Prioritizing God and Marriage: A Divine Covenant
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound truth that God must be our first priority, and our spouse our second. This is the foundation upon which all other relationships and aspects of our lives must be built. We delved into the sacredness of marriage, a divine institution established by God, not by human governments or courts. Marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman for life, and it requires unwavering commitment and work.
We confronted the reality that many marriages end not because they are unsalvageable, but because couples are unwilling to put in the necessary effort. We were reminded that less than 5% of divorces occur because the marriage was deemed unsavable. This statistic challenges us to persevere through difficulties, knowing that most issues within marriage can be resolved with time and dedication.
We also addressed the importance of prioritizing our spouse over our children, jobs, and even our phones. Our children are a temporary assignment, while marriage is a lifetime commitment. By investing in our marriage, we are ultimately investing in our children's future and their understanding of love and commitment.
Furthermore, we tackled the sensitive topic of sexuality within marriage, emphasizing that a marriage built solely on physical intimacy is destined to fail. Instead, we must cultivate a relationship that is grounded in God's love and the mutual respect and care for one another.
As we move forward, we must remember that our marriages and relationships are a reflection of our relationship with God. When we place God at the center of our lives, all other relationships, including our marriage, will align correctly. We must protect this divine order diligently, ensuring that God remains our number one priority and our spouse our second.
Key Takeaways:
1. God is the architect of marriage, and it is our responsibility to honor this divine institution by keeping Him as our first priority. When we do so, our marriages become a testament to His design and purpose for our lives. This requires daily commitment to prayer, worship, and the study of His Word, both individually and with our spouse. [42:33]
2. Marriage is not a convenience but a covenant that demands our utmost effort and dedication. It is a reflection of Christ's love for the church, and as such, we must be willing to work tirelessly to uphold its sanctity. This means actively choosing to love our spouse, even when it is difficult, and seeking God's guidance in every step of our marital journey. [49:04]
3. Prioritizing our spouse over our children is not only biblical but also essential for a healthy family dynamic. By modeling a strong marital relationship, we teach our children the importance of commitment and the beauty of a love that endures. This is a legacy that will impact generations to come. [01:09:11]
4. Transparency and honesty in marriage are non-negotiable. We must be willing to confront our weaknesses and seek forgiveness and healing. This vulnerability before God and our spouse strengthens our bond and aligns our marriage with God's will for purity and fidelity. [01:07:23]
5. The true measure of love in marriage is not found in the easy times but in the willingness to stand firm through trials. Love is a choice that we make daily, and it is through this choice that we reflect the unwavering love of Christ for His church. Let us choose love, choose God, and choose to honor our marriage covenant every day. [53:09]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV)
> "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
2. Genesis 2:24 (ESV)
> "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
3. Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)
> "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Deuteronomy 6:4-5, what is the greatest commandment given to Israel? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on prioritizing God first? [58:48]
2. In Genesis 2:24, what does it mean for a man to "leave" his father and mother and "hold fast" to his wife? How does this concept support the sermon’s message about the sanctity of marriage? [01:02:02]
3. Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. What are some characteristics of Christ’s love for the church that husbands are called to emulate? [01:11:03]
4. The sermon mentioned that less than 5% of divorces occur because the marriage was deemed unsavable. What does this statistic suggest about the effort required in marriage? [49:33]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does prioritizing God as the number one in your life influence your relationship with your spouse? Reflect on the sermon’s point that God must be our first priority and our spouse our second. [58:48]
2. What are some practical ways a husband can love his wife as Christ loved the church, according to Ephesians 5:25? How does this sacrificial love impact the health of a marriage? [01:11:03]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of not quitting on marriage. What are some common challenges that couples face, and how can they work through these challenges instead of giving up? [49:33]
4. The sermon discussed the idea of transparency and honesty in marriage. Why is vulnerability important in a marital relationship, and how does it strengthen the bond between spouses? [01:07:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Is God truly your number one priority, and is your spouse your second? What changes can you make to ensure this divine order is maintained? [58:48]
2. Think about a recent conflict or challenge in your marriage. How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently to reflect Christ’s love and commitment? [49:33]
3. How do you currently invest in your marriage? Identify one specific action you can take this week to prioritize your spouse over other commitments, such as work or children. [01:09:11]
4. Transparency and honesty were highlighted as crucial for a healthy marriage. Is there an area in your relationship where you need to be more open and honest with your spouse? How can you start that conversation? [01:07:23]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of modeling a strong marital relationship for your children. What are some ways you can demonstrate a healthy and loving marriage to your children? [01:09:11]
6. Consider the role of physical intimacy in your marriage. How can you ensure that your relationship is not solely based on physical intimacy but also grounded in mutual respect and God’s love? [57:22]
7. The sermon discussed the impact of external influences, such as family and friends, on marriage. How can you set healthy boundaries to protect your marriage from negative external influences? [52:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Honoring God's Blueprint for Marriage
Marriage is an institution designed by God, and it is imperative to recognize His sovereignty in this sacred covenant. By placing God at the center of a marriage, couples can ensure that their relationship aligns with His divine purpose. This commitment to God is not a one-time act but a daily pursuit that involves prayer, worship, and studying the Word. It is through these spiritual disciplines that individuals and couples grow closer to God, allowing His design for marriage to manifest in their lives. When God is the first priority, the marriage relationship reflects His glory and becomes a testament to His love and faithfulness. [42:33]
"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 incorporate daily spiritual disciplines into your life to keep God as the foundation of your marriage?
