Marriage Is…

Note: The sermon summary below was generated and formatted with the help of AI. If you spot anything that seems out of left field, let us know so we can fix it!

What Marriage Is: A Gift, a Mystery, and a Call to Serve

Hello, Pathway family! Over the past few weeks, we’ve been diving into our Family Matters sermon series, exploring how to build strong, healthy homes—because family matters, right? We’ve covered flourishing families and, last week, Pastor Ben led us through family discipleship, emphasizing how prioritizing God daily lifts Him up as the driving force in our homes. This Valentine’s Day weekend, as our nation celebrates love, chocolate (75 million pounds consumed this weekend—more popular than flowers, ladies!), and candy hearts with a five-year shelf life (longer than some relationships, maybe?), we’re turning to marriage. Specifically, we’re asking: What is marriage?

The Many Faces of Marriage

When asked, married folks offer varied answers: love, companionship, intimacy, oneness—beautiful aspects, yes. But some, scarred by pain or brokenness, call it a prison. Some of you may have experienced marital struggles or are silently navigating them now. So, what do we do when challenges arise? Better yet, how do we lay a foundation to navigate them well—or avoid them altogether? These are critical questions, and today’s message offers hope, whether you’re married or not. The principles here apply to all relationships—single, parent, child—culminating in a transformative question for every home.

1. Marriage Is a Profound Mystery

Marriage is a mystery—can I get an amen? Paul agrees in Ephesians 5, quoting Genesis 2: “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.” It’s not just about the union of two people; it mirrors Christ’s relationship with the church. Yet, marriage isn’t your highest calling. The pinnacle is your relationship with Jesus—His love surpasses all. Matthew 22 reminds us that in heaven, there’s no marriage; we’ll be like angels, fully united with Christ. That’s not my favorite truth—I’ve been married to Carolyn for years and can’t imagine life without her—but it points to a greater joy ahead. Here, marriage reflects Christ’s perfect love, a mystery we grow into by pursuing it with God’s help. Misunderstanding this leads to disappointment when we demand from a spouse what only God can provide.

2. Marriage Is a Gracious Gift

In 1 Corinthians 7:7, Paul says, “I wish that all were as I myself am [single],” amid persecution, but clarifies, “Each has his own gift from God; some have the gift of singleness, some the gift of marriage.” Both are good—marriage isn’t superior. God says in Genesis it’s “not good for man to be alone,” bringing companionship, support, pleasure, and more. Before Carolyn, I didn’t know I needed candles, plants, or throw pillows in every room—proof of marriage’s enriching gifts! It’s a tangible picture of God’s love, pointing us to His perfect beauty. Rooted in Christ, this gift fosters unity and joy, but only when we don’t overburden it with expectations it can’t meet.

3. Marriage Is a Selfless Partnership

In a first-century culture of power and subjugation, Jesus flipped the script: “Whoever wants to be first must be servant of all” (Mark 9). Paul echoes this in Ephesians 5: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Wives, submit as to the Lord; husbands, love as Christ loved the church—through service and sacrifice. This mutual submission, not domination, was revolutionary. Yet, pride often rebels. Some misuse “wives submit” to diminish women, but Scripture affirms equal value in God’s image. Submission means serving each other’s needs, a lifeline for family health.

The Transformative Question

Here’s the practical takeaway: What can I do to help? Ask your spouse, kids, or parents daily. It’s simple, not profound, but transformative. Kids, try it—your parents might faint from shock! Wives, ask your husband; husbands, step in with the kids. Fear of being taken advantage of may arise, but this isn’t about deserving—it’s about reverence for Christ, who served you. Someone must take the first step; it may feel awkward, but it can revive your home.

Living It Out

Marriage matters. Understanding it as a mystery, a gift, and a selfless partnership sets us up to thrive. For struggling marriages, there’s hope—God can make the impossible possible. Let’s lean into His design.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and the principles that guide us. Forgive us when we seek from others what only You can provide. Bless struggling marriages with hope, peace, and a desire to honor You. Let us serve one another, reflecting Your love, in Jesus’ name, amen.

SERMON DETAILS

Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Family Matters
Sermon Title: Marriage Is…
Date: Feb 16, 2025

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• Ephesians 5:21-32

• 1 Corinthians 7:7

• Mark 9:35

• Mark 10:43-45

• Matthew 22:30

SHARE