The Promise – 3 – Partnership

Welcome
Goal – Save future & current marriages… Bless your relationships with Godly wisdom.

Promise #1
GOD is my ONE and MY SPOUSE is my TWO

Promise #2
I Promise to always PURSUE my TWO.

 

Start with the prophetic word…

I take two steps forward, I take two steps back

We come together ’cause opposites attract

And you know it ain’t fiction, just a natural fact

We come together ’cause opposites attract

-Paula Abdul

 

Opposites Attract – dating
Opposites Attack – marriage

 

Differences Enhance
God uses differences to DIVERSIFY.
The enemy uses differences to DIVIDE.

 

Promise #3
I promise our marriage will be about WE and not ME.

 

Genesis 2:24 (NIV) That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

‘echad (ekh-awd’); united, completely joined as one.

Not me and you – We!  We not Me!

 

Sensitive about divorce… We do not judge you.
Cannot change your past.
Can change your future!

Jesus quotes Genesis 2:24 and reveals more truth.

Matthew 19:5-6 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

No longer 2, but 1.
WE not ME.

WHAT GOD HAS JOINED TOGETHER… Do we believe this?

Get Abnormal – Normal is not working.
-Divorce, adultery, open marriage, Living together unmarried

MARRIAGE is a COVENANT not a CONTRACT

• A Contract is based on mutual DISTRUST.

Protect me from YOUR wrongdoing…

• A Covenant is based on mutual COMMITMENT.

Contract mindset leads to divorce.

“Marriage is just a piece of paper.”

“Divorce settlement – what is mine and what is yours.”

This what Jesus taught?

6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

WE not ME!

Promise #3
I promise our marriage will be about WE and not ME.

 

We are different.

• Personalities
• Temperaments
• Strengths
• Minds
• Experiences

But God makes us 1.

 

A verse that some have used to abuse.

Ephesians 5:22-24 (NIV)

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do 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.

 

Seems like a one way road.

I am the head… ME centered and not WE.

Add the previous verse.

Ephesians 5:21(NIV) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Mutual Submission – WE.

Take advantage of your partner’s strengths. Submit to their wisdom.
LISTEN TO EACHOTHER!

I submit to your choice. WE not ME.

 

What about headship?

Ephesians 5:22-24 (NIV)

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do 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.

 

Husband is the head… Some have used that to…

• Abuse
• Control
• Make every decision
• Win every argument

 

Husband is the head… as what?

As Christ is the Head?

Is Christ abusive or controlling?

Christ is… loving, caring, serving, and submits to our needs. Christ is the best partner.

Husbands be like Christ!

Promise #3
I promise our marriage will be about WE and not ME.

Contract is about mutual distrust…
Covenant is about mutual commitment.

 

SO THANKFUL FOR SARAH.
-I trust her.
-She does not dominate our relationship.
-She is so amazing – I want her to flourish – not dominate and control her.
-We are VERY different. I celebrate her strengths.

 

Marriage is measured by ___________.

• Money?
• Sexual attraction?
• Fun?
• Getting your way?

Marriage is measured by Commitment.

How is your marriage doing?

 

Make your move

Jesus – the best example of partnership.

  -Grow your relationship with Jesus NOW.
Partner – Contract or Covenant? ME or WE?

  -Mutual submission, celebrate differences.
Be Abnormal – Not like others – like Christ!

  -Come Pray