Why is it important to uphold God's design for marriage in our lives? Foundation Scripture Leviticus 20:21: “If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They shall be childless.” Understanding God’s Design • Created intention: Genesis 2:24 — “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” • Affirmed by Jesus: Matthew 19:4-6 — “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” • Guarded by holiness: Hebrews 13:4 — “Marriage must be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” • Pictured in the gospel: Ephesians 5:31-32 — earthly marriage mirrors Christ and the church. Why Upholding the Design Matters Today 1. Honors God’s revealed will • Leviticus 20:21 shows that any distortion of marriage is “impurity” and “dishonor.” • Obedience is love expressed (John 14:15). 2. Protects human relationships • God’s boundaries prevent betrayal, rivalry, and broken trust (James 3:16). • Stable homes bless children with security and clear identity (Malachi 2:15). 3. Safeguards personal wholeness • Sexual sin harms body and soul (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). • Violation leads to loss—Leviticus points to childlessness as a tangible consequence. 4. Strengthens the witness of the church • Holy marriages display the faithfulness of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). • A watching world sees the gospel lived out (Philippians 2:15). 5. Invites God’s blessing • Psalm 128:1-4 portrays flourishing for those who “walk in His ways.” • Proverbs 3:33 — “He blesses the home of the righteous.” Blessings of Faithful Obedience • Deepened intimacy with God and spouse • Generational legacy of faithfulness • Clear conscience and spiritual freedom • Credible testimony before neighbors and children Practical Steps to Honor Marriage • Study Scripture together regularly (Psalm 119:11). • Pray for and with your spouse; seek unity in decision-making (Colossians 4:2). • Guard emotional and physical purity—set wise boundaries (Job 31:1). • Cultivate sacrificial love and mutual respect (1 Peter 3:7; Titus 2:4). • Seek counsel quickly when problems arise (Proverbs 11:14). |
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