Marriage Defined: a lifelong covenant commitment between one man and one woman for the Glory of God.

INTRO: The Purposes of Marriage:

Marriage is for the Display of God
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Vs 26-27

Marriage is for Descendants of God.
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; Vs 28

Marriage is for the Domain of God.
subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Vs 28

ANALYSIS/APPLICATION: The Four Seasons of Marriage: Gary Smalley

Season #1: Spring- A season of new beginnings where most marriages begin.

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. Eph 5:17-21

Season #2: Summer- when the gardener reaps the benefits of what was planted and nurtured in the spring.

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”1 Peter 4:8


Season #3: Fall- The most colorful season of the year, a prelude to winter.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might [a]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. Eph 5:25-28


Season #4: Winter- A season filled with difficulty.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.Colossians 3:12-15


KEYS TO STAYING in SPRING/SUMMER:

- Deal with Failure
- Learn to say “I Apologize”
- Keep a Positive Attitude
- Learn t speak each others Love Language Daily
- Maximize Differences