Topical Bible: Marriage: Obligations Under, Inferior to Duty to God

◄ Marriage: Obligations Under, Inferior to Duty to God ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Marriage is a sacred institution established by God, serving as a foundational element of human society. Within the Christian tradition, marriage is viewed as a covenantal relationship between a man and a woman, designed for companionship, procreation, and mutual support. However, while marriage holds significant importance, it is considered subordinate to one's ultimate duty to God.

Biblical Foundation of Marriage

The Bible presents marriage as a divine ordinance, beginning with the creation narrative. In Genesis 2:24 , it is written, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This passage underscores the unity and exclusivity of the marital bond. The New Testament reaffirms this concept, with Jesus quoting this verse in Matthew 19:5 to emphasize the permanence and sanctity of marriage.

Obligations Within Marriage

Scripture outlines specific obligations for husbands and wives within the marital relationship. Ephesians 5:22-33 provides a detailed description of these roles, instructing wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of marital duties, rooted in love and respect.

1 Peter 3:7 further instructs husbands to "treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life," emphasizing the importance of understanding and honoring one's spouse.

Marriage and Duty to God

While marriage is a significant commitment, the Bible makes it clear that one's duty to God takes precedence. In Matthew 10:37 , Jesus states, "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." This teaching extends to the marital relationship, indicating that allegiance to Christ must surpass all earthly ties.

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 , advises believers to live with an eternal perspective, suggesting that "those who have wives should live as if they had none." This does not imply neglecting marital responsibilities but rather prioritizing one's spiritual obligations and readiness for the Lord's return.

Balancing Marital and Spiritual Duties

The challenge for Christian couples is to balance their marital obligations with their duty to God. Colossians 3:17 provides guidance, stating, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." This verse encourages believers to integrate their faith into every aspect of life, including marriage.

In situations where marital obligations conflict with spiritual duties, Acts 5:29 offers a principle to follow: "We must obey God rather than men." This underscores the primacy of divine commands over human relationships, including marriage.

Conclusion

In summary, while marriage is a vital and divinely instituted relationship, it is ultimately subordinate to one's duty to God. Christians are called to honor their marital commitments while ensuring that their allegiance to God remains paramount. Through prayer, discernment, and adherence to biblical principles, believers can navigate the complexities of balancing these important aspects of life.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 13:6-10
If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend, which is as your own soul, entice you secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which you have not known, you, nor your fathers;
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 19:29
And every one that has forsaken houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred times, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 14:26
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Wedding Garment
... some of you have come into the church, under a mistake ... insult the delicate occasion
of the prince's marriage to which ... his duty to God and his obligations to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the wedding garment.htm

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... that they are free from the obligations of it ... of the gospel, will be only temporary;
and under the pressure ... to be contrary to the spirit and design of marriage. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

Christ the Believer's Husband
... their own, but are under the highest obligations to glorify ... know what it is to be
under the curse ... of themselves or their children in marriage, generally covet ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the believers husband.htm

The Two Yokes
... in some position of life where we are under obligations to some ... of Zion, but you
married, and your marriage was not in ... A man under remorse in this world is a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the two yokes.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... Beatitudes, the: each duty in, has its own reward, [560]268; the ... its chief protection
in all, [617]505; stricter obligations to, of those under vows, [618 ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Chapter xvii
... received a perpetual badge or reminder of these obligations. ... or (c) as to who falls
under its provisions ... of the implications of monogamous marriage this fact ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xvii.htm

Letter Xlviii. To Pammachius.
... offer sacrifices if they fulfil the obligations of marriage ... who condemn marriage
and tread under foot the ... at all new concerning virginity and marriage, but have ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlviii to pammachius.htm

Rom. vii. 14
... being not minded to keep within the laws of marriage, [1392] but ... an easier thing
(for which cause also we are under far stricter obligations of religious ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiii rom vii 14.htm

The Fifth Book
... Sins were forbidden us by God, not marriage. ... and consequently are branded and censured
by all; but even so you are under greater obligations to them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

Letter ii (AD 1126) to the Monk Adam
... Thus, marriage is neither prescribed nor forbidden, but when it ... Since, not to speak
of other obligations, there are two ... to the will of the abbot under whom a ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter ii a d 1126 to.htm