The 3Ms of Sticky Marriages – The Mission of Marriage
John 15:5-8; Phil 4:11b-13; Eph 5:31-32
Pr Chris Kam | 17/18 August 2019
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Big Idea:

The Mission of Marriage is to grow disciples of Jesus.


1. A home of ____________ (of Christ’s love for the church)

(Jn 14:23-24)
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 

23  … and we will come to them and make our home [monen] with them. - Singular

(John 14:2) My Father’s house has many rooms [monai] - Plural

(Eph 5:31-32)

If you want to get married, you must make sure your marriage will give you a greater love for the Lord, the things of the Lord, a greater prospect of ministry. If not stay single. ~ Josh McDowell


2. A home of ______________________ (multiplication)

Two most important life decisions:

1. Decision who will be your ____________________. 

2. Decision who will be your ____________________. 

Celibacy is a gift.  

… some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven ... (Mt 19:12c, NLT)

(1 Co 7:6-7; 1 Co 7:32-35; Jn 15:5,8; Phil 4:11b-13; 2 Pe 1:4;  2 Co 4:16)


3. A home of _____________________ (for God’s Kingdom) 

Parents/grandparents

Courting couples

Singles



Application Questions
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1. Where did you get your idea of marriage from? Does what you see of the marriages around you give you greater or lesser hope? Please share your observations and conclusions.

2. Did this marriage series confirm, add to, change or correct any of your own preconceived ideas? Please share with the group what these are.

3. In what ways do you see a Christian marriage as a home of discipleship to the married couple and later to their children? What good family rituals or culture do you think you will want to see in your family? How would you have a conversation with your children about their future spouses? When will you start and what will you say?

4. For those who are single, discuss the merits of celibacy from 1 Cor 7:32-35. Will this affect the way you live your life now, even with the hope of marriage someday? What does it mean to be Mr or Miss Right first? If you choose to be single, what are some of the practical considerations you can have to be a disciple of Jesus in the area of contentment and purpose for your life?