Oneness

Bible Reading: Genesis 2:18-24

Key Verse: Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh (Genesis 2:24).
Marriage is define as “the act of uniting a man and woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious, by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children” (Webster).

Malachi explains that marriage is more than the sexual union; it is a covenant between God and man (Mal. 2:14), and it is this covenant that God blesses by making the two one (Mal. 2:15).

Marriage is based on commitment, not emotion. The emotional rush which the two people feel when they fall in love is wonderful, but it’s a terribly inadequate basis for marriage. While physical attraction, romance, and passion are wonderful ingredients of a love relationship, they cannot make for lifetime commitment. To survive the pressure and temptations that attack every marriage, both husband and wife have to be totally committed to making it work. When the romance is not quite so overwhelming and the stresses pile up, the husband and wife must stand strong in their commitment.

The goal in marriage must be more than physical passion or even friendship---it should be oneness. Marriage is holy and no one should take it lightly.

By Maximiano Tagactac
Lighthouse Bible Baptist Mission
Davao City, Philippines

No Compromise

Bible Reading: I King 11:1-13

Key Verse: For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father (I King 11:4).

Solomon handed great pressures in running the government, but he could not handle the pressures from his wives who wanted him to worship their gods. In marriage and other close relationships, it is difficult to resist pressure to compromise. Our love leads us to identify with the desires of those we care about.

Solomon, when faced with such pressure, he at first resisted it, maintaining pure faith. Then he tolerated a more widespread practice of idolatry. Finally he himself became involved in idolatrous worship, rationalizing away the potential danger to himself and the kingdom.

“Saved” Christians should marry those who are of the same faith---not to those who do not share our commitment to God. I have seen many Christians who are struggling with their personal relationship with God because they married “unsaved” one.

Being Truly United

Bible Reading: Ezra 9:1-15

Key Verse: For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass (Ezra 9:2).

Some Israelites had married heathen [non-Israelites] spouses and lost tract of God’s purpose for them. The New Testament exhorts that believers[saved] should not marry unbelievers[unsaved](2 Corinthians 6:14). Such marriages cannot have unity on the most important issue in life---commitment and obedience to God. Because marriage involves two people becoming one, faith becomes an issue. One spouse may have to compromise beliefs for the sake of unity. Don’t allow emotion or passion to blind you to the ultimate importance of marrying someone with whom you can truly be united.

Seed Thoughts:

Newlyweds need a strong start: Deuteronomy 24:5

Commitment is essential to a successful marriage: Genesis 24:58-60

"Till Death Do Us Part"

Bible Reading: Mark 10:2-12

Key Verse: But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh (Mark 10:6-8).

Some religious leaders of Jesus’ day permitted a man to divorce his wife for nearly any reason. That’s why Jesus’ words about divorce shocked his listeners (see Matthew 19:10) just as they shake many today. Jesus said in unmistakable terms that marriage is a lifetime commitment. To leave your spouse for another person may be legal, but it is adultery in God’s eyes. As you think about marriage, remember that God intends it to be a permanent commitment.

Seed Thoughts:

Marriage is forever: Matthew 19:3-6; Luke 16:18

God hates divorce: Malachi 2:13-17

Adultery is sinful and destructive: Proverbs 6:32-35

What It Means To "Submit"

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 11:1-12

Key Verse: But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God (I Corinthians 11:3).

Submission is a key element in the smooth functioning of any business, government, or family. God ordained submission in certain relationship to prevent chaos. We must understand, however, that submission is not surrender, withdrawal, or apathy. And it does not mean inferiority---God created all people in His image, and all have equal value. Rather, submission is mutual commitment and cooperation.

Thus God calls for submission among equals. He did not make the man superior---He made a way for the man and woman to work together. Jesus Christ, although equal with God the Father, submitted to Him to carry out the plan of salvation. Likewise, although equal to man under God, the wife should submit to her husband for the sake of their marriage and family. Submission between the equals is submission by choice, not force.

Seed Thought:

Paul reveals God’s structure for marriage: Ephesians 5:21-33