Building a Strong Marriage

Ephesians 5:22-33

BUILDING A STRONG MARRIAGE

Intro: The Story is told of a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary-- Ted, the husband, had lost much of his hearing during this time. And yet they were still getting along together and celebrating this great anniversary. Their family came from all over and enjoyed celebrating together through the midmorning into the afternoon. Finally, toward sundown, all the family went home.

Bessie and Ted decided to walk out on the front porch and sit down on the swing and watch the sunset. The old gentleman pulled his tie loose and leaned back and didn’t say much. Bessie looked at him somewhat in wonder and said to him, “You know, Ted, I’m real proud of you.” The old gentleman turned and looked at her rather quizzically and after a moment said, with a puzzled look on his face, “Well, Bessie, I’m real tired of you too!” Sadly, far too many marriages reach that same place. The husband and the wife just get tired of one another and they go their separate ways. That is not God’s ideal for marriage.

God wants marriages to be strong. He wants them to last long. He wants them to be a reflection of His relationship with His redeemed people.

I.The Foundations of a Strong Marriage

A. There are some essentials for building a strong marriage

1. Love- (1 Cor. 13:4-5)

a. suffereth long- patent endurance even when provoked. True love does not retaliate

b. Kind- The word describes active goodness. Love is kind in words and actions, it is never mean.

c. Envieth not- true love is not jealous, true love is pleased when others do well

d. Vaunteth not itself- literally “does not make a parade”, true love does not draw attention to oneself in regards to others.

e. Not puffed up- True love does not demand to be #1.

f. Does not behave itself unseemingly- love is never rude but always treats others with compassion

g. Seeketh not her own- love is never selfish or self centered but is always interested in what will profit others. It always considers what will help others.

h. Is not easily provoked- love keeps no record of evils done to it, but willingly endures all injuries.

j. Thinketh no evil- genuine love does not attribute evil motives to people.

k. Rejoiceth not in iniquity- does not rejoice in sin

l. Rejoiceth in the truth- Love is glad when truth wins

2. Loyalty (Eph. 5:31)- this is the law of “leaving and cleaving”. When a couple is married there is a fundamental difference in their relationship to others. Their relationship with others including their parents is altered forever. Joined together- to be glued. This loyality is spelled out in 1 Cor. 13:7

a. Beareth all things- loyalty doesn’t walk out when things get tough

b. Believeth all things- loyalty believes in one’s mate

c. Hopeth all things- loyalty looks for the best in others.

d. Endureth all things- loyalty sticks it out.

3. Respect (Eph. 5:28-29)

a. He is to nourish- to bring to maturity- a godly husband helps his wife to grow by meeting her needs and encouraging her in her walk with the Lord.

b. He is to cherish- to keep warm- a godly husband will give love and tender care to his wife.

II.The Fruit of a Strong Marriage

A.A strong marriage glories the Savior- God is glorified when we live according to His word.

B. A strong marriage witnesses to the Lost- it demonstrates the power of the Love of God. A godly marriage demonstrates forgiveness, love, patience and hope. The world should see that there is a difference is us and our love for each other.

C. A strong instructs the next generation

1. How you treat your mate is probably how your children will. How you talk to your mate is probably how your children will talk to their mates.

2. We need to take a step back and look at our marriages. How do the children around us see us? What are we teaching them about marriage? We have a responsibility to the next generation. We are responsible for teaching them the right way to walk and live.

Conc: Marriage is one of the greatest gifts God ever gave to humanity. But, it is truly beautiful when it is operates like God intended it to.