Sermon Central
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Marriage As Christ Modeled
Contributed by Kemuel Travis on Feb 15, 2006 (message contributor)
Summary: To show that Christ’s relationship with us gives us a wonderful picture of what our marriages should be like.
INTRODUCTION
Our society is full of many so called “Urban Myths”
These are stories that are claimed to be facts and likewise widely distributed and believed, yet with no basis to them at all
One such myth came into popularity in the 90’s when it was said that the uncooked rice thrown at couples following their wedding ceremonies would swell in their stomachs causing them to bust and resulting in a tragic death for the feathered friend
Therefore, the tradition of throwing rice in our day has been replaced with bird seed, confetti, silly string and bubbles
Yet, there is no truth to the idea that uncooked rice will kill birds. In fact, there are no known cases of birds dying from eating uncooked rice and many including the red-winged blackbirds, bobolinks and house sparrows eat it all the time in the wild.
There is an even more insidious myth prevalent today, although it doesn’t necessarily fit the “Urban Myth” category
This is the thought that marriage is an outdated institution
Why wouldn’t they think this when they see the divorce rate for first time marriages at nearly 50%, even within the church among professing Christians
Besides, it’s convenient and easy to just live together
without marriage, no need to commit, no need to have legal entanglements, no marriage penalty on income taxes
Yet, this is all very cynical and self-serving, and it is certainly not God’s plan for man and woman, which is one man and one woman for a lifetime
So, how do we make our marriages work in a world where everything seems to be stacked against traditional marriage: by following the example of Christ in His relationship with us, the Bride of Christ
<Ephesians 5:1-2, 22-33>
Six examples Christ demonstrates to us, His bride, that we need to incorporate into our marriages to make them as successful as they can be
I. Cherish Each Other
This love is much more than a simple, I like everything about you, kind of love
This is the sacrificial, I would do anything for you, type of love
A. Because your spouse is part of you
“Two shall become one flesh”
B. Because your spouse adds spice to your life
II. Nourish Each Other
A. With praise
1. When is the last time you told someone how wonderful your spouse was?
What they do well, instead of what they do poorly
“If you can’t say anything good. . .”
2. When is the last time you told your spouse how wonderful they were?
a. Not just because it was a holiday
b. Not just because they just told you something nice about yourself
c. Not just because they just did something nice for you
B. With compassion
1. When they are hurting
-“In sickness and in health”
a. Physically
b. Emotionally
2. When they have hurt you
Spouses are not perfect
Though we ought to think they are
They make mistakes from time to time
Or do things that hurt us in some way
Sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally
Forgiveness is a key component to Christianity
Sometimes it is easy to forgive everyone except our own spouse
III. Lavish On Each Other
God gives gifts to us all the time
A. Financial
B. Spiritual
C. Physical
Sometimes we ask for these gifts
Sometimes we do not
Thus, we should give gifts to our spouses
IV. Commune With Each Other
A. Enjoyment
Never stop dating
B. Communication
One of the greatest reasons for marriage failures is a lack of communication
This perhaps happens because we think we know everything about our spouse
-When really, we still know very little
1. Ask questions
How was your day?
2. Listen
This is an art form
It requires putting everything aside to listen completely
To what is said
To what is conveyed
Without jumping the gun
3. Tell what is on your mind
-Hidden thought accomplish nothing
V. Pray For Each Other
If God is the glue that holds marriages together, prayer is the application of that glue
<John 17>
The High Priestly Prayer
A. Pray for their spiritual well-being
Your spouse is not all for God that they can be
None of us are, w are all still a work in progress
Even when sanctified
B. Pray for their physical well-being
1. Their health
2. They employment
3. Their blessings
C. Pray for your relationship to each other
That it may stay strong and vibrant
And, may I add, pray with each other
VI. Be Faithful And True To Each Other
We live in a day and age when it is almost expected for marriage partners to be unfaithful
Great numbers of married individuals have admitted in surveys to either having had an affair or to have seriously considered it
