Family Matters 6 - Marriage -an Introduction

This message was preached by Colin D Cruz at Word of Grace Church  Pune, on the 25th of August 2013. 

This is part 6  of a series called Family Matters.  What  is marriage? Why should we marry? What is the blue print for a good marriage?

Read and listen to this life changing message.

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Some people experience heaven on earth and they call it marriage. Some people experience hell on earth and they call it marriage. How can both be?

At every party there are two kinds of people - those who want to be the first to leave and those who want to be the last to leave. Usually, they are married to each other! We are all very different!

Different cultures have different experiences of marriage. In some cultures, the husband’s family dominates  the wife's family. This is common to India : where the daughters-in-law are exploited and the mothers-in-law dominate. In the West there are other issues - today they are contending with same sex marriages, live in relationships etc. This is also a growing trend here in India. We need to know what is God's design and intent for marriage.

Q. What is the Biblical pattern for marriage?

If you want to know the beginning or origin of things we need to go to Genesis. It tells you about the origin of man, where sin came from, etc.

1.     Genesis 2 - After God created the heavens and the earth God created Man. God created fashioned man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him. This is not how the rest of creation was made.

Once man was created, he was placed in a garden in Eden. Garden in Greek is ‘paradiso’- paradise.

Genesis 2:9 - It must have been a beautiful place. It was a place you would love to go to.

In verse 15 it says that God gave Adam a job to do. He was responsible to tend the garden and name all the creatures.

2.     This was his Mission. But he had a problem - no suitable helper was found. He is in paradise filled with beauty but it was not enough. We need a depth of relationship to connect which cannot happen with a cat, dog or a pet parrot. Its only when we relate with other human beings is there fulfillment. Relating it a skill - some can talk till the cows come home. Some are like the rock of Gibraltar - you can’t get a word out of them.

3. God brought a "Miss" to Adam.

In verse 22 the world’s first anesthesia was given and the first surgery was performed. God made a woman from one rib. Then he wakes up and sees that God brings him a woman and we have the first poetry and the first marriage.

A suitable helper- helper doesn't mean sub-ordinate. The same word is used for the Holy Spirit - a partner, co-worker.

4.     God created Marriage and called it very good. (Gen 1:31)

This was God’s plan for marriage - one man and one woman. So it’s Adam and Eve,  and NOT Adam and Steve. God gave Adam a mission and to accomplish this, he needed Eve. ‘Marriage is not just a very good thing, it’s a God thing.’ 

Today marriage is being challenged. People are succumbing to the pressures of culture.

Q. How does this apply to me?

Not only did God create marriage but he gave us the instructions on how to live. God did not leave us in the dark. This is the blue-print for a God honoring marriage.

Gen 2:24-25 says, “For this reason a man will his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” 
These are part of the instructions for the manner in which husband and wife need to relate. There are many more. It’s not enough to just be married, but to have a Godly marriage.

Men - have the responsibility to lead well.

Women - you are  NOT sub-ordinate. It’s a complimentary role. We are equal before God but different.

Q. What about singles?

Single men - This is a good time to know what your purpose in life is. It’s not to expect your wife to wait on you ‘hand and foot’. There is a purpose - find out what that is. You have a responsibility to lead well.

Single women - God has plans for you as well. 

Gift of singleness - There is a small minority that God gives the gift of singlehood. 
Matthew 19:12 says, “…others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven.” The apostle Paul was one such person. 1 Corinthians 7:7 says that singleness is a gift. A single person is not inferior to a married person. Jesus and Paul were both single.

If singleness is not your gift, what do you do? You continue to serve God and prepare yourself for marriage. 

Men - study, get a job, save. Women - your primary role is being a good wife and mother. We get our values from the WORD and not from the world. If you can manage a career and a family great but remember your primary role is looking after your family.

What we are saying is counter culture. Many couples are DINKS - Double Income No Kids.

In the coming weeks we will unfold what marriage is all about and how we work out the most important relationship.

For those who are called to singleness - use it to be devoted to the Lord. God has promised to never leave you. Even in a marriage there is no perfect spouse. Only God can meet all your needs and fulfill you completely.  In the coming weeks we will see the Manner in which husband and wife should relate in a marriage and how Marriage is a Mystery. 

'Marriage is not just a very good thing, it’s a God thing.’ So stay tuned for more.       

   Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.

    English Language Service Sundays at 10am. Please check google maps for directions!