"SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE"

TV Program for 06/15/03 & 7/07/03

MARRIAGE - by Murray Wade



What we want to do tonight is study the sermon of Jesus referred to as the "Sermon on the Mount" and apply His teaching to the marriage relationship. Many of the things we study will apply to how a Christian ought to be in all their relationships. However, we will give special attention to how the teachings of this sermon can improve marriages.

I. Basics that can help a marriage (Matthew 5:3-16)

A. Hunger and thirst for righteousness (verse 6)

B. Merciful (verse 7)

C. Pure in heart (verse 8)

D. Peacemakers (verse 9)

E. Lights to our spouses (verses 14-16)

II. Hindrances to spouses toward God (Matthew 5:22-24)

A. Anger without a cause (verse 22)

B. Relationship with spouse can hinder relationship with God (1 Peter 3:7)

C. When there are problems, resolve them (verses 23-24)

III. The problem of lusting for others in the heart (Matthew 5:27-32)

A. Lack of contentment for spouse (Proverbs 5:15-20)

B. No honor for marriage vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, Proverbs 20:25, Matthew 19:4-10,

Romans 7:2-3)

C. Lusting for others takes away thoughts, energy, and feelings that belong to the spouse (1Corinthians 7:2-5).

D. Can lead to physical adultery (Proverbs 6:24-32, 7:24-27)

E. Is promoted by what we put in our mind from movies, TV, magazines (Matthew 15:16-20, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

F. A Christian must flee sinful lusts (Genesis 39:7-12, 2 Timothy 2:22, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

G. Immodest dress and behavior (flirting spouses) promotes sinful lusts (Proverbs 7:10,

1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 John 2:15-17)

H. The sin of lusting for others can lead to eternal death (James 1:12-15)

IV. Honesty promotes good things in marriage (Matthew 5:33-37)

A. Spouses can trust and depend on the word of each other (verse 37)

B. Lying, doubts, and jealousy are kept out of the marriage (Proverbs 31:10-11, Song of Solomon 8:6)

V. Unconditional Love (Matthew 5:38-6:4)

A. Do good, even when it is not returned (verses 5:38-48)

B. Do good, for God (verses 6:1-4)

C. Doing good will have an impact on spouse (Proverbs 31:12, 23, 28, Romans 12:17-21)

VI. Humble prayer in a marriage (Matthew 6:5-18, 7:7-11)

A. Part of daily routine (verse 6:5, Daniel 6:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

B. Sincere (verses 6:7-8)

C. Involves forgiveness of others (verses 6:14-15)

D. Can involve fasting (verses 16-18, 1 Corinthians 7:5)

E. Spouses behavior can have a negative impact on prayer (1 Peter 3:7)

VII. Godly priorities in marriage (Matthew 6:19-21, 24-34)

A. The priority of spouses who love God and each other is to help one another get to Heaven (verse 20, 1 Timothy 6:17-19)

B. Problems arise when priorities are on material things:

1. Stress (verses 33-34, Ecclesiastes 5:10-15, Proverbs 23:4-5)

2. Things become more important than God and each other (Mark 12:28-34, Ephesians 5:25-26)

3. Spouses can become obsessed with work and become greedy (workaholic) (1 Timothy 3:3, 3:8, Titus 1:7)

4. Materialism can cause one to lose their soul (verse 24, Matthew 16:26, Luke 12:15-21, Psalm 52:5-7)

C. Being content with spouse and life is important (1 Timothy 6:6-10, Philippians 4:11-13, Hebrews 13:4-5)

VIII. Following Christ (Matthew 7:24-27)

A. The wise will follow the Lord sincerely (Colossians 3:22-25)

B. In following Christ, spouses can help each other (1 Peter 3:1, 7, 1 Corinthians 7:16)

C. Spouses who build their marriage on the Rock of Jesus will be able to endure the storms of life (verse 25, Romans 9:33, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 10:4, Ephesians 2:19-22,

Hebrews 6:19-20)

The "Sermon on the Mount" can help us all have better relationships, including our relationships with our spouses. The key to success in the Lord, whether you are married or not, is found in two verses from this sermon. These are Matthew 7:21 and 7:24. Jesus provides throughout the scriptures the commands He wants us to live by, but it is up to us not only to hear what He says, but also to do what He says (James 1:21-25). Have you obeyed Jesus tonight? Have you become a Christian by repenting of your sins and being buried in the waters of baptism (Acts 3:19)? Are you living as a disciple of Christ or are you blending in with the world? Why not change what is wrong in your life now, before it is too late? If you have become a Christian, are your worshiping and working with a faithful church of Christ? We hope to see you next time on "Speaking the Truth in Love"!