Why People Hate Marriage
Joe R. Price

The Bible clearly says that God hates divorce, noting that it “covers one’s garment with violence” (Mal. 2:16). We should not be surprised that today, more and more call good evil and evil good by minimizing marriage and promoting divorce (Mal. 2:17; Isa. 5:20-21).

Men have historically hardened their hearts toward God’s design of marriage (Matt. 19:4-6, 7-8). Marriage is the one relationship between a man and a woman that completes, secures and supports their journey through life toward eternity (Gen. 2:18-24). Jesus exalts the honor of marriage and prohibits mankind from sundering what God joins together (Matt. 19:6). We sin when we do not honor the moral purity and integrity of marriage (Heb. 13:4).

Why and how do people hate marriage?

1. Many do not believe marriage is from God. They believe marriage is man’s idea – the product of our social evolution and civil law. In truth, marriage belongs to God. God gave mankind marriage, we did not “give it to ourselves” (Gen. 2:18, 21-24; Matt. 19:3-6).

Marriage suffers when men and women refuse to believe and obey the God who gave it (Eph. 5:22-33). The dishonoring of marriage dishonors God (Rom. 1:18-32). Marriage will continue to be dishonored by men as long as they refuse to fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:13; Rom. 1:22-25).

2. Many do not accept marriage as permanent. Marriage is for life: “For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives” (Rom. 7:2). Men have written laws that make marriage easy and divorce easier. However, God’s law obligates the wife to the husband and the husband to the wife – for life. The willingness to endure, to persevere, to solve problems by working together is undermined whenever marriage is viewed as temporary rather than lifelong. In our “throw away” society we have been conditioned to accept disposal marriage. Such sinful treatment of marriage will not escape God’s judgment (Heb. 13:4).

3. Many endorse divorce for any reason and remarriage without consequences. The Pharisees tested Jesus over putting away a wife for every cause due to their perversion of God’s purpose for marriage (Matt. 19:3-6). Jesus affirmed the permanent relationship of marriage, yet they continued to display their hardened heart toward marriage as they emphasized the certificate of divorce and putting away one’s mate (Matt. 19:7-8). God has never intended for men to casually divorce: “And I say unto you, whoever divorces his wife, expect for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matt. 19:9). We must commit ourselves to marriage as God designed it – a blessing from the beginning. One who sunders what God has joined together, sins.

4. Many prefer the works of the flesh. Love for this world’s lusts and pleasures blinds and destroys many souls (Gal. 5:19; 1 Jno. 2:15-17; Jas. 4:1-4). It should be obvious to all that fornicators and adulterers show hatred toward marriage, not love for it. We must bear the fruit of the Spirit for our marriages to be what God commands (Gal. 5:22-23).  There is no law against love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness and faithfulness: these fortify and honor marriage.

5. Selfishness. The companionship of marriage demands unselfishness. God planned marriage that way: “…and the two shall become one flesh. So then, they are no longer two but one flesh” (Matt. 19:5-6). As long as husbands and wives selfishly demand their “rights” instead of humbly serving their mate in accordance with God’s will, marriage will be a hateful relationship instead of one that honors God and blesses man (1 Cor. 7:4).

God’s compassion is realized in marriage when the husband and wife behave according to God’s will. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Gen. 2:18). The devil knows the strength of the marriage relationship. To this day Satan seeks to separate and isolate spouses from each other (Gen. 3:1-6; 1 Pet. 3:7; Col. 3:18-19). As his scheme succeeds and more people hate marriage, there will be fewer homes producing faithful Christians, elders, deacons, preachers and Bible class teachers.

Why do people hate marriage?  Because they love what is convenient. There is nothing convenient about a successful marriage. It demands responsibility, commitment and endurance. God loves marriage; do you? (Eph. 5:22-33)

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS

Marriage Roles and Responses (1)

   God-given roles of husband & wife; and God-given responses to each one’s role are essential for marriage to be what God wants it to be (Heb. 13:4).

