Marriage: The Real Thing

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: None GivenMarriage is a serious commitment we should not take lightly. In order to grasp the nature of marriage, we must first grasp the nature of mankind.We were made in the image of a triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In our nature, we are each composed of body, soul, and spirit.1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”Adrian Rogers says, “When your body is right, you’re healthy. When your soul is right, you’re happy. When your spirit is right, you’re holy.”Marriage is only the real thing when the husband and wife are unified in their bodies, their souls, and their spirits. In marriage, we are one, physically, psychologically, and spiritually.First, there is to be a union of our bodies.Inside the bonds of matrimony, sex is a pure and wonderful thing. Being unified in physical intimacy is one of God’s sweetest gifts to us. But as we recognize its intrinsic value, misusing or abusing it is a terrible sin. We must give and receive selflessly, putting our partners’ needs above our own.Second, there must be the union of our souls.Even after the romance begins, we should prioritize friendship with our spouses. Creating that foundation of companionship is crucial to cultivating lasting marriages.People often say opposites attract; they soon find that those differences cause the most friction in their marriage. We must accept the differences as tools God uses to help us grow.Finally, there must be a union of our spirits.Scripture reminds us that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. (Read Mark 3:24.) This is why it is so crucial that both spirits, husband and wife, have bowed to King Jesus. If Christ is on the throne of both lives, the man and woman will be one, spiritually.Our marriages truly are a reflection of our relationship with God. When we take ourselves off the throne and enthrone Christ, we experience marriage as the real thing.Apply it to your lifeWhat does your relationship with your spouse say about your relationship with God? Have you dethroned yourself and enthroned Christ? Consider your marriage today, and commit yourself to your spouse in body, soul, and spirit.