This past Sunday, we began our first sermon series on marriage titled, “Living in Grace.” As we have been preaching through 1 Corinthians, we are taking the opportunity to spend longer periods of time on specific topics when we feel our church needs it. Throughout 1 Corinthians 6 + 7, Paul gives some practical advice on marriage in light of the Gospel, so we will be doing the same over the next several weeks!

Brad opened the series by asking and answering the question, “What is the Purpose of Marriage?” Marriage is one of the many things in the world where the effects of sin are seen most clearly. Many marry, but many divorce. The reason why most marriages struggle is because we don’t know the purpose of marriage and don’t have the power to fulfill the purpose. We started in 1 Cor. 7:10-16 and saw how Paul believed that we should do everything possible to stay married if we are married, but this practical advice is based on his understating of the purpose of marriage in Ephesians 5:31-33. The purpose of our marriage is to love and cherish our spouse in such a way that we reflect the Gospel of Jesus’s love and cherishing of His church to all. The only way we can be empowered to love, serve, sacrifice, commit and cherish our spouse is if we have experienced the love, service, sacrifice, commitment and cherishing of Jesus to us through His life, death, and resurrection.

If you missed the sermon, be sure to listen to it here: "What is the Purpose of Marriage?"