Sermon Outlines . Volume 09 | Issue 07

Godly Wisdom to Make Your Marriage Work

(This appeared as part of the “Godly Wisdom for a New Millennium Series”.)

by Michael Catt

Proverbs 24:3, 4

I. The Basis for a Happy Home
A. A home is built by wisdom. The word “built” suggests to restore.
B. A home is established by understanding. The word “established” means to set in order.
C. A home is filled with knowledge. The word “filled” is a word of fulfillment.

II. The Basic Signals and Signs that Your Home Is in Need of Help

 A. You need help if you know more about what a magazine or talk show host says about marriage than what the Word of God says.
      The basis for a successful marriage is a three-way partnership--you, your spouse, and God.
      The Word of God gives us clear direction for our marriage.
      1. It is a shared commitment. (Proverbs 18:22)
      2. It is an abiding friendship. (Proverbs 31:10-12)
      3. It is based on an abiding faith. (Proverbs 15:16, 17)

 B. You need help if you think a good marriage is determined by good sex.
      One author has stated that intimacy has many levels and is multidimensional:
      - Emotional: you feel close to one another and supported and cared for
      - Social: you have friends in common
      - Sexual: you enjoy being with one another
      - Intellectual: you share ideas, dreams and thoughts; your conversations go beyond the superficial
      - Recreational: you like to do fun things together
      - Spiritual: your shared belief in God plays a significant role in your life

 C. You need help if you have no sense of need to work on your marriage.
      Your marriage can survive almost anything but neglect. All couples marry intending to be happy...but few marry planning to be happy.

      "Regardless of the motivation...the "want to" for the marriage seems to be gone. And without the "want to," it is difficult for any individual to move back toward a mate who has been an emotional stranger for years." - Donald R. Harvey

      How can you work on your marriage?
      1. Accept personal responsibility for your part in the relationship.
      2. Prioritize your lifestyle so that your spouse doesn't get second best.
      3. Learn to share your feelings in a positive way, not in an attack.
      4. Evaluate your relationship.
      5. Repent of letting your marriage drift.
      6. Recognize that you need your spouse.
      7. Read books on marriage that are biblically based.

III. The Biblical Ground Rules You Need to Affirm Before You Leave Today
A. Marriage is a covenant. (Malachi 2:14)
B. Marriage is a companionship. (Proverbs 27:9)
C. Marriage is a commitment. (Proverbs 5:15-20)

Suggested Reading:
Different By Design, John MacArthur
Marriage Savers, Michael J. McManus
Passages of Marriage, Minirth, Newman and Hemfelt
Ten Secrets for a Successful Family, Adrian Rogers
Men & Women, Enjoying the Difference, Larry Crabb