Upholding the Sanctity and Joy of Marriage
Summary
In today's gathering, I felt compelled to address the pressing issue of marriage in our society. Initially, I had prepared a message on why marriage matters, but after hearing the profound insights from other speakers, I realized the need to pivot and focus on actionable steps we can take to uphold the sanctity of marriage. The Bible commands us to honor marriage, yet today, it is often ridiculed and redefined. As a church, we cannot remain silent. We must affirm the authority of God's word, believe in Jesus' teachings on marriage, and celebrate healthy marriages.
Affirming the authority of God's word is crucial. Our worldview should be grounded in the unchanging truth of Scripture, not in societal trends or opinions. Jesus and the prophets emphasized the eternal nature of God's word, and we must hold firm to these truths, even when they are challenged. Believing what Jesus taught about marriage is equally important. In Mark 10:6-9, Jesus outlines five unchangeable convictions about marriage: gender is God's idea, marriage is God's idea, sex is created for marriage, marriage is the union of a man and a woman, and marriage is meant to be permanent.
Celebrating healthy marriages is not just about defending marriage but also about promoting it as a joyful and fulfilling union. We can do this by sharing testimonies of happy marriages, conducting annual wedding renewal services, and publicly recognizing long-term marriages. Highlighting the benefits of marriage, such as its positive impact on children, women, and men, is essential in a culture that often devalues it.
We must also engage every media platform to promote marriage, countering the negative narratives that dominate the airwaves. By telling better stories about marriage and sex, we can shift the cultural conversation. Facing critics with joy and winsomeness is vital. Our attackers are not our enemies; they are our mission field. We must respond with love and grace, building bridges of understanding.
Finally, we must give people confidence that their marriages can thrive, even in a broken world. By preaching the good news of marriage with hope and faith, we can inspire couples to imagine the potential of their unions. Our primary identity is found in Christ, not in our sins or societal labels. By teaching the purposes of marriage, we can help people understand its true value and significance.
Key Takeaways:
1. Affirm the Authority of God's Word: Our worldview should be based on the eternal truth of Scripture, not on societal trends or opinions. Jesus emphasized that His word will never pass away, and we must hold firm to these truths, even when challenged. Truth remains truth, regardless of popular opinion. [05:09]
2. Believe in Jesus' Teachings on Marriage: Jesus outlined five unchangeable convictions about marriage in Mark 10:6-9. These include the divine origin of gender and marriage, the purpose of sex within marriage, and the permanence of the marital union. These truths are often disputed today, but they remain foundational. [10:17]
3. Celebrate Healthy Marriages: Promoting marriage involves more than defending it; it requires celebrating its joys and benefits. Sharing testimonies, renewing vows, and recognizing long-term marriages can inspire others and highlight the positive impact of marriage on individuals and society. [11:48]
4. Engage Media to Promote Marriage: We must counter negative cultural narratives by telling better stories about marriage and sex. By using media effectively, we can shift the conversation and portray marriage as a joyful and fulfilling union. [19:04]
5. Give People Confidence in Marriage: Preaching the good news of marriage with hope and faith can inspire couples to imagine the potential of their unions. Our primary identity is found in Christ, and by understanding the purposes of marriage, we can help people see its true value. [30:49]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction and Acknowledgments
- [02:40] - Hebrews 13:4 and the Honor of Marriage
- [04:22] - Affirming the Authority of God's Word
- [05:40] - Believing Jesus' Teachings on Marriage
- [10:50] - Celebrating Healthy Marriages
- [16:16] - Developing Small Groups for Marriage Support
- [18:00] - Engaging Media to Promote Marriage
- [22:16] - Facing Critics with Joy and Winsomeness
- [29:20] - Giving People Confidence in Marriage
- [32:18] - Teaching the Purposes of Marriage
- [38:58] - Encouragement to Uphold Biblical Truth
- [40:49] - Running the Race with Purpose
- [41:06] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 13:4 - "Marriage is to be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers."