I.  GOD’S CORE ROLE OF THE HUSBAND: HEAD OF THE WIFE, Eph. 5:23.

  A.  His Essential Function is to be the Servant Leader of the Home, Eph. 1:22; 5:25-29, 33.
  B.  The Husband Must Pattern His Leadership after the Leadership of Christ, Mk. 10:42-45.  Jesus was a Servant-Leader.
    1.  Jesus’ leadership (rule): Service–Sacrifice–Salvation (Rom. 15:3; Phil. 2:5-8).
    2.  Gentiles’ leadership: Lord it over–Wield power–Be served.
    3.  Husband’s leadership.
  C.  Being a Servant-Leader does not Mean (Prov. 11:29).
  D.  Being a Servant-Leader Means, 1 Tim. 5:8; Eph. 6:4; Heb. 12:9; Psa. 128:1-4.  (Ultimately, his headship is issue between husband & Lord.)

II. GOD’S CORE RESPONSE OF THE WIFE TO THE HUSBAND’S ROLE: SUBMISSION, Eph. 5:22-24; 1 Pet. 3:1-2, 5-6.

  A.  She Willingly Puts Herself Under His Leadership (Titus 2:5; Prov. 21:9; 27:15-16; 31:10-12, 28-29).
  B.  Her Submission (like Husband’s Headship) is Ultimately an Issue between the Wife & the Lord, Eph. 5:22, 33; 1 Pet. 3:3-5 (1 Ti. 2:11-12).

Conclusion

1.  Role of headship never means asking your wife to disobey God.  Response of submission never means putting your husband before God.
2.  Each role & response is intended to fulfill Scripture, honor God & bless your marriage.

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS

The Growth of the Lord's Church

Review the origin of the Lord’s church.

I.  GOD’S RECORD OF THE EARLY CHURCH (Acts 2-28).

  A.  From a Small Beginning to a Mighty Force:  Record of the Great Commission, Matt. 13:31-32; 28:19-20.
    Acts 1:8: Theme of Acts (2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1; 9:31); Col. 1:5-6, 23.
  B.  Growth Occurred in God’s Way, Ep. 4:11-12; 1 Cor. 1:21; Matt. 13:33; Acts 8:4; 11:19-21; 18:24-28; 19:9-10; 2 Tim. 2:2 (1 Cor. 3:5-7).
  C.  The Church Grew in many Different Places among Many Different Kinds of People.

II. THE SEED OF THE KINGDOM PRODUCES ALL OF ITS TRAITS, Matt. 13:18-19 (1 Pet. 1:22-23).

  A.  When the Seed (word of God) is Planted into Good & Honest Hearts, it bears Fruit, Matt. 13:23 (Lk. 8:15); Jas. 1:21-22.
  B.  Therefore, we must Always Respect & Obey the Word of the Kingdom (Gal. 1:8-9; 2 John 9; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jude 3); Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23-24.
  C.  Distinctive & Identifying Features Include:
    1.  Organization, Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28 (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim.3; Tit. 3).
    2.  Name, Acts 11:26; Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:2 (10-13).
    3.  Worship, Jno. 4:24; Heb. 11:4; Mt. 15:7-9.
    4.  Work of local church, Acts 11:26; 20:28 (1 Cor. 14:26); Acts 4:34-35 (6:1-6; 1Tim.5:16).
    5.  Life of members (Christians), Titus 2:11-15 (Phil. 4:8-9).

Conclusion

1.  The church grew from small beginnings into a mighty force because the proper seed was planted & obeyed.  (Same seed, same fruit)
2.  Any church that does NOT bear the identifying marks of the NT church is not the church of Christ (Lk. 6:46).

[History of the Church, #2]

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Gospel Meeting

Mt. Baker  Church of Christ

Gospel Meeting

March 25-30, 2007

Evangelist

James DeVoll

(Canyon Lake, TX)

Bible lessons Nightly Mon-Fri at 7:00 PM

Sunday: 9:30 & 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM

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1 Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.
2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD.
(Psalm 128:1-4)

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