IS YOUR MARRIAGE HEALTHY, HAPPY AND IN HARMONY WITH THE WILL OF GOD?

“WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT KEEPING OUR MARRIAGES STRONG”

 INTRO.

 

1. Matt. 19:6 – It is sin to put asunder our marriage ["divorce," depart, separate; derived from the idea of a chasm (chora), an empty expanse, such as the countryside between villages].

 

2. Heb. 13:4 – Marriage is an honorable institution & is to be honored by all people, including those who are married.

 

3. Gen. 2:18, 23-24 – God endorses marriage & provides for its success.

 

4. Question is: Will we obey His will in our marriage so that it can succeed?!

 

5. Six truths to help keep your marriage strong:

 

 

 

I. CHARACTER IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TECHNIQUE.

 

1. Common mistake: Thinking things constitute happiness in a marriage, rather than being the right kind of person. 2 Cor. 8:12

 

-Example: 1 Tim. 6:10.

 

2. The Character Of Christ (Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:10):

 

-Love – Eph. 5:25; Titus 2:4; Eph. 5:2.

 

-Humility (not selfish pride) – Phil. 2:3-4.

 

-Honesty – Eph. 5:25.

 

(Generates trust, security & commitment between you – Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5).

 

 

 

II. LOVE KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS.

 

· Of your partner’s sins – 1 Cor. 13:5-7.

 

· Of your goodness (“I’ve done…, therefore I deserve…”) – 1 Cor. 13:4.

 

-Kindly forgiving each other – Eph. 4:32.

 

-Healing – Eph. 4:31.

 

 

 

III. BEING IN A MARRIAGE CARRIES AN OBLIGATION TO COMMUNICATE.

 

· Be honest & open with each other. No secrets!

 

· By listening:

 

-To each other – Jas. 1:19.

 

-To instruction – Prov. 19:20.

 

-To wisdom – Prov. 8:32.

 

· By talking:

 

-Plainly – Gal. 4:16; cf. 1 Cor. 14:9.

 

-Kindly – Jas. 3:9-12; cf. Prov. 14:3; 15:1-2; 20:3; 25:11.

 

-Often – Prov. 12:25; 15:23.

 

 

 

IV. FORGIVENESS IS A CHOICE, NOT A FEELING.

 

· A constant choice – Matt. 18:21-22.

 

· A choice of the heart – Matt. 18:35.

 

· A choice of mercy – Matt. 6:14-15.

 

 

 

V. LOVE IS A COMMITMENT, NOT A FEELING.

 

· It is a decision of will which is carried out by action – Matt. 5:44-45.

 

-Husbands: As Christ loved the church; as you love yourself – Eph. 5:25, 28-29; 1 Pet. 3:7.

 

-Wives: As the church loves Christ – Eph. 5:24 (cf. Jno. 14:15); 1 Pet. 3:5-6.

 

· Must decide to have an overriding commitment to each other which is far deeper than the flesh & emotions.

 

 

 

VI. READING MINDS IS NOT SOMETHING HUMAN BEINGS DO WELL.

 

· 1 Cor. 2:11 – Therefore…

 

-Don’t assume…verify! 1 Tim. 6:4 (evil suspicions/surmising).

 

-Communicate (discuss & resolve – Matt. 5:23-24).

 

· This is greatly helped when trust is established & maintained in a marriage.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

1. Everyone faces challenges in marriage.

 

2. Those who succeed work at keeping their marriage healthy, happy & in harmony with the will of God!

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