Relationship Advice
The Foolishness of the Cross • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction:
· Biblical whiplash
A BIGGER QUESTION THAN MARRIAGE/SINGLE ADVICE: HOW DOES OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST TRANSFORM OUR ROLES IN MARRIAGE OR AS SINGLES?
I) Mutuality in Marriage
I) Mutuality in Marriage
A. Not Tonight Honey: Intimacy Adrift
A. Not Tonight Honey: Intimacy Adrift
i. A Problem in Corinth…and today (vs. 1b)
1. “to marry” or “to touch”? Given the grammar, “to touch.”
2. A statement or a quote? Given the positivity of sex/marriage, a quote
ii. Clarifying the problem: What this is NOT
1. This is not about medical issues that would preclude intimacy
2. And God forbid this be used to coerce or manipulate a spouse
iii. Clarifying the Problem: What this IS: (see 6:13)
1. Asceticism among Corinthians who believed sex was beneath them
2. EXAMPLE: using sex to control; but also, businessà neglect
iv. Why is this a Problem? Because sex & marriage are tied together
1. Neglecting sexual intimacy opens the door for temptation (vs. 5b)
2. EXAMPLE: Sexual temptation, BUT also: drifting apart, marriage suffers
B. A New Vision for Marriage
B. A New Vision for Marriage
i. The Framework for marriage:
1. The world: Marriage (and sex) is primarily about our individual happiness
2. Biblically: Marriage (and sex) primarily points to Christ & the church
ii. The Obligations of Marriage (vs. 3, 5 Eph. 5:28)
1. “Duty”, “Obligation” & “defraud” language of expectations in marriage
2. Elsewhere we’re reminded of our “obligation” to love sacrificially
3. God’s Vision: mutual love, vulnerability, à intimacy is “complete”.
iii. The Giving over in marriage (vv. 4)
1. The radical self-giving = A level of trust and vulnerability with los
2. Though contrary to our culture, we readily surrender ourselves
iv. Application (vs. 5)
1. Do not deprive: Do not hold yourself back (emotionally, sexually…)
2. Mutual agreed upon: Not a power-play, means of control, but mutual
3. Temporary: Not indefinite, or unlimited, but specified
4. Purposeful: Prayer, perhaps for the growth of marriage, restoration etc.
SOME OF YOU ARE THINKING WHAT THE CORINTHIANS WOULD HAVE THOUGHT. REMEMBER, PAUL ISN’T SPEAKIGN AT A MARRIAGE RETREAT BUT AT CHURCH.
II) A New Meaning for Singles, Divorce, and The unbelieving
II) A New Meaning for Singles, Divorce, and The unbelieving
A. A new standing for Singles (vv. 7-11)
A. A new standing for Singles (vv. 7-11)
i. The challenges of singlehood
1. The loss of a spouse or singlehood would leave one vulnerable
2. Today: the church can idolize family/marriage at the exclusion of singles
3. EXAMPLE: planning groups that are geared to families?
ii. A new standing for singles (vv. 7-8)
1. Married & singles are BOTH desirable roles in God’s kingdom
2. Why? Your identity in Christ means your worth isn’t connected to status
3. APPLICATION: friends in ministry who serve as singles
B. A new understanding of marriage and Divorce
B. A new understanding of marriage and Divorce
i. Is it okay for Christians to divorce? (vv. 10-11)
1. Paul echoes Jesus on divorce: marriage reflects permanence of Christ/Church
ii. But what about marriage to non-Christians? (vv. 12-16)
1. Christians must not to marry unbelievers…but what if post-conversion?
2. A pattern: uncleanness NOW flows from “clean” to “unclean”!
3. If you are a believer, you have a “holy” influence on your family, that God may use to bring them to Christ
4. APPLICATION: Being intentional about your sacred opportunity!
Transition:
Conclusion