Improving Relationships: in Marriage

Improving Relationships in Marriage

Introduction:
The efforts to damage; weaken; and undermine the family have been great over the last 50 years. We are plagued with high divorce rates. Some intact marriages struggle with adultery; alcohol; and pornography. Those in the Lord’s church are not immune. Marriage has been created and designed by God. It was/is intended to bring happiness; not misery! There are some very practical ways to improve the marriage relationship. (Devotion; patience; communication; etc.) But, in order to be successful in these areas, there are some underlying things that must be dealt with first. That is, each partner realizing their distinctive roles. Want to improve your marriage? Instill the godly principles we’ll talk about today into your marriage!

I. How can a ________________ improve his marriage?
    A. Realize your are the _______________ of your home!
    B. 1 Pet. 1:21-22—lead from a standpoint of _________ ____________. Follow Jesus!
        1. Lead! Encourage others to follow your example! See Phil. 2:15; Psa. 34:2; 119:1
        2. Your wife has every right to demand moral purity!
    C. Being ___________ ___________ with your family.
        1. Don’t stand around...bark out orders...never get involved!
        2. Look to Jesus! See Lk. 9:23. Get in the trenches! Encourage your family to follow you!
    D. Lead by ____________. Mt. 20:28 Christians = _______ ______
        1. See also John 13:3-17. You didn’t get married so that your wife could ___________ YOU!
        2. YOU lead by serving!
    E. Demonstrate ____________ love! Eph. 5:25-27
        1. You no longer live for self; but for your _________!
        2. Love between hus/wife should be like ______ & the church.
        3. Do you love your wife just as she is?
    F. 1 Pet. 3:7 – lead by tender _________________.
        1. Be understanding!
        2. Eph. 4:32 applies to husbands!

II. How can a _________ improve her marriage?
    A. By responding voluntarily to the ___________ of her husband.
        1. 1 Pet. 3:1-6—what if ___ had not responded to _______?
        2. 3:5-6—the godly attitude God expects wives to have
        3. Phil. 2:5-6—_______ responded to the Father’s plan!
        4. Involves ________. Which is ________ for God’s designated line of authority!
    B. Heb. 12:2– responds ______________.
        1. Some submit...but let you know about it!
        2. Needs to be a spirit of _______ ________!
    C. Phil. 2:9—responds with _____________.
        1. Submission is not _______________; but honorable!
        2. See also Pro. 31:28-31—when she submits, she is to be held in honor!

Conclusion:
    A. Relationships will improve in marriage when both partners are committed to growing up in Christ!
        1. Husbands; wives both have individual roles to fill.
        2. Are you doing your part?
    B. How is your relationship with God? Can we help?



Improving Relationships in Marriage Introduction: The efforts to damage; weaken; and undermine the family have been great over the last 50 years. We are plagued with high divorce rates. Some intact marriages struggle with adultery; alcohol; and pornography. Those in the Lord’s church are not immune. Marriage has been created and designed by God. It was/is intended to bring happiness; not misery! There are some very practical ways to improve the marriage relationship. (Devotion; patience; communication; etc.) But, in order to be successful in these areas, there are some underlying things that must be dealt with first. That is, each partner realizing their distinctive roles. Want to improve your marriage? Instill the godly principles we’ll talk about today into your marriage! I. How can a ________________ improve his marriage? A. Realize your are the _______________ of your home! B. 1 Pet. 1:21-22—lead from a standpoint of _________ ____________. Follow Jesus! 1. Lead! Encourage others to follow your example! See Phil. 2:15; Psa. 34:2; 119:1 2. Your wife has every right to demand moral purity! C. Being ___________ ___________ with your family. 1. Don’t stand around...bark out orders...never get involved! 2. Look to Jesus! See Lk. 9:23. Get in the trenches! Encourage your family to follow you! D. Lead by ____________. Mt. 20:28 Christians = _______ ______ 1. See also John 13:3-17. You didn’t get married so that your wife could ___________ YOU! 2. YOU lead by serving! E. Demonstrate ____________ love! Eph. 5:25-27 1. You no longer live for self; but for your _________! 2. Love between hus/wife should be like ______ & the church. 3. Do you love your wife just as she is? F. 1 Pet. 3:7 – lead by tender _________________. 1. Be understanding! 2. Eph. 4:32 applies to husbands! II. How can a _________ improve her marriage? A. By responding voluntarily to the ___________ of her husband. 1. 1 Pet. 3:1-6—what if ___ had not responded to _______? 2. 3:5-6—the godly attitude God expects wives to have 3. Phil. 2:5-6—_______ responded to the Father’s plan! 4. Involves ________. Which is ________ for God’s designated line of authority! B. Heb. 12:2– responds ______________. 1. Some submit...but let you know about it! 2. Needs to be a spirit of _______ ________! C. Phil. 2:9—responds with _____________. 1. Submission is not _______________; but honorable! 2. See also Pro. 31:28-31—when she submits, she is to be held in honor! Conclusion: A. Relationships will improve in marriage when both partners are committed to growing up in Christ! 1. Husbands; wives both have individual roles to fill. 2. Are you doing your part? B. How is your relationship with God? Can we help?