Covenant vs. Consumption: Strengthening Marital Relationships

 

Summary

In my sermon, I emphasized the importance of understanding the difference between a covenant and consumption mindset in relationships, particularly in marriage. I explained that a consumption mindset is self-centered, focusing on personal desires and happiness, and is quick to abandon the relationship when these are not met. On the other hand, a covenant mindset is committed, understanding that happiness and fulfillment come from God, not from the spouse. It is steadfast and does not abandon the relationship when personal desires are not met, recognizing that no human being can fulfill all of another's needs.

I further elaborated on God's view of marriage as a covenant partnership, aimed at glorifying Him and serving one another. This covenant relationship contributes to the flourishing of our homes, our children, our neighborhoods, our towns, our cities, and the world. I stressed the need to fight for our families because abandoning the covenant has generational repercussions.

Key Takeaways:
- A covenant mindset in marriage is committed and understands that fulfillment comes from God, not the spouse. ([00:33 ])
- God's view of marriage is a covenant partnership aimed at glorifying Him and serving one another. ([00:33 ])
- Abandoning the covenant in marriage has generational repercussions. ([00:33 ])
- A covenant relationship contributes to the flourishing of our homes, children, neighborhoods, towns, cities, and the world. ([00:33 ])
- We must fight for our families and uphold the covenant in our marriages. ([00:33 ])

Study Guide

Bible Reading:
1) Genesis 2:24 [00:33 ]
2) Ephesians 5:25-33 [00:33 ]
3) 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 [00:33 ]

Observation Questions:
1) What does Genesis 2:24 tell us about God's design for marriage?
2) How does Ephesians 5:25-33 describe the relationship between Christ and the church, and how does this relate to marriage?
3) What does 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 say about the permanence of marriage?

Interpretation Questions:
1) How does the concept of covenant in marriage contrast with the idea of consumption in relationships?
2) How does the relationship between Christ and the church, as described in Ephesians 5, inform our understanding of marriage?
3) What implications does the permanence of marriage, as described in 1 Corinthians 7, have for our understanding of commitment and covenant?

Application Questions:
1) How can you apply the concept of covenant, rather than consumption, in your relationships this week?
2) What is one way you can serve your spouse (or future spouse) this week to reflect Christ's love for the church?
3) How can you seek fulfillment in God, rather than expecting your spouse or others to meet all of your needs?
4) How can you contribute to the flourishing of your home, neighborhood, or city in a way that reflects God's design for marriage?
5) Can you think of a time when you were tempted to abandon a commitment because your desires weren't being met? How can you respond differently in the future?

Devotional

Day 1: Covenant Over Consumption

In our relationships, especially in marriage, we are called to choose covenant over consumption. This means that we commit to staying, serving, and glorifying God together, even when our desires are not being met or when we are not happy. We recognize that our partner was never meant to fulfill all our needs, only God can do that. This covenantal perspective leads to the flourishing of our homes, children, neighborhoods, towns, cities, and the world. #!!00:33!!

Malachi 2:14 - "Yet you say, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant."

Reflection: Reflect on your relationships. Are there areas where you are choosing consumption over covenant? How can you shift towards a covenantal perspective?

Day 2: Fight for Your Family

We must fight for our families because covenant abandonment has generational repercussions. When we abandon our commitments, it doesn't just affect us, but it impacts our children and their children. We are called to fight for our families, to uphold our commitments, and to break the cycle of abandonment. #!!00:33!!

Exodus 20:5 - "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,"

Reflection: How can you fight for your family today? What commitments do you need to uphold?

Day 3: God as the Fulfiller of Needs

We must recognize that God is the only one who can fulfill all our needs. Our partners, friends, or family members were never meant to fulfill all our needs. When we look to others to meet our needs, we set them up for failure and ourselves for disappointment. Instead, we should look to God, the only one who can truly satisfy us. #!!00:33!!

Psalm 107:9 - "For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things."

Reflection: Are there needs you are expecting others to fulfill that only God can? How can you shift your expectations towards God?

Day 4: Marriage as a Partnership

God's view of marriage is a partnership to glorify Him and serve one another. It's not about personal happiness or fulfillment, but about serving God and each other. This perspective shifts our focus from what we can get out of the relationship to what we can give, leading to a more fulfilling and God-honoring marriage. #!!00:33!!

Ecclesiastes 4:9 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil."

Reflection: How can you serve your partner today? How can your relationship glorify God?

Day 5: The Impact of Covenant Living

Living in covenant with others leads to the flourishing of our homes, children, neighborhoods, towns, cities, and the world. When we commit to staying, serving, and glorifying God together, it has a ripple effect that impacts not just us, but those around us and even the world. #!!00:33!!

Jeremiah 29:7 - "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."

Reflection: How can your commitment to covenant living impact those around you? How can you seek the welfare of your community?

Quotes

1. "We have to fight for our families because Covenant abandonment has generational repercussions." This quote emphasizes the importance of commitment and the long-term effects of our actions on our families. 00:00

2. "Consumption says when my desires aren't being met I'm out. Covenant says I'm not going anywhere." This quote contrasts the self-centered nature of consumption with the selfless commitment of a covenant. 00:00

3. "I'm not looking to you for my happiness, I look to the Lord." This quote reminds us that true happiness comes from God, not from other people or worldly things. 00:00

4. "I know and I recognize that you were never meant to fulfill all of my needs. God is the only one who can do that." This quote emphasizes the importance of looking to God for fulfillment, rather than expecting others to meet all of our needs. 00:00

5. "God's view of marriage is Covenant marriage, partnering together to glorify God, to serve one another for the flourishing of our homes, our children, our neighborhoods, our towns, our cities, and of the world." This quote encapsulates the sermon's main point about the purpose and importance of covenant marriage. 00:00