And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Rom 5:3-6)

Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel. (Psalm 69:6)



Monday, October 15, 2012

Living the Christian Life: Biblical Marriage-A Redemptive Work of God,: Sermon Notes

Saints,

Once again I have been asked to publish my notes from the Sunday sermon.
These are the notes that I began with, however, as often happens, thae actual sermon will differ.
The link for this sermon is http://www.holidayshoresbaptist.org/media/2012-09-30_Wes_Pinkley.mp3


Many of you may have heard in the past two weeks about a third century fragment of parchment that alludes to a conversation where Jesus mentions having a wife.

Even though this is poor scholarship, many are curious about this “fragment.”

However, I need to tell you, it is true that Jesus had a bride, she is called The Church.

Biblical marriage can be seen as a redemptive work of God, even before sin entered the world.  For marriage was God’s way of blessing Adam.

Marriage needs to operate in the context that it is God’s picture of the church relating to Him, thus it is extremely sacred.  As a matter of fact, When Ephesian 5 talks about marriage, Paul states that he is actually talking about the church.

First off, through a Fact Checker, I found this week that the statistics on ”Christian divorce” are not equal to the world.  Often this has been misrepresented. Protestant active conservative couples are 35% less likely to divorce.

 Biblical Marriage is redemptive, in it we have
·         Trials and failures
·         Love as the key
·         And a covenant to keep

With all of that, we can find a picture of God’s redemptive plan.
 

Genesis 2:1-25  It is not Good for Man to be Alone
Genesis 3:7-17 God created Adam. 
He is the only creation where God breathed life into him.
Work, Duties, responsibilities, all were for the Glory of God and before the fall.

V18     God makes a helper, fit for him,
            This is one that is beside him, notice the rib.  God does have an order, but the wife is to be a literal part of the life of the husband.
God also implies charges that Adam is to care for his wife Eve.  It will be a pleasurable union.

V18-24 initiates the covenant of marriage- all before sin.
Leave- obligations are involved in the marriage covenant
Hold Fast- is that there exists a covenant bond- not to be broken.  The Bible only grants divorce in two cases, and both of those are to be worked out if at all possible.
Become- an active verb of growing together. Much emphasis is lost here, but you need to know your verbs.  They are for action, men, do you want to be a man of action?  Do you want to be an action superhero?  Then be a man of marriage in redemptive action.
One Flesh- this is the goal. That there be a solidarity in the marriage, a total single commitment that together they are helping one another to the glory of God.  This is the natural state of marriage.

But sin messes things up.

So let’s Be redemptive
Ephesians 5
Chapter 5:1-21 is all about the reverent behavior we are to have before Christ.
It explicitly addresses conduct that we ourselves are responsible, and thus answerable, for.

Ephesians 5:22-33
V 32 says that this is referring to Christ and the church.  However, it is a fitting doctrine for marriage.
The idea is for Husbands to submit to Christ as you know to do/ and to not be hypocritical of your wife in the matter.

Submit- granting full acceptance-  The word actually is best rendered- be subject to, which implies order.

Thus, the husband is to be in proper order with his Lord to in order be able to lead his household.

Wives are to live in proper order of the covenant, but this does not mean that they are trash or to be treated without sincere love.

This section gives us many clues to the Redemptive Union a church has with it’s Lord, as well as a wife with her husband.

Action Verbs abound
·         Submit
·         Love
·         Sanctify
·         Cleanse
·         Present
·         Love
·         Nourish
·         Hold Fast
·         Become One
·         Love/respect

Christ has done all of these on the cross.  They are the pinnacle of redemption in our history.

Men are to sacrificially glorify God as they do likewise for their bride.

 

 

 

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