Marriage as a Model of the Gospel

Ephesians 5:32

Ephesians 5:32 ESV

This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Ephesians 1:9–10 ESV

making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Note then that mystery involves

a plan purposed by God

set forth in Christ

to unite all things (in heaven and on earth)

God’s Plan in 2 Dimensions

Vertically

Horizontally

Ephesians 3:1–6 ESV

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

2 (Jews & Gentiles) Become 1

What About Marriage?

Ephesians 2:13–15 ESV

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,

2 (Man & Woman) Become 1

Ephesians 5:31 ESV

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Genesis 2:24 ESV

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Marriage Is a Model of the Gospel

God Is Glorified in Marriage

3 Truths about Marriage

1) Marriage Is a Union of Sinners

Ephesians 2:3 ESV

among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

2) Marriage Requires Sacrificial Love

Ephesians 2:4–5 ESV

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

3) Marriage Displays God’s Grace

Ephesians 1:6 ESV

to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Ephesians 1:12 ESV

so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:14 ESV

who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 3:9–10 ESV

and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Godly Couples Glorify God

Romans 15:5–7 ESV

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Some Marriages Are Less than Glorious

Sin In Marriage Must Be Addressed

God’s Goodness Is Amazing

Ephesians 3:18–19 ESV

may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.