Day 2: The Covenant of Tireless Love
Understanding marriage as a covenant rather than a convenience calls for an unwavering dedication to one's spouse. This perspective mirrors Christ's love for the church—a love that is selfless, enduring, and active. To uphold the sanctity of this covenant, one must choose to love their spouse, especially in challenging times, and seek divine guidance to navigate the marital journey. This commitment is not passive; it requires conscious, consistent effort to foster a relationship that honors God and exemplifies the love of Christ. [49:04]
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." - Romans 12:9 ESV
Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate tireless love to your spouse today, especially in an area that is challenging?
Day 3: Legacy of Prioritized Love
Prioritizing one's spouse over children and other responsibilities is a biblical principle that strengthens the marital bond and sets a powerful example for future generations. By investing in the marital relationship, parents provide their children with a model of commitment and enduring love. This legacy of prioritized love teaches children the value of relationships and the beauty of a covenant that withstands the test of time. [01:09:11]
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." - Joshua 24:15b ESV
Reflection: How can you intentionally prioritize your spouse today in a way that models a strong marital relationship for your children or those around you?
Day 4: The Strength of Vulnerability
Transparency and honesty are the cornerstones of a strong marriage. Being vulnerable with one's spouse about weaknesses and seeking forgiveness leads to healing and a fortified bond. This openness is not only before each other but also before God, aligning the marriage with His will for purity and fidelity. Such vulnerability requires courage and humility but is essential for a marriage that seeks to honor God in every aspect. [01:07:23]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." - James 5:16 ESV
Reflection: What is one area in your marriage where you need to practice vulnerability, and how can you take the first step towards transparency today?
Day 5: Choosing Love in Trials
The true measure of love in a marriage is not found in the absence of conflict but in the choice to remain steadfast during trials. Love is a daily decision to stand firm, reflecting Christ's unwavering love for His church. By choosing love, couples honor their marriage covenant and demonstrate the power of God's love to overcome any obstacle. This choice is a testament to the strength and resilience of a marriage built on the foundation of Christ's example. [53:09]
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge in your marriage. How can you choose to demonstrate love in the midst of this trial today?
Quotes
"Marriage is of God. It is not a governmental institution. And marriage, in the very beginning, was a relationship that God deemed between one man and one woman for all of their lives." [48:10] (Download | )
"Less than 5% of divorces say their marriage couldn't be saved. What does that tell you? It tells you they didn't want to work at it. Marriage takes work." [49:04] (Download | )
"Children are important, but not as important as your marriage. If you want to love your kids, invest in your marriage." [01:09:11] (Download | )
"If your marriage is built on sex, it is built on failure. There's more to all of this. There's a priority. In fact, in the world that we live in today, I call it the Disney priority. You won't be fulfilled until you meet the one." [57:55] (Download | )
"God is your one and your spouse is your two. If you find the one, you'll be able to find the two. If you put the one first, then the two will appear." [58:27] (Download | )
"Marriage is work. Can I say it today? We live in one of the laziest societies that's ever existed... But in America, marriage is a union of convenience. It is a union where we don't really honor that God is the one who brought it together." [51:47] (Download | )
"God is a jealous God. He wants to be first. Your spouse should want to be second. There is legitimate jealousy." [01:07:52] (Download | )
"Who is your number one? Because everything else will fall in line when number one is Jesus Christ." [58:27] (Download | )
"Protect these priorities at any cost. I promise God will be my first priority and my spouse will be my second." [01:22:35] (Download | )
"Marriage matters. And marriage takes work. For God's sake, you can go to the continent of India and when you're in India, people get married to each other without even meeting each other and stay married their entire lives." [51:47] (Download | )
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?