Improving Relationships: in Marriage
2002058
Topic # 8053
Introduction:
A.
Improving
relationships: series continues.
B.
Marriage/family
ridiculed.
1.
extreme
statements. Many have worked hard
to damage/weaken/and undermine the family in the last 50 years.
2.
See high divorce
rates; intact marriages struggling w/pornography; drinking; infidelity.
3.
These things
affect men & women in the Lord’s church in too many cases.
C.
We would all do
well to remember marriage has been created/designed by God. Genesis 2
1.
not good for man
to be alone.
2.
marriage intended
to bring happiness – not misery.
3.
to be an
exclusive relationship – where each partner leaves & cleaves and
become as one flesh.
4.
Genesis 2:18;
21-24
5.
That’s God’s
design for marriage. But for any
marriage to be successful, the husband/wife must build their relationship w/God
& each other.
D.
Could spend time
discussing very practical ways to improve marriage relationship:
1.
being devoted to
each other.
2.
being willing to
let little things go.
3.
Listening
4.
Helping each
other w/weaknesses.
E.
But…think things
need to be taken just a little deeper. We must realize the roles God has given each of us in marriage!
1.
Once we realize
what our roles are and begin fulfilling them – the rest will take care of
itself!
F.
Key: Each partner realizing their distinct
roles. Problems result when:
1.
one or both
ignorant of the roles they are to play.
2.
one or both
choose to rebel against the roles God created for them.
3.
It all comes back
to this.
G.
Want to improve
your marriage? Instill the godly
principles we’ll talk about today in your marriage.
I. How
can a husband improve his marriage?
A. Realize YOU are the leader of your
home!
1. YOU must have the backbone &
wherewithal to lead your family.
2.
What does it mean
to lead the family? How can one
fulfill the role in a godly manner?
B.
1 Pet. 2:21-22
– lead from a standpoint of moral purity. Follow Jesus!
1.
lead by
example! This commands respect!
2.
See Phil. 2:15;
Psa. 34:2; 119:1 Your wife has every
right to demand moral purity.
C.
Being positively
involved w/family.
1.
Don’t stand
around…bark out orders…never get involved!
a)
I don’t have time; I’ve got to work; hobbies; friends
b)
NO EXCUSE!
2.
Lk. 9:23 –
Jesus – take up your cross &
follow me.
a)
Jesus didn’t
stand back in heaven…bark orders.
b)
Came to earth; lived
the life; pleaded “follow me.”
c)
Get in the
trenches/encourage family to follow your example! Get involved!
D.
Lead by serving.
1.
Mt. 20:28 –
Christ says Christians to be servant leaders!
a)
See also Jhn.
13:3-17; esp 13-15. For I gave you an example that you also
should do as I did to you.
2.
Don’t think for a
moment you got married so wife could serve you. Big hindrance to relationships!
a)
Prop feet up…fix supper woman. Get house cleaned up.
b)
Didn’t get
married so wife could do chores/satisfy only YOUR needs.
3.
YOU lead by
serving!
E.
Demonstrates
unconditional love. Eph. 5:25
1.
In marriage, one gives
self up. No longer live for
self,…but for wife!
2.
5:26-27 – unconditional
love.
a)
even when
love-light grows dim…not same woman she
used to be.
b)
Does Jesus love
us only when we’re w/o blemish?
1)
love makes
possible our cleansing – so He may see us w/o blemish.
2)
5:25 – love
between hus/wife should be like Christ & the church!
3.
Do your love your
wife just the way she is?
F.
1 Pet. 3:7
– leads by tender kindness.
1.
Be understanding
of her. This = learning process.
2.
Treat her
w/tender care & consideration. She is delicately and slenderly constructed.
3.
Honor her; become
her protector & support. Maintain & provide for her.
4.
Eph. 4:32 –
applies to husbands!
G.
Guarantee you do
these things; you’ll improve the marriage relationship!
II. How can a wife improve her marriage?
A.
Responds
voluntarily to leadership of her husband.
1.
1 Pet.
3:1-6. What if Sarah had not
responded positively to Abraham’s leadership?
a)
3:5-6 –
this is the godly attitude God expects wives to have!
2.
Phil. 2:5-6
– Jesus responded voluntarily to the Father’s plan of salvation.
a)
didn’t
complain. Happy to do it. Because of His love.
b)
Wives…look to
Jesus as an example!
3.
Involves submissiveness.
a)
simply an
acknowledgement or respect for God’s designated line of authority.
b)
Doesn’t mean that
wife cannot express disagreement or give advice. But…in end must respond to husband’s leadership.
4.
Husbands…easier for the wife to serve/submit if
you’re being Christ-like in the relationship!
B.
Heb. 12:2 –
responds joyfully.
1.
Look to
Jesus! Didn’t grumble; complain
about the cross. Why? Knew that this is the will of the
Father.
2.
Some women
submit: but let you know about it.
a)
bitterness;
begrudging in nature.
3.
Needs to be a
spirit of personal joy – in fulfilling one’s role in the home!
a)
no joy? No happy home!
C.
Responds with honor.
1.
Phil. 2:9 –
look at Christ.
a)
submission of
Jesus – resulted in honor.
b)
Submission is not
degrading – but honorable!
2.
See also Pro
31:28-31 – when she submits – she to be held in honor!
Conclusion:
A.
Relationships in
marriage will improve when both partners work together to grow up in Christ.
1.
husbands…when you
are the Christ-like leader in your home – it’s so much easier for your
wife to respond!
2.
When it’s obvious
to her that your very purpose in living is to love her; serve her…
3.
it becomes so
easier to respond to you:
a)
spiritually;
intellectually; emotionally; & physically.
B.
Wives – 1
Peter 3:4 – a gentle/quiet spirit is precious in the sight of God.
1.
This not the way
of the world – but it will bring you a happy home.
C.
Although popular
wisdom of day says the family is dead. We know the Bible is relevant for all times – God’s plan WILL
work!
D.
How are you doing
in your marriage relationship? More importantly, in your relationship w/God?
E.
I N V I T A T I O
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