SF788 - HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST (Genesis 23 1-2)

Genesis 23:1-20

Introduction

Abraham weeping over Sarah

How he loved her!

He had wooed her, won her, wed her, and witnessed to her.

They had shared life together and they had stayed together (over 60 years)!

The story of Snow White…

Little girl telling her mom, he kissed her, they lived happily ever after, no they got married.

Older couple

60th wedding anniversary; wife, “we should kill a pig.” Husband, “why should we murder a pig for something we did 60 years ago.”

Abraham and Sarah had problems…

The Hagar affair

The conflict between Isaac and Ishmael

They moved around a lot.

Abraham backslides and lied about Sarah.

They survived middle age and old age.

Ø The young look forward, the old look backward and the middle aged look worried.

Principles that will make your marriage last.

1 Peter 3:1-7

1A. Sarah’s Simple Secrets for Wives

1B. Develop an attitude of submission. (3:1-2)

Focus on your role not their rebellion. (3:1)

Ø You will win them with your walk not your words.

Ø They are to see Christ in you.

Ephesians 5:22-23 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.

Focus on your faithfulness not their faithlessness. (3:2)

“It is the woman’s job to love her husband, it is God’s job to make him good.” Ruth Graham

Ø When you submit you look like Jesus!

2B. Put on the adornment of serenity. (3:3-4)

Notice the source of Sarah’s beauty. (3:3)

Ø Came from the inside!

Notice the security of Sarah’s beauty. (3:4)

Incorruptible “unfading”

Ø You cannot have outward beauty and inward rebellion at the same time.

3B. Become active in service. (3:5-6)

Sarah looked for ways to serve Abraham.

Obeyed = to be attentive to

Sarah was attentive to his needs.

Ø Emotionally, physically, domestically, financially.

2A. Abraham’s Advice for Husbands (3:7)

1B. Share everything with your wife.

Dwell with her = to be a family

Give yourself completely to your wife.

Do not keep anything from her – no secrets.

2B. Be aware of her nature and needs.

You need to be an expert on your wife.

Understanding = to know well

Weaker = more fragile!

3B. Care for and about your wife.

Giving honor = to value

Place a high value on her.

Value her by your attitude and actions.

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

She is God’s gift to you.

4B. Pray for your wife.

You are to be the pastor of your home.

Your job is to make your wife a better Christian

Application

Are you building a marriage that will stand the test of time?

Genesis 23:1-20; 1 Peter 3:1-7

1A. Sarah’s Simple Secrets for ___________________

1B. Develop an _____________ of submission. (3:1-2)

Focus on your ___________ not their rebellion. (3:1)