“Will
You Marry Me?”
Part I
How much do you know about marriage?
In observance of humanity, I am persuaded to believe that too many know too
little about this subject. I invite you to study this very important theme
as God has instructed and instituted this union.
The need is obvious. It is obvious by the fact that two out of three
marriages end in divorce today (a stat that has even found its way into the
“Body of Christ”). It is obvious
by the advice given by marriage counselors, preachers, in-laws, lawyers,
advice columnists, and by this entire like. It is obvious by the attitude of
many of our civil authorities, Senators, representatives, and so on. It is
obvious by the teaching that our children are exposed to in our public
schools.
It is interesting to note that none of the above, including most preachers,
refer to God’s word in dealing with marital problems, or even teaching in
advance the understanding of marriage as God has revealed it. God’s word
affirms that there is not a problem that a husband or wife may have that God
doesn’t answer.
The key is:
APPLICATION!!!
The Importance of God’s Word –
The importance of God’s word cannot and must not be minimized concerning
marriage.
It is the word of God that defines and explains marriage, and it did so long
before man created dictionaries to describe words. The fact of the matter is
that God has given man the basic and common definition of marriage.
Note:
Man defines marriage as an agreement by which a man and a woman consent to
live together as husband and wife, mutually accepting all the
responsibilities, which the relationship involves, and properly respecting
all the rights and privileges incident thereto (common definition most used
by states).
Man’s definition, to a great extent, is simply a commentary to God’s
definition provided from the beginning:
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his
wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This
becomes the foundation definition of marriage as given by God. Take this
definition and then build upon it, all the instructions given by God
throughout His word, and the result will exactly what man has defined
marriage to be (it
should also be noted at this point that this very definition, that has been
held for so long, is under attack from those who wish to pervert the true
meaning of marriage; as God has defined it).
If you take
a marriage that is problematic or broken up, and you will find that one or
both parties involved did not build upon this foundation according to God’s
instruction. One or both failed to learn his or her responsibilities (first
to God, and then to each other), and fulfill them in their relationship.
Consequently
there was no cement to hold their marriage together.
God instituted marriage, thus His word is the only true and complete
marriage manual. To it, then, we must go in order to learn what marriage is,
what it is all about, and what will make it work.
The Importance of Marriage –
Marriage is not only important, it is vital to the existence of any society.
Marriage or the home as it is also referred to, when it is as God intended
for it to be, is the backbone of the nation and the
“Body of Christ”.
When marriage or home life deteriorates by the members of it failing in
their responsibility, the nation will soon be destroyed, and the
“Body of Christ” will be so
weakened that it cannot function as it should. Note the words of the Apostle
Paul, as he instructed Titus concerning sound characteristics of the
“Body of Christ”, and how many
of these instructions involve the home element (including marriage):
Titus 2:1-8
“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
2
that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love,
in patience;
3
the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers,
not given to much wine, teachers of good things—
4
that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love
their children,
5
to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their
own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
6
Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,
7
in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in
doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
8
sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be
ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”
God has presented man with three foundations of order: the home (marriage
then children!), government, and the
“Body of Christ”.
The Home:
This is the foundation and backbone of good government and a vital part of
the “Body of Christ”. This is
predicated on the understanding that the nucleus of the home is marriage
between a man and a woman.
It is interesting to note that the men whom the Lord would appoint through
the Spirit to shepherd His flock locally; had to be successful family men!
1 Timothy 3:1-7
“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a
bishop, he desires a good work.
2
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate,
sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;
3
not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not
quarrelsome, not covetous;
4
one who rules his own house well, having his children in
submission with all reverence
5
(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take
care of the church of God?);
6
not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same
condemnation as the devil.
7
Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he
fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
Titus 1:5-9
“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the
things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded
you—
6
if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful
children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
7
For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not
quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,
8
but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy,
self-controlled,
9
holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able,
by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”
It is past
time that we awaken to the truth and recognize the sacredness of marriage,
learn what God would have us do to make marriage what it should be, and
do it!
Note the
words of God through the writer of the letter to the Hebrew Christians:
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but
fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
Next: “Part 2:
Instituted by God, Two Initial Parties
Involved, and Duration”