Taught by Jay and Barb Shelbrack

Are you willing to do whatever it takes spiritually to make marriage work?

Marriage is important for the church. The married couples bring security and stability. Great marriages provide hope for the lost. What does your marriage do for the lost?

Revelation 21:1-2
- God looks at the church as his bride.

Marriage is important to us. Spouse helps to refine and rescue you. Appreciate spouse when pointing things out. Spouse shouldn’t tear you down.

Acts 20:36 Elements of Relationship
- Embraced each other (kissed)
- Emotional bonding (wept)
- Spiritual bonding (prayed)

- Sin can destroy marriage. Deal with the spiritual issues. It will transform your marriage.

- Marriage conflict in a new marriage will occur. Lot of sin is exposed. Get discipled to overcome barriers.
- Marriage should help you get to heaven.
- You can be “right” but ungodly about it.

Luke 9:23 Deny self in your marriage. What is best for spouse? If you don’t understand about having a continual spiritual relationship with God, it will just be a checklist.

Philippians 2:1-5
- Issue of unity. Be like minded. Don’t strive to think like spouse. Both need to think like Jesus.
- Have the same love.

1 John 3:16
- Lay down life for each other.
- Ask spouse, “What makes you feel loved?” Love spouse the way your spouse feels loved.

Galatians 5:16-26 Live by the spirit.
- Be one in spirit and purpose. Be led by the spirit.
- Keep in step with the spirit. Otherwise there will be conflict.
- If you give in to sinful nature, you reap what you sow.
- Or have the fruit of the spirit.
- This is a minute by minute decision.
- Denying self is not enough. Aggressively go after changing.

Practicals:
Do quiet times on marriage and the Holy Spirit. Do you pray about marriage? Do you pray with each other? Be aggressive about getting discipling in marriage. Go on double dates. Have fun. Invest in marriage.
- Ask, “How am I doing as a spouse?” Reply with two good things and one thing you want spouse to change.

Marriage Boosters:
10 Things to Feel Secure in Marriage

1) Go on dates
2) Weekly scheduling time
3) Limit TV and computer time
4) Go to bed at the same time
5) Get help with finances
6) Break bad patterns
7) Stay off phone on dates and dinner
8) Have plans
9) Not letting extend family have too much pull on you (Luke 14:25)
10) Being close to God

Homework:
- Pray daily with spouse
- Talk for at least 15 minutes before bedtime.
- Ask what you need to change
- Write out top 3 priorities

Categories: Marriage
Comments Off