2. Mark 10:6-9 - "But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what are the five unchangeable convictions about marriage that Jesus outlines in Mark 10:6-9? [06:30]
2. How does the sermon describe the current societal view of marriage, and what are some of the negative perceptions mentioned? [03:04]
3. What are some ways the sermon suggests we can celebrate healthy marriages within the church community? [11:48]
4. How does the sermon propose we should engage with media to promote a positive narrative about marriage? [19:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to affirm the authority of God's word in the context of marriage, and why is this important according to the sermon? [05:09]
2. How might the five convictions about marriage outlined by Jesus in Mark 10:6-9 challenge current societal norms? [10:17]
3. In what ways can celebrating healthy marriages serve as a defense against the negative cultural narratives about marriage? [11:48]
4. How can Christians effectively use media to counteract the negative portrayals of marriage and promote its true value? [19:04]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own view of marriage. How does it align with the biblical teachings discussed in the sermon? What steps can you take to ensure your worldview is grounded in Scripture? [05:09]
2. Consider the five convictions about marriage from Mark 10:6-9. Which of these do you find most challenging to uphold in today's society, and why? [10:17]
3. How can you personally contribute to celebrating and promoting healthy marriages within your church or community? Are there specific actions you can take this month? [11:48]
4. Think about the media you consume. How does it shape your perception of marriage? What changes can you make to ensure you are engaging with content that aligns with biblical values? [19:04]
5. How can you respond with love and grace to those who criticize or misunderstand the biblical view of marriage? Can you think of a recent situation where you could have applied this approach? [22:53]
6. In what ways can you support couples in your community to build confidence in their marriages? Are there specific resources or support systems you can recommend or create? [30:49]
7. Reflect on your primary identity in Christ. How does this understanding influence your view and practice of marriage? What steps can you take to deepen this identity in your daily life? [31:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Grounding Our Worldview in Scripture
Our worldview should be anchored in the eternal truth of Scripture, not swayed by societal trends or opinions. The Bible is a steadfast guide, offering wisdom and direction in a world that often shifts its values. Jesus emphasized the enduring nature of God's word, reminding us that truth remains constant, regardless of popular opinion. In a culture that frequently challenges biblical principles, it is crucial to hold firm to these truths, allowing them to shape our understanding and actions. By affirming the authority of God's word, we align ourselves with a divine perspective that transcends time and culture. [05:09]
"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your daily decisions are guided by the unchanging truths of Scripture rather than the shifting opinions of society?
Day 2: Embracing Jesus' Teachings on Marriage
Jesus' teachings on marriage, as outlined in Mark 10:6-9, provide a foundation for understanding the divine purpose of this sacred union. He presents five unchangeable convictions: gender and marriage are God's ideas, sex is designed for marriage, marriage is the union of a man and a woman, and it is meant to be permanent. These truths are often contested in today's world, yet they remain essential for a biblical understanding of marriage. By embracing these teachings, we acknowledge the divine design and purpose behind marriage, allowing it to flourish as God intended. [10:17]
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed." (Genesis 2:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate Jesus' teachings on marriage into your own relationships, whether you are married or single, to reflect God's design and purpose?
Day 3: Celebrating the Joys of Marriage
Celebrating healthy marriages involves more than defending the institution; it requires highlighting the joys and benefits that come with it. By sharing testimonies of happy marriages, conducting vow renewal services, and recognizing long-term unions, we can inspire others and demonstrate the positive impact of marriage on individuals and society. Marriage is a joyful and fulfilling union that benefits not only the couple but also their children and community. By promoting these positive aspects, we can counteract the cultural narrative that often devalues marriage. [11:48]
"Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love." (Proverbs 5:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can celebrate and support healthy marriages within your community or church?
Day 4: Shifting Cultural Narratives Through Media
In a world where negative narratives about marriage and sex often dominate the media, it is essential to engage these platforms to tell better stories. By using media effectively, we can shift the conversation and portray marriage as a joyful and fulfilling union. This involves countering negative portrayals with positive, hope-filled stories that reflect the true beauty and purpose of marriage. By doing so, we can influence the cultural conversation and inspire others to see marriage in a new light. [19:04]
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your own social media presence or other platforms to promote positive narratives about marriage and relationships?
Day 5: Inspiring Confidence in Marriage
Preaching the good news of marriage with hope and faith can inspire couples to imagine the potential of their unions. In a broken world, it is vital to give people confidence that their marriages can thrive. Our primary identity is found in Christ, and by understanding the purposes of marriage, we can help people see its true value. By teaching these principles, we can encourage couples to build strong, lasting relationships that reflect God's love and purpose. [30:49]
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to strengthen your marriage or support others in their marital journey, trusting in God's design and purpose?
