Treasuring Marital Fidelity

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 19:1-6God has put marriage in the hearts and minds of people. Regardless of the tragic failures of past generations, the desire for marriage is born anew in every generation.Adrian Rogers says, “Marriage is not old-fashioned, out-of-date, or obsolete. It is a plan of God, a plan divine in creation.”In Matthew 19, Jesus urges us to treasure marital fidelity and remain faithful to one another.“So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6).Marriage is the first institution ordained of God, therefore it is a priority. It is permanent; when we commit to another in marriage, we become one, completely inseparable. Holy matrimony is not some sort of penalty; married life is God’s plan for total intimacy.Yet, sexual immorality pollutes the married life. Adultery is a sin against one’s self; there is no other sin that will do more damage, spiritually, psychologically, and physically.It is a sin against the home; God established monogamous marriage to meet the deepest emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of a child. The glue that holds the home together is sexual faithfulness.Adultery is a sin against the Church; when a member of a church lives in sexual immorality, he sins against the holy Body of Christ.No matter how society tries to glamorize it, adultery has destroyed great nations in the past. It may be the sin that destroys our nation, as well, because it is a sin against Almighty God.There is a way to preserve our marriages. We must bring our failures and sins before Jesus Christ and depend on Him. We must exercise our devotion to Christ and to our families. We must guard our hearts and be disciplined, having control over who or what we let into our lives. We must remain determined, making up our minds that we will not fall into temptation.Adrian Rogers says, “Love is a growing thing; it’s like a flower that needs to be cultivated and nurtured. It needs to be protected; its full beauty can be developed through life.”Apply it to your lifeWe have a responsibility to treasure marