Laying a Foundation for an Enduring Marriage

Introduction:

The problems attacking home & family visibly escalated over last half of 20^th Century. Problems and needs confronting today’s marriages are greatly increased over years past. We can’t turn back the clock. So how must we deal with it?  We must deal with the issues that attack and destroy the relationship. That’s why this series of lessons of vital importance. Today, we want to equip believers with basic skills & understandings necessary for a successful marriage relationship. What is required? What is needed to make marriages enduring?

I.  An Accurate Definition of Marital Success.

A.     Success is not the mere refusal to divorce.

B.     Ideal companionship is rare in marriage.

C.     Must work toward marriages which share the highest quality of:

1.      friendship; compassion; caring; support; understanding;

2.      trust; sensitivity; reliability; love; appreciation

D.     How does a couple reach this point?

1.      There must be a mutual desire to improve the relationship. 

2.      Eph. 5:33 – applies to the hus/wife relationship

3.      Mt. 7:12 – treat hus/wife as you prefer to be treated.

4.      Phil. 4:6 - Constantly pray for guidance; wisdom; and understanding.

E.     Do you have confidence in God’s principles?

II. Develop Unconditional Love

A.     Some have a self centered & conditional love.  Failed expectations…

B.     Eph. 5:22-25 – Christ’s love for the church was/is unconditional.

1.      did not love us because we loved Him first – 1 Jhn. 4:9-11

C.     Unconditional love is not a love of complacency.

1.      It is a love of deliberate choice. 1 Cor. 13:4-7

III. Work to build a successful relationship.

A.     Husbands:  learn how to be God’s kind of husband.

1.      1 Pet 2:21-22 – lead from a standpoint of moral purity.

2.      Lk. 9:23 - Work to be positively involved with your family.

3.      Mt. 20:28 - Lead by serving

4.      1 Pet. 3:7 - lead by tender kindness

B.     Wives…learn how to be God’s kind of wife:

1.      1 Pet. 3:1-6; Gen. 12:5

a)      Submission simply means to acknowledge/respect God’s designated line of authority.

2.      Heb. 12:2 - When you respond – do it joyfully

3.      Phil. 2:9 – submission results in honor.

IV. Build your Communication.

A.     How strong are your communication skills?

B.     Do you listen to gain comprehension? Js. 1:19

C.     Do you watch how you say things?

D.     Have you taken the time to get to know your spouse?

Conclusion:

God's highest object in marriage is companionship.
All of this starts with a relationship with God.  Do you need to obey the gospel?