages should resemble a race, where partners work together towards a common goal. This mission-focused mindset reduces conflicts and fosters unity, as we strive to fulfill God's calling in our lives. [00:17:39]
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