In Need of a Tune-up?
Becky and David have been married for five years and are about to start a family. After 15 years of marriage, Gail and Pat are losing touch because they are absorbed in the school and church activities of their three adolescents. Norman and Betty recently sent their last child off to college, and they feel they hardly know each other any more. All these couples have something in common—they need a marriage tune-up!
Marriage is the most intricate and, sometimes, complicated relationship in life. Your marriage is a special gift from God that needs constant maintenance. Whether you’ve been married for five years or 50, you can have your marriage running like new again with a little tune-up.
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.” -Proverbs 5:18
Q: “What are God’s purposes for marriage?”
God has a unique purpose for the marriage covenant. The marital relationship affords you the awesome opportunity to showcase Christ’s relationship to His bride (the church). In the same way that Christ sacrificially gave Himself to the church, you and your mate should be willing to sacrifice your individual desires for the sake of your marriage covenant.
Partnership (Amos 3:3)
God has given you and your mate to one another as partners for life. True companionship grows within the marriage relationship when there is emotional, spiritual, and physical unity.
Pleasure (Proverbs 5:18)
The marriage relationship and your mate are God’s special gifts to you. True enjoyment of your mate will grow out of self-control and a servant’s heart.
Parenting (Genesis 1:28)
God’s first command in Scripture was for Adam and Eve to be “fruitful and multiply.” God desires that the earth be filled with godly offspring.
Perfecting (Romans 8:29)
In the intimate relationship of marriage, you become well aware of your partner’s shortcomings. Your partner is also well aware of your shortcomings! God uses both your weaknesses and strengths to sharpen and conform you and your partner to the image of Christ.
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” -Proverbs 18:22
Key Verse to Memorize
“[Submit] to one another out of reverence for Christ.” -Ephesians 5:21