Marriage: What Does the Bible Say

Eph 4:1 through Eph 5:33

This morning begins a 7-week study—through Ephesians 4 and 5—about what the Bible says about marriage. You may think it odd to begin a series on marriage in Ephesians 4, as most pastors and leaders will circle Eph 5:22-33. There’s 100% NOTHING wrong with this—they (we should—and we will). Yet, I believe it’s important to look at what Paul writes in the chapters and verses leading up to Eph 5:22. Here’s why:

Contained b/t Ephesians 4:1 and Eph 5:21, Paul discusses four, “manners of life,” which the Bible says are “walks:”

Walking worthy (Eph 4:1-6)

Walking in love (Eph 5:1-7)

Walking as light (Eph 5:8-14)

Walking circumspectly (Eph 5:15-21)

The overarching “theme” of these walks is unity—the unity we have in part of the body of Christ. As Paul concludes his discussion on these manners of life, the first relationship he connects these to—is marriage.

(ASK) What are some struggles people have (maybe even you) when it comes to marriage?

The greatest relationship a person can have is a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is within this relationship that we have peace with God, that God can be relationally known as “abba” Father, and that our eternity can be assured and secured. Christ made this possible through the cross and resurrection. On the cross our sin was put to the death and forgiven and through the empty tomb, death was put to death—eternal life in the presence of God our new home.

Next to this is Christian marriage. Marriage is to be holy and set apart—b/c God made it holy and set apart. God established marriage within the confines of perfection in Genesis 2—identifying marriage as something sacred and binding to the Lord. Marriage, as the Bible teaches is to be (1) a reflection of Christ and the church, (2) an act of worship as husband and wife, and (3) an active/living witness and testimony of the Lord—His salvation and His goodness.

Yet we know the story all to well from Genesis 3. Adam and Eve’s sin produced a sin-stained blemish on what God established in the Garden. Romans 5:12 says “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—” This tells us that every marriage from Adam and Eve on have been plagued by sin. But God did not abandon His purpose for marriage, for the unique, spiritual mystery of the “one flesh.” He still desires for marriages to reflect Christ, to be an life of worship, and a living/active witness of Himself.

You may be here, young and never married, but desire to be married. Good—God designed marriage to be a good thing—a wonderful thing! But God designed it, He’s the architect, your responsibility is to read the blueprints (the Bible) and abide by them. There’s great reward in doing so

You may be here, having been married but have experienced the pain/hurt of divorce or lost. This series may be difficult and it may bring out or bring up things, you’d rather not discuss. I understand, just remember God is a God of redemption and of restoration. Your marriage may not be restored—but the truths in these chapters can restore YOU.

You may be here already married (married a short time or married a long time)—Good, yet I want to challenge you to examine your walk (both individually and as a couple). Is there a “limp?” Is your walk helping or hindering you marriage? At the same time, what are areas of rejoicing/thankfulness you can praise the Lord for (it’s good to discuss the good)

Before we get into this I want you to do something: Write down some questions about marriage. Write out some questions about what God expects out of you as a wife, as a husband, as a couple. Write out some areas of concern or worry. Write out some areas you hope to grow in or be strengthened in. I won’t ask you to say them out loud—here’s what the plan is. Over the next 7-weeks, will you trust God and His Word to answer these questions you’ve written down? Will you commit to do the necessary things God is asking of you to rebuild, restore, and refine your marriage. For those who aren’t married, strengthen your marriage? Will you, at the end of this time, be willing to