Summary of this week's sermon
Every week we want to have a 5 day devotional recapping our previous sermon so we can grow deeper together.
This past Sunday we continued in our series on Relationships. This week we are looking at "Marriage and Dating."
Day 1: The Foundation of Marriage
Devotional
When building a house, the foundation is crucial. Without a solid foundation, even the most beautiful house will eventually crumble. The same principle applies to marriage. Many couples focus on the 'decorative' aspects of their relationship - date nights, shared hobbies, or material comforts - while neglecting the foundation. The strongest foundation for any marriage is Jesus Christ. When both partners are complete in Christ first, they can build a lasting relationship together. This doesn't mean perfection, but rather a commitment to growing together with Christ at the center. A marriage built on this foundation can weather any storm because it's anchored in something - Someone - greater than ourselves.
Bible Verse
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." - Philippians 2:3-5
Reflection Question
How might your marriage look different if you truly put Christ at the center of your relationship rather than expecting your spouse to fulfill all your needs?
Quote
Marriage isn't some Jerry Maguire, Renee Zellweger, Tom Cruise. You complete me. No, no, listen to me. Listen to me. If you are not complete in Christ, adding a spouse to the mix is just going to make it a mess.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us build our marriage on You, the solid foundation. Show us where we've been looking to each other for completion instead of finding it in You. Guide us to grow stronger together as we grow closer to You. Amen.
Day 2: The Power of Mutual Submission
Devotional
In our culture, the word 'submission' often triggers negative reactions. We associate it with weakness, loss of identity, or forced compliance. However, God's design for submission in marriage is beautiful and empowering. It's not about one person dominating another, but about both spouses voluntarily putting each other first out of love for Christ. When both husband and wife submit to one another, they create a dance of mutual care and respect that reflects Christ's relationship with His church. This kind of submission isn't losing yourself - it's finding yourself in serving one another.
Bible Verse
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." - Ephesians 5:21
Reflection Question
In what specific ways could you demonstrate submission to your spouse this week by putting their needs before your own?
Quote
In marriage, neither partner is their own boss. Submit to one another. Okay, now let's get into it, because let's talk about submission for just a second. This is the word that ruffles feathers in our culture. Submission is a dirty word.
Prayer
Father, help us understand and embrace Your design for mutual submission in our marriage. Give us hearts that desire to serve one another as we serve You. Amen.
Day 3: Love that Leads
Devotional
Leadership in marriage isn't about wielding power or authority. Instead, it's about taking responsibility and serving with love. Just as Christ led through sacrificial love, husbands are called to lead their wives through loving service. This kind of leadership creates an environment where submission becomes a natural response rather than a forced obligation. When a husband loves his wife as Christ loves the church - sacrificially, tenderly, and completely - he creates a safe space where his wife can flourish. This is the kind of leadership that builds trust and strengthens the marriage bond.
Bible Verse
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word." - Ephesians 5:25-33
Reflection Question
Husbands, how can you better reflect Christ's sacrificial love in how you lead your wife? Wives, how can you support and encourage your husband's godly leadership?
Quote
It is not the husband's job to make the wife submit. It is the husband's job to love your wife so much like Jesus, that submission becomes the logical destination.
Prayer
Lord, teach us to love like You. Help husbands to lead with sacrificial love and wives to respond with loving support. May our marriages reflect Your relationship with the church. Amen.
Day 4: Partners in Purpose
Devotional
God created marriage as a partnership where both spouses contribute their unique strengths and abilities. When God created Eve as a helper for Adam, He wasn't creating an assistant but a necessary complement. Each spouse brings different perspectives, skills, and insights that, when combined, create something greater than either could achieve alone. This partnership requires mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to value each other's input. When we embrace our roles as partners, we can fulfill God's purpose for our marriage more effectively.
Bible Verse
Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." - Genesis 2:18
Reflection Question
How can you better appreciate and utilize your spouse's unique strengths and perspectives in your marriage partnership?
Quote
Being a helper doesn't mean you just shut up and obey. Doesn't. And I'll tell you right now, if you're a husband who thinks that way, you are going to hate the second half of the second message.
Prayer
God, thank You for creating us as partners in marriage. Help us value each other's unique contributions and work together to fulfill Your purposes. Amen.
Day 5: Choosing Selflessness
Devotional
Marriage provides daily opportunities to choose between selfishness and selflessness. Every decision, from how we spend our time to how we handle our resources, reveals our priorities. When both spouses commit to putting each other's needs first, something beautiful happens - both partners end up having their needs met. This creates a cycle of mutual care and consideration that strengthens the marriage bond. It's not about keeping score or ensuring everything is exactly equal, but about both partners consistently choosing to serve and honor one another above themselves.
Bible Verse
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:12-15
Reflection Question
What is one selfish pattern in your marriage that you need to replace with selfless service?
Quote
Instead of seeing who can get the most out of the marriage, let's make it a contest to see who can give the most in our marriage.
Prayer
Father, help us choose selflessness over selfishness in our marriage. Give us hearts that delight in serving one another and putting each other's needs first. Amen.