Quotes
"Marriage is to be honored by everybody whether you're single married divorced annuled widowed the Bible says you are to honor marriage now sadly today we all know marriage is Dishonored by a lot of people it's dismissed as archaic man-made tradition it's denounced as an enemy of women it's discouraged as a clear career limiting Choice it's demeaned in movies and television it's delayed out of fear that it will limit one's personal freedom so today instead of being honored marriage is ridiculed resented rejected and redefined." [00:02:56]
"Affirm the authority of God's word that's the starting point we don't base our worldview on fads or feelings or opinions or political correctness we build our lives on the unchanging truth of God's word Jesus affirmed Heaven and Earth will pass away but my word will never pass away Isaiah affirmed the grass withers and the flower Fades but the word of God abides forever and David affirmed your word oh Lord is eternal it stands firm in the heavens." [00:04:30]
"Believe what Jesus taught about marriage we just need to believe it what Jesus taught about marriage and in Mark 10: 6 to9 we have the owner's manual for marriage in America we have a phrase when in doubt check the owner's manual and in Mark 10: 6-9 Jesus quotes the Old Testament and gives us as I said the owner's manual and marriage a lot of speakers have referred to this let me read it to you from the new Living Translation God's plan has been seen from the very beginning of creation when he made us male and female." [00:05:32]
"Celebrate healthy marriages it's not enough to defend marriage we have to celebrate it we have to celebrate it uh we have to be a proponent of what's right not simply an opponent of what's wrong uh we have to offer an appealing alternative uh to the empty promises of the world and celebrating and highlighting and honoring marriage I believe is the best defense when you show people what's real." [00:10:43]
"Use testimonies of happy marriages in your church services we need more testimonies people need less uh hear a sermon they need more see a sermon and both single adults and married couples are actually inspired more by example than they are by exhortation so we have these testimonies in our church but people never hear them and if you could can incorporate them into your services um a marriage doesn't have have to be perfect to be healthy." [00:11:31]
"Engage every media to promote marriage this is something we really need to do we need to engage every single media to promote marriage right now friends the church is being outmarketed by the opponents of marriage everybody agree with that um and the minority view is getting the majority of the press that's right abolutely and they're they're the minority they're so far the minority and yet you would think that they were uh the majority." [00:18:07]
"Whichever side tells the best stories wins there you go so we have to tell better stories about marriage and about sex I was so excited and I was telling myor Steven how much I appreciate these videos we've been watching we need more of these and every every church should show these and and use them in your services so that we're not just the ones that are seeing them but that but that everybody is seeing them and we need more TV shows we need more movies that portray joyful committed marriages." [00:18:49]
"Face attackers with joy and winsomeness we must face attackers the critics with joy and yes there's a a raging cultural battle uh but the Bible says we don't use the weapons of this world we don't use the weapons of this world and the Bible says you overcome evil with what yeah good with good and and the Bible tells us to bless those who curse you these attackers are not the enemy they are the mission field." [00:22:32]
"Give people confidence that their marriage can make it uh two of the Catholic leaders that I respect the most and I've talked about this Archbishop kurts told me he said Rick we must restore confidence that even in a broken world the biblical marriage is attainable brilliant and uh and Cardinal chapw right here said has said Believers don't have the luxury of pessimism that's great we must give people confidence we must preach the good news about marriage with Hope and Faith not Doom and Gloom." [00:29:20]
"Help people see that their primary identity is found in Christ not their sins or any other distinction help people see that their primary identity is in Christ not their sins or any other distinction before I left Los Angeles I had lunch with uh Archbishop Gomez and we talked about this um issue of identity which we both feel very deeply about let me just give you an example at Saddleback we have a recovery program based on the Beatitudes." [00:30:58]
"Teach the purposes of marriage you cannot value something you don't understand its purpose now anytime we forget God's purpose for any of his gifts that gift's going to be misused abused confused wasted perverted and even destroyed it's true of your time your money your health um your gifts your freedom your sexuality even even marriage now the Bible primarily in Genesis uh gives us the six purposes of marriage." [00:32:18]
"The church cannot be Salt and Light in a crumbling culture if we cave into the sexual Revolution and if we failed to provide a counterculture witness it is a total myth that we must compromise and give up on biblical truth and marriage in order to evangelize people say well the reason people aren't coming to church is because we're too we're too s that's just not true 20 years ago I wrote a book called The purpose-driven Church and the subtitle of that book was called growth without compromising your message and your mission." [00:38:58]
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