1.A COVENANT Vs A CONTRACT
- Marriage is a covenant that was designed to expand the life & talents of both the husband and the wife.
One reason the sanctity of marriage is destroyed in our generation is the notion that marriage is merely a contract and not a covenant. The myth is that marriage is a contract and that you can break it off at the slightest inconvenience or trouble.
A contract is an agreement between two people for the purpose of protecting their rights, limiting their responsibilities and safeguarding their own interests.
A covenant is an unconditional surrendering of your life and your rights, while increasing your responsibilities and safeguarding the interests of your covenant mate.
- A contract requires a part of you but a covenant demands all of you.
- A contract is written with ink but a covenant is written with blood.
- A contract has an expiration but a covenant lasts until death.
2. MARRIAGE IS A COVENANT INVOLVING 3 PARTIES
Ecc 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one”, which applies in labour, in doing life, in struggles of life. And then it also says, “And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” – Who is the third cord?
Gal 3:19 – Every covenant needs a mediator. It needs a third party who is superior and above all.
Mal 2:14 – And your wife by covenant – The Lord hath been witness between thee and your wife.
- Marriage is a three-party covenant with Christ at the Centre.
So marriage has three parties: God, the man and the wife. God first and then both of you. He is the One keeping you together: As a couple you need to pray together, attend church together, believe together. When the husband and the wife are not united in their faith, attaining oneness to the optimum in other aspects is not possible.
3.THE TRIANGULAR LAW OF MARRIAGE
How the world does marriage:
“Marriage is 50-50”. They are looking to the other to fulfil them. Their marriage is built on dissatisfaction and demand. And other commitments add to the fire – 1) Finances. 2) In-laws. 3) Children. 4) Goals & dreams.
But Biblical marriages are built different –
Jesus is at the centre and both the husband and wife look to Jesus for healing, restoration & satisfaction. He fills each of them and they become 100%. Now both the husband and the wife look to each other to primarily supply to each other. They find the wisdom & strength they need: they are connected to Him.
Eph 5:21-25 – In this whole passage Paul points both the husband and the wife to Christ as their source.
So here’s the divine secret to a blessed marriage –
- A blessed marriage consists of two healthy singles held together by Christ.
4.BIGGEST Q – ARE YOU A HEALTHY SINGLE?
Ps 68:6 – “God sets the solitary in families” –Solitary here is YACHID. YACHID (Heb) – single, unique, loved
Adam was a Yachid – Gen 2:18 –“It is not good that man should be alone…”
Jesus was a Yachid – John 3:16 –The word “Begotten” is MONOGENUS (Gk) –– Single, Unique and Loved.
- Healthy singles are those who are loved and unique, and are complete in Christ Jesus.
5.BECOME A HEALTHY SINGLE TODAY
Become a healthy single: Know the Lord Jesus personally, draw closer to God as you seek Him in prayer and meditate on his word.
- He will fill you and secure you.
- He will heal you of your past wounds
- He will cleanse you from condemnation
- He will love you and satisfy you
- In life, if you are not satisfied with Jesus, you will never be satisfied with anyone or anything.
6.BUSTING 4 MYTHS OF MARRIAGE
1) Singleness is not the problem & marriage is not the solution.
2) Marriage does not make you whole; it reveals the holes in your character.
3) Marriage is not two “halves” coming together to become “full” but two “fulls” uniting in Christ.
4) Marriage is not where you find love; it is where you share love. The Cross is where you find love.
- A happy marriage is when both the husband and the wife are in love with the same person – Jesus!