2021 0228 Virtue: Faithful in Marriage

Foundational Principle

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Influence

* the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something

we are messengers of the gospel of peace - that is influence

Integrity

* the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles

the level of our integrity will directly determine what influence we have

Ten Virtues

Faithful in Marriage

Self Control

Hospitality

Teaching Ability

Drinking Habit

Gentleness

Attitude to Money

Management of Family

Spiritual Maturity

Reputation

The Status of Relationship

married

Matthew 19:5–6 NIV

and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

i. Jesus declares the divine principle of marriage

ii. no longer 2 but one flesh

iii. there is a God component to this union

iv. the laws of the land determine the style of the marriage contract

v. God determines the divine covenant of man and woman

living together

i. it has become more fashionable to live together rather than get married

ii. the crux of the matter is this: what is the divine context?

iii. sleeping together, physical intimacy is a benefit of the marriage covenant

iv. do we steal from each other when we seek the blessing of the union without the commitment?

v. do we hinder the flow of the divine blessing when we are outside God’s perfect plan for couples

single

1 Corinthians 7:8 NIV

Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.

i. being single is a gift but it is meant only for some

ii. staying single allows full service to God

iii. not meant to be a legalistic or good work - Holy Spirit directed

single after divorce

1 Corinthians 7:11 NIV

But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

* remarried as a widow

1 Corinthians 7:9 NIV

But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

remarried after divorce

1 Corinthians 7:15 NIV

But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.

Jesus and Marriage

efinite confirmation of the spiritual covenant

divorce was not an option - hardness of heart, sexual immorlaity

Paul and Marriage

1 Corinthians 7:3 NIV

The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.

clear mutual obligations for husband and wife

there is equality in the marriage

Hebrews 13:4 NIV

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

certainly an expectation that one man - one woman should be the norm for believers

Purpose of Marriage

God ordained outcomes - God designed it this way … doh

stable basis for personal relationship

framework for the raising of children

Worldly Relationships

Barclay, W. (2003)

In a world where even the highest positions and places in society were awash with immorality, the Christian Church had to demonstrate the chastity, the stability and the sanctity of the Christian home.

comment about 1st century morality and married life in Rome , in Greece and in Israel

sounds familiar today does it not

Marriage for Believers

only one partner

pornography introduces a second or more persons into the covenant

blessings flow when the original plan is adhered to

adultery, breaking of the covenant through abuse and unfaithfulness

second job, even the church or ministry can replace the wife