Mark 10:1-12
Big Idea: I live with hope in my marriage by choosing to live God’s way over my way every day and in every way
I have hope in my marriage when:
1. I stand firm on God’s absolute authority not man’s relative perspective (v. 1-9)
2. I am committed to God’s design not my fleshly desires (v. 2-12)
God’s intentional design for marriage:
- God is the creator and author of marriage (v. 6-9)
- One man and one woman for one lifetime (v. 6-9; Romans 7:2)
- Complete unity: spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional (v. 8)
- Equally yoked as two believers (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)
- Visible & active display of the gospel for all (Ephesians 5:22-33)
- Equal value but different roles (Ephesians 5:21-33)
- Primarily about the worship of God (Romans 1:21-32)
Biblical grounds for divorce for a believer:
- When one spouse is sexually immoral (Matthew 19:9)
- An unbelieving spouse abandons/leaves a believing spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15)
I’m single right now so what does this means for me?
- Pray continually and trust God fully
- Embrace the gift of your singleness (1 Corinthians 7:7)
- Don’t be unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)
- Have high standards and don’t settle
- Commit to physical purity and spiritual maturity
3. I embrace the power of the gospel not my guilt (v. 2-12, Mark 1:15)
What do I/we do now?
- Pray fervently individually and together (John 14:12-13))
- Seek and give forgiveness without limit (Matthew 18:21-35)
- Love always (1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:19)
- Put the needs of my spouse above my own (Philippians 2:1-11)
- Commit to prioritize God and God’s word in my life and family (Joshua 24:15)
- Embrace living in biblical community (Acts 2:42-47)