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Word & Deed: We are Witnesses: Marriage
with Danny Cantelmi
Sermon Notes: We Are Witnesses - Marriage
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, Matthew 12, Philippians 2:12-13, Psalm 77:7-15
Intro: This sermon is part of the "We Are Witnesses" series, focusing on how our lives testify to Jesus. Today's message explores how our marriages can bear witness to Christ. Even singles can benefit from the principles shared, but marriage uniquely reveals how we respond to challenges and conflict.
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Exposition:
- The Stages of Marriage: Marriage is a journey with various stages, each with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. It's easy to focus on our spouse as the source of challenges, but our greatest challenge often lies within ourselves.
- Dying to Self: Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians that we are no longer to live for ourselves, but for Christ. This involves letting go of our rights and preferences. Sin makes us self-focused and self-important, but marriage calls us to die to those tendencies.
- Three Ways Marriages Can Witness to Christ:
- Develop a Kingdom Perspective: We need to reorient our marriages around a kingdom perspective, sowing small seeds of kindness, prayer, gratitude, and humility.
- Practice Reconciliation: We must first be reconciled to Christ, then extend that reconciliation to our spouses. This involves confession, repentance, and forgiveness.
- See Marriage as a Partnership for the Gospel: Our spouses are our partners in ministry, and together we can advance the Gospel through raising our children, serving others, and demonstrating Christ's love in our daily lives.
Conclusion:
- The Lord's Table: We respond by coming to the Lord's Table, remembering Christ's sacrifice that reconciles us to God and empowers us to live in a way that reflects His love.
- A Word of Encouragement: Even in the midst of trials and suffering, we can remember God's faithfulness and the hope of His return.
Call to Action:
- Take the "Confession, Repentance, and Forgiveness" handout from the Connect Table.
- Consider how you can partner with your spouse to advance the Gospel.
- If you need prayer, don't hesitate to come forward.
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