INTRODUCTION
Marriage Rocks! God created marriage, and His idea was for marriages to flourish and fill the earth for generations to come. Finding the right person and being the right person will lead to a strong foundation for a marriage relationship that is based on mutual love and respect.
“Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” —Hebrews 13:4
Every marriage struggles at some point. Your marriage can either be rocky, or it can be rock solid. A marriage is made up of a husband and wife with a unique blend of personalities, events, scars, circumstances, and dreams. All of these collide when a marriage takes place. Learning to work together for the glory of God is an essential part of the marriage relationship.
Memory Verse:
“Trust in the LORD forever, because in the LORD, the LORD himself, is an everlasting rock!” —Isaiah 26:4
This collection of talks will show you how to build your marriage and your other relationships on the Rock, Jesus Christ.
October 18 The Foundation for a Rockin’ Marriage
October 25 What Every Marriage Needs
November 1 Finding the Love of Your Life
November 8 Handling Conflict Together
November 15 How to Avoid an Affair
November 22 Building Strong Communication
November 29 The Power of Love and Respect
Text: Ephesians 5:1-2, 21, 30-32 (CSB, New Testament)
Marriage Rocks Resource Page
Today’s Takeaway: If you have a problem with submit, you will have a problem with commit.
MARRIAGE ROCKS WEEK 1: The Foundation for a Rockin’ Marriage
I. CONSIDER GOD’S
A. Consider whether the Lord would have you to be married remain single. (I Corinthians 7:1-9, 25-40
B. Paul taught that it is good to be single because … (7:1, 8)
… it allows for greater
… it allows for greater
Because of these things, Paul said it was better (7:38) not to be married.
II. WAIT FOR THE RIGHT
A. Trust the Lord to meet this need in
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him” —Psalm 37:7a KJV
“I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:11-13
“For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, 10and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” —Colossians 2:9-10
B. Remember that there is something worse than being single and that is being married to the
“It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.” Proverbs 21:19 —Proverbs 21:19
ROCK SOLID THOUGHT: Do not focus on finding the right person; focus on being the right person.
III. FOCUS ON GODLY
A. Make sure they are
“Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?” —2 Corinthians 6:14
“You must not intermarry with them, and you must not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, 4because they will turn your sons away from me to worship other gods. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and he will swiftly destroy you.” —Deuteronomy 7:3-4
ROCK SOLID THOUGHT: Marriage is meant to be Missional, not a mission field.
B. Make sure they are
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. 24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” —Galatians 5:22-25
IV. ALLOW FOR SUFFICIENT
- Take time to get to
“Love is patient…” —1 Corinthians 13:4
ROCK SOLID THOUGHT: Go through all the seasons to confirm your reasons for being married.
V. LOOK FOR GENERAL
Find a person who is a lot like you.
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” —Amos 3:3 (KJV)
Key areas of agreement include:
● Values ● Interest
● Personal Faith ● Role Expectations
● Energy Level ● Use of Money
● Parenting ● Integrity
ROCK SOLID THOUGHT: What attracts can often attack so choose wisely. Conflict will happen Because of the fall and sin.
VI. OBTAIN
SUPPORT
A.
“Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.” —Proverbs 19:20
B. Parental approval
They are
They want what is
They see the
ROCK SOLID THOUGHT: Listen to those around you because they see what often blinds you.
VII. MAINTAIN SEXUAL
“For this is God’s will, your sanctification: that you keep away from sexual immorality, 4that each of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor,…” —1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
“Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, 8because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.” —Galatians 6:7-8
ROCK SOLID THOUGHT: Build your marriage on trust in Christ, not on lust in self.
VIII. SEEK PRE-MARITAL
“Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” —Proverbs 11:14
“Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” —Proverbs 15:22
“for you should wage war with sound guidance – victory comes with many counselors.” —Proverbs 24:6
ROCK SOLID THOUGHT: Surround yourself with pastors, parents, solid marriages and participation in a group.
CONCLUSION:
What do you need to do to have a rock-solid foundation for your marriage?
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” —Philippians 2:4
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
Read 1 Corinthians 7. What are the things we need to consider whether or not we are single or married?
Galatians 5:22-25 talks about the fruit of the Spirit. Which one of these are strengths for you and which ones do you need to work on?
Our marriages are a picture of Christ’s relationship with the Church and are our greatest gospel witness. How does this change your view of marriage?
Who do you need to share this talk with this week? Purpose to put the Rock Solid Thoughts into action this week.
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