Hebrews 13:04 Sanctity of Marriage

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Text: Hebrews 13:4

Introduction

1. Marriage as an institution today is struggling

a. Many seek to redefine what constitutes a marriage

b. We hear of same-sex marriages, open marriages, polygamy, polyandry, polyamory

c. Others decry marriage altogether, preferring simple cohabitation

d. Many joke about it: Marriage is a wonderful institution – But who would want to live in an institution?

2. The family as an institution today is struggling

a. Husbands and wives often suffer strained relationships

b. Parents and children are frequently at odds with one another

c. Much misery in life is due to dysfunctional family relations

d. Some prefer that government assume the role of raising children

3. I believe much of the problem is due to self-centeredness in our society

a. People are told to look out for #1 in all their relations (business, family, etc.)

b. Thus many enter marriage and start families with selfish attitudes

c. Yet no relationship can exist peacefully and lovingly with selfish participants

4. The Bible has much to say about marriage and family

a. Especially in the teachings of Jesus and His apostles

b. That has helped many to have long-lasting, fulfilling relationships

c. Which can affect both our temporal and eternal happiness

Body

I. THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE DEFINED

A. THE MEANING OF SANCTITY…

1. Sanctity is defined as the quality of being holy, sacred

2. Thus it is common to speak of holy matrimony (i.e., sacred marriage)

B. THE SACREDNESS OF MARRIAGE

1. Marriage is one of the holiest of relations two people can have

2. Marriage is a bond created by God Himself, thus we must treat it as sacred

3. Marriage is not something to be entered into lightly

C. Is the idea of marriage as a sacred union a Biblical concept? What did Jesus and His apostles say about it?

II. THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE EXPLAINED

A. MARRIAGE WAS INSTITUTED BY GOD

1. From the very beginning, following the Creation – Matthew 19:3-4; Genesis 2:18-24

2. Designed for those created as male and female – Matthew 19:4

3. Whose union becomes one flesh – Matthew 19:5

4. Marriage is not a creation of the state, but of God Himself!

B. MARRIAGE IS REGULATED BY JESUS

1. Jesus has been given all authority, will be our Judge in all things – Matthew 28:18; 2 Corinthians 5:10

2. He taught that man may try to put asunder, but only God puts asunder – Matthew 19:7-9

a. One may legally divorce and remarry, but adultery can still occur – Matthew 5:31-32

b. God allows divorce only for fornication, and remarriage by the innocent – Matthew 19:9

3. He taught some might have to remain celibate (make themselves eunuchs) for the sake of the kingdom of heaven – Matthew 19:11-12

a. Because they had been divorced for adultery or unlawfully married

b. Or because they were single by choice, or never asked to be married

4. His apostle Paul had more to say concerning marriage:

a. Marriage is for life; marrying another while one’s spouse is alive is adultery – Romans 7:1-4

b. Each person is to have his or her own spouse, not shared – 1 Corinthians 7:2

c. Husbands and wives have certain duties toward one another – 1 Corinthians 7:3-5

d. One is not to divorce; if divorced, must remain single or return to spouse – 1 Corinthians 7:10-11

e. If an unbelieving spouse departs, a believer is not obligated to fulfill marital duties (but that does not necessarily imply they are free to remarry) – 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, 12-16

5. Jesus as Lord over all is the final Arbiter regarding marriage!

C. MARRIAGE IS RESERVED FOR INTIMACY

1. The only proper relationship for sexual intimacy (intercourse) is marriage – Hebrews 13:4

a. Not before the wedding, during courtship, but only after the wedding

b. Greatly simplifying the perennial question When is the right time?

2. Sex outside marriage is fornication

a. Fornication includes pre-marital, extra-marital, or same-sex relations

b. Such conduct can keep one out of the kingdom of God – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

3. Pre-marital sex endangers having a successful marriage

a. The national divorce rate in the United States is over 40 percent

b. Couples who wait to have sex until marriage – and remain faithful – have a divorce rate of only 20 percent

c. Couples who have more sexual partners prior to or outside of marriage have a much higher rate of divorce

d. Those who have as many as five partners have only a 30 percent chance that their marriage will not end in divorce

4. A successful marriage requires mutual respect and trust

a. Courtship is the time to build respect and trust which will strengthen your marriage

b. If your potential spouse will sin with you before you marry…

c. …what assurance do you have they will not sin against you after you marry?

5. The sanctity of marriage is preserved when it alone is the realm of sexual intimacy

Conclusion

1. Marriage is not an institution

a. Created and designed by man or the state

b. Subject to alteration by societal whims

2. Marriage is a sacred institution

a. Instituted by God in the beginning

b. Regulated by Jesus and His apostles in the Word of God

c. Reserved for sexual intimacy between a man and a women

3. Marriage is a successful institution

a. When we follow the Biblical injunctions concerning it

b. When members of the family fulfill their proper roles