Sermon 1-15-12 words w friends- relationships Eph 5:21-33=
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[c] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Note to jeff- also use 1 tim 6:1-3
1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them.
After reading those passages of scripture, the pastor had their complete attention, everyone, especially the wives were waiting, with brass knuckles in hand to see what words would come out of his mouth next.
Today is part 2 in our series words with friends. Our word from the scrabble tray for today is relationships
The broad range of relationships and problems with them
An entire sermon series after easter
Focus on marriage as an example that can be used
What is Paul saying. Are you still aghast that I read this passage. Let me help you.
We read this and think that Paul is pressing us into the dark ages. Paul did not write this for us. Paul wrote this for his day and for his day, it was ground breaking.
He was a raving liberal.
Slaves have rights? Kind to them? women have rights? Partnership? What?
He is apply the principles of faith to his culture.
We must do the same today.
Submit to one another
Give self as Christ gave himself for the church
In honor preferring one another Romans 12:10
What happens when we get this wrong
Parents that might want to manipulate you.
Children want everything.
Spouses insist you provide their needs
What I will get from you…..
Right at the center of all of this is us. Usually if there is a problem, part of the problem is me
Be kind- everyone u meet is fighting a great battle- philo of Alexandria
Bitterness and fear cause so many problems
1. Stop hurting each other
Why I am not a marriage counselor
2. Finding the healthy you
4 problems 4 kickers in marriage – four things that will sink the ship
In-laws, money, sex and children
We get it wrong about love……
Love is not attraction……….
I am attracted to you more that I am attracted to others
What happens when the attraction wears off?
Love is not dependence…..
Two broken people propping each other up
I am taking from you……..
Mom to son – what does your fiancé like about you
She thinks I smart, handsome and a good dancer
What happens when I need for me?
There should be give and take
Are you predominantly taking or giving
Relationships – acting vs reacting [the lover creates the love]
The lover creates the love – kiki the cat……..
What happens when we get this right?
When we get relationships right
I set healthy boundaries
Mom wants to manipulate me- no sorry, cant come
Kid wants a loan. Oh, I am sorry, you will have to figure that out
When we get relationships right
Primary relationship in the home is your marriage.
Ignore it to your peril
What people often do
When we get relationships right we understand that
Your ministry as a married person is to your spouse
To encourage them, help them fulfill their potential, bless them
what does long term success look like?
No relationship is perfect. Marriage is a dance between being madly in love one week and wanting to pull your hair out the next. There are challenges, there are seasons, but it is a wonderful thing when you find yourself at home and comfortable with the cadence.
You brought the best out of me….
Statement from Cathy
Jeff - Every relationship has rough patches, so it is important to always work hard to work through them. You know you are in love, when you want to put yourself second- you are just fine with it [being second]. Common goals are so important. When we spend years working together on shared values there is a bond that grows. We finish each other’s sentences. It is a little bit magical. I would rather spend time with you than with anyone else. You are my best friend.
Jesus said –
Let There be a washing of the feet. A laying down of one’s life. A going to the cross
Paul said, love is patient, love is kind
John said - Beloved, let us love one another………………1 jn 4
Conclusion –
How can we help
Fpu 5pm tonight
Marriage class We meet at 10:10 in room 306 and Dani and Rich Carroll co-teach with us. Bruce and Marilyn mcspadden. We are currently studying making decisions that foster freedom, respect, and responsibility for one's own behavior, thus providing a climate where love can grow.
This class has helped us get out of the rut of constant conflict.
We don’t like going to counselors…..shows weakness. No it shows selfishness. Intransigence. Love says, I will do whatever it takes…….I will go the second mile, the third…..
Came here looking for God to help you? I hope he has. Take that thought home. In your house pray. God help me to show grace.
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