Walk this Way
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Intro
Intro
Open with version of “stunning” and “stunned” joke
My wife Karen and I have enjoyed getting to know you both better during premarital counselling
Lots of good conversations and tools to help you deal with whatever life will throw your way
But no amount of good advice, honest conversation and tools for marriage can replace the work that God is doing to bring you (and keep you) together
Marius and Macy chose an appropriate Scripture passage that outlines this truth
Read Ephesians 4:1–3 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Walk This Way
Walk This Way
“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called”
Paul (author) is referring to the church
We are to walk in a way that is worthy to the calling of Jesus in our lives
Described as “walk as children of light” elsewhere in Ephesians
Jesus has brought you from darkness to the light; you should live (walk) differently because of this
Today we acknowledge that you are entering a unique calling
Not only are you Christ followers, but you are now called to live in the covenant of marriage with one another
This is a high calling, and also must change the way you live
Marius, you are no longer your own
Macy you are no longer your own
Thankfully, Paul gives us a good glimpse of what it means to walk this way
Walk with humility
In Philippians, Paul describes humility as “count[ing] others more signficant than yourselves”
Easy concept; hard to live out
With my kids = biggest piece of dessert; in marriage = supporting the others dreams and goals, even at your own expense
Walk with gentleness
Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, so remember to rely on God for this characteristic when it feels in short supply
It is NOT always giving in to the other person and never speaking up… in fact, I believe the opposite is true
Talk about being gentle during the most difficult and personal conversations (as opposed to combative)
Walk with patience (bearing with one another in love)
Yes, today is your wedding day and you feel ALL the emotions of love
But one day will come when the best description you can give about your emotions towards your spouse is “bearing with him/her in love”
Marius, you will let Macy down and sometimes drive her crazy
Macy, you will let Marius down and sometimes drive her crazy
How will you respond when the inevitable happens? In frustration, or patience in love?
Like getting ready before going out… Marius or Macy?
Unity of the Spirit
Unity of the Spirit
Your calling is the covenant of marriage, walking with humility, gentleness and patience; the end result is unity
Specifically the unity of the Spirit
God is working a miracle to join you together today; it is His work and not yours
But you are called to “maintain” this unity (as you walk/live)
Just like you maintain a vehicle to keep it running… or not
Paul finishes this thought be describing this bond of unity as one of peace
Not to say that your relationship will be conflict and frustration free
But that the peace of God would be present in all the situations you face together
Pray