Marriage is one of the most profound and sacred institutions established by God. It is not merely a social contract or a legal agreement; it is a covenant ordained by God Himself, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His Church. In today’s world, the concept of marriage is often challenged, misunderstood, and devalued. However, when we turn to the Bible, we see a clear and beautiful picture of what marriage is meant to be—a lifelong union based on love, sacrifice, and commitment.
In this sermon, we will explore the biblical foundation of marriage, its purpose, and how couples can honor God through their relationship. We will look at key passages in Scripture that highlight the significance of marriage, as well as practical insights on how to build a marriage that reflects God’s design.
1. The Biblical Foundation of Marriage
To understand the true meaning of marriage, we must start at the beginning—literally. In the book of Genesis, we find the account of the first marriage, where God creates the institution of marriage.
Genesis 2:18-24 (NIV): “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’ … So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, He took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man. The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called “woman,” for she was taken out of man.’ That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
From this passage, we learn that marriage was God’s idea from the very beginning. It wasn’t a human invention or a societal norm that evolved over time; it was part of God’s perfect creation. God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone, so He created Eve to be his helper, companion, and partner. Marriage is, therefore, a gift from God—a relationship designed for mutual support, love, and companionship.
The phrase “one flesh” signifies the deep bond that marriage creates. It is not just a physical union but a spiritual and emotional one as well. When a man and a woman come together in marriage, they become one in the eyes of God. This unity is both sacred and profound, symbolizing the intimate relationship God desires to have with us.
2. The Purpose of Marriage
Why did God create marriage? What is its purpose? According to the Bible, marriage serves several key purposes, each of which reflects God’s character and plan for humanity.
A. Companionship and Mutual Support
As we saw in Genesis, God created marriage to address Adam’s need for companionship. In marriage, husbands and wives are called to support one another, to share their lives together, and to help each other grow spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV): “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
This passage highlights the importance of partnership in marriage. Life can be difficult, and there will be times when one spouse is weak and needs the support of the other. In those moments, God uses the marriage relationship to provide strength, encouragement, and love. Marriage is a place where two people work together, serve each other, and glorify God through their unity.
B. Procreation and Raising Godly Children
Another purpose of marriage is to fulfill God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Marriage is the context in which children are to be born and raised, and parents are called to teach their children the ways of the Lord.
Malachi 2:15 (NIV): “Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are His. And why one? Because He was seeking godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.”
God’s desire is that children be raised in a godly environment, where they can see the love of Christ modeled by their parents. Marriage provides the foundation for a stable, loving home where children can grow in faith, character, and wisdom.
C. Reflecting Christ’s Love for the Church
Perhaps the most profound purpose of marriage is that it reflects the relationship between Christ and His Church. In Ephesians 5, Paul draws a parallel between the love of a husband for his wife and the love of Christ for His people.
Ephesians 5:25-33 (NIV): “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself… This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”
Christ’s love for the Church is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. In the same way, husbands are called to love their wives with a love that reflects Christ’s love. Marriage is a living testimony to the world of God’s love and grace. When a husband and wife love each other as Christ loves the Church, their relationship becomes a powerful witness of the Gospel.
3. Building a Godly Marriage
Now that we have seen the biblical foundation and purpose of marriage, how can we build a godly marriage that honors God and reflects His love? Here are three key principles to consider.
A. Love and Sacrifice
As we saw in Ephesians 5, marriage requires love and sacrifice. Husbands and wives are called to put each other’s needs before their own, just as Christ gave Himself for the Church. This kind of love is not based on feelings or circumstances but on a commitment to serve and honor one another.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV): “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This passage reminds us that love is not about what we get out of the relationship but what we give to it. True love requires humility, patience, and forgiveness. It is the foundation of a healthy, godly marriage.
B. Communication and Understanding
Good communication is essential in any relationship, but it is especially important in marriage. Husbands and wives must be willing to listen to each other, to understand each other’s needs, and to work through disagreements in a loving and respectful manner.
James 1:19 (NIV): “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
When couples communicate openly and honestly, they create an environment of trust and intimacy. This allows them to grow closer together and to resolve conflicts in a way that honors God.
C. Faithfulness and Commitment
Finally, marriage requires faithfulness and commitment. In a world where marriage is often treated as temporary, God calls us to remain faithful to our spouses, no matter the challenges we face. Marriage is a lifelong covenant, and couples must be committed to working through difficulties and staying true to their vows.
Matthew 19:6 (NIV): “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Marriage is not easy, and there will be times when it feels difficult to stay committed. But with God’s help, couples can persevere and experience the blessings of a lasting, loving relationship.
Conclusion
Marriage is a sacred covenant that reflects God’s love, purpose, and design for humanity. It is a relationship built on love, sacrifice, and commitment. As husbands and wives, we are called to honor God through our marriage, to love each other selflessly, and to reflect Christ’s love to the world.
May we seek God’s guidance and grace as we strive to build marriages that glorify Him. Let us remember that with God at the center of our marriage, we can overcome any challenge and experience the fullness of His blessing in our lives. Amen.
