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We often talk about the importance
of being the light of the world. God has put Christians here with
the purpose to stand out and by standing out, Christians point
others toward Him (Matt.
5:14-16). Have you considered that your marriage can be a
bright light in this respect? Observe the darkness that many
marriages struggle in today! •
50% divorce rate for first-time marriages •
Average length of first marriages is 7 years •
Single Parent households headed by a female numbered 10
million in 2000; headed by a male numbered 2 million •
Approx. 1 in 3 Americans is a step-parent, step-child or
step-sibling •
Co-habitators comprised 3 million households in 2000 •
Sources: www.divorcemag.com;
U.S. Census; State Farm Insurance Report Other research shows, that
there are things that drastically reduce the risk of a divorce. •
Having a baby 7 or more months after marriage VS having baby
before marriage, reduces risk by 24% •
Own family of origin intact VS divorced parents, reduces risk
by 14% •
Religious affiliation VS none, reduces risk by 14% •
Source: 2004 Rutgers University study entitled: The State
of Our Unions •
My Conclusion: Marriages modeling the Faith can reduce
divorce risk by 52%. This helps us see that a
Christian’s marriage really is a light to the world. Your
marriage can be a hopeful example to your neighbors. Your marriage
is a light for your kids. Mommy and daddy’s marriage is their
understanding and expectation of marriage. Let’s make the light
of our marriage burn bright for God’s glory and to show others
His way. The Sermon on the Mount helps us do this. I.
The Light of Beatitudes in Your Marriage (Matt.
5:3-9) A.
What is a beatitude? B.
Poor in Spirit (Matt.
5:3). Be Humble. C.
Meek (Matt.
5:5). Controlled strength, self-control. D.
Merciful (Matt.
5:7). Be forgiving (Matt.
6:14-15). E.
Peacemaker (Matt.
5:9). Be Reconciling. II.
The
Light of Security in Your Marriage (Matt.
5:21-32) A.
Add security by controlling Anger (Matt.
5:21-22). 1.
Uncontrolled anger leads to abusive speech (Eph.
4:29, 31). 2.
Uncontrolled anger leads to abusive actions – murder,
domestic abuse. B.
Add security by mortifying Lust (Matt.
5:27-29; Col. 3:5). Kill lust. C.
Add security by taking Divorce off the Table (Matt.
5:31-32). III.
The
Light of Shared Treasure in Your Marriage (Matt.
6:19-21) A.
Where is your treasure, what are your values? 1.
Religion 2.
Material things 3.
Raising kids B.
Walk a narrow road together with shared treasure (Matt.
7:13-14). “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?”
(Amos
3:3). IV.
The Light of the Golden Rule in Your Marriage (Matt.
7:12) A.
Do you have needs that you expect to be met in the marriage?
So does your mate! Meet your spouse’s needs first – satisfy
them. B.
Dr. Willard Harley’s list of top needs among men and women.
See his book, His Needs, Her
Needs. 1.
Female needs in Marriage: Affection, Communication,
Openness/Honesty, Financial Support, Family Commitment 2.
Male needs in Marriage: Sexual Fulfillment, Recreational
Companionship, An Attractive Wife, Domestic Support, Admiration 3.
Are these lists the same? Do we need help figuring out what
our spouse needs? Sure (1
Pet. 3:7; Titus 2:4). C. Don’t wait to reciprocate love, initiate love. That is Love (1 John 4:7-11, 19)!
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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