Marriage for Dummies: Mutual Love & Respect
Marriage for Dummies: Mutuality
Ephesians 5:21
Disclaimer: While these principles can apply to many types of relationships, they do not apply to ABUSIVE relationships. If you are in an abusive relationship, GET HELP NOW.
The state of marriage: The divorce rate in the Church is NOT the same as the rest of society. It is HALF that of society.
Key Truth: There is a sharp distinction between conventional and Christian marriage. (Eph 5:21)
Conventional Marriage: HAPPINESS
Christian Marriage: HOLINESS
What is the foundation of a Christian marriage? (Ephesians 5)
1) Mutual commitment to CHRIST. (Eph 5:1-2)
a. The purpose of marriage is to make you more like CHRIST.
b. Church attendance ALONE contributes to LONGEVITY.
2) Mutual commitment to EACH OTHER. (Eph 5:3-5)
a. COVENANT, not CONTRACT.
b. HOPE is the biggest contributor to longevity in marriage.
3) Mutual commitment to the LORD'S PURPOSES. (Eph 5:10)
a. What does GOD want us to do?
b. An ACTIVE FAITH among husbands and wives leads to the highest levels of HAPPINESS and LONGEVITY.
Final thought: Mutual submission to CHRIST and EACH OTHER is the foundation of CHRISTIAN marriage.
Series Information
Sometimes we make life more complicated than is necessary. That’s especially true in marriage. When we understand the important of mutuality it can transform our marriages. It’s not just about love. It is about a mutual commitment to one another. Ephesians 5:21 is at the heart of it. Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ.