MARRIAGE IS MINISTRY Main Text: Ephesians 5:21-33 Introduction: As we look at the state of marriage today and the success/failure

rate, we can understand peoples hesitation, fear and resistance of marriage. If half of all marriages, from Christian marriages to those that dont profess Christianity, end in divorce its no wonder many dont want any parts of it. There are those who stay together in marriage only to save face; they are actually miserable but dont want the blemish that they feel divorce would put on them, so they grit their teeth and endure. Some stay together for the sake of the kids, financial considerations and other reasons; but actually their heart is long gone. WHAT HAPPENED What causes two people that once vowed to love, honor and cherish one another for a lifetime to no longer want to be together? How is it that something that seemed so promising end so abruptly? Not only are marriages ending in divorce, they are ending in murder. Some of the most hurtful, hateful things are said by people that are married. The young generation doesnt see the need for marriage. Theyve witnessed the failed marriages of their parents, grandparents and society and have no interest. Hence you have the high numbers of those that live together unmarried. But when you live together unmarried, youre simply playing house instead of building a home and living in sin according to the standards of Gods Word. ***WE NEED TO RETURN TO GODS ORIGINAL ORDERS Its not a new revelation or a previously unheard truth that we need; we simply need to go back to what God said at the beginning to understand what God wants concerning marriage. What is marriage and why do people get married? Two questions that when answered by scripture gives a blueprint for success. Because today you have many

voices trying to define and redefine what marriage is; but we simply need to go to the Word of the Lord. I *** MARRIAGE IS GODS IDEA So mans opinion of it is irrelevant. Marriage, despite a growing disdain for it is a good idea; even better than that its (A GOD IDEA). And God never had nor can have a bad idea. Failed marriages are a result of the failures of people and never the fault of God. In Genesis God called each of His creative acts good; but looking at the man in his aloneness He said, It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a help meet for him or a (suitable helper). This is a key point to understand. Those that desire a spouse must understand that God has someone that is suitable for you; someone that is uniquely equipped to help you fulfill your lifes assignment. This is a pitfall for many in the Lord because they choose to get involved and even marry people that are not in the Lord. God created marriage to illustrate the relationship between Christ and the church. The relationship of a husband to his wife in marriage is meant to picture the relationship of Jesus Christ to those that He saves. Therefore marriage is first a spiritual matter. *** One of the main mistakes that believers make in seeking a spouse is to disregard the spiritual component of marriage and primarily think naturally or worldly; choosing a spouse solely on what they look like, how much money they have, their status in life or where they live. For the believer marriage must be about the purpose of God being done in your life and through prayerful consideration who you believe will best assist you in fulfilling it. II *** THE CONCEPT OF MINISTRY IN MARRIAGE

We have to look at our responsibility to assist our spouse in being all that they can be in Christ. Often marriage is approached from a me/self mentality and that selfishness becomes a poison to the marriage. How many people that are married see it as an opportunity to serve their spouse? ***THREEFOLD MINISTRY TO YOUR SPOUSE 1. Love your spouse let Christ love your spouse through you. No one can impact your spouse the way that you can. Your relationship with your spouse supersedes all other human relationships. Love them with agape love. A love that is unconditional and forgiving. Your relationship with Christ will determine your ability to minister to the needs of your spouse. 2. Intercede for your spouse being sensitive to the needs of your spouse through prayer, observation and communication will enable you to effectively intercede in prayer on their behalf. 3. Encourage your spouse remind them of the promises of God. Live in faith as a witness to them. Support them through the strength of the Spirit. Let them see that youre there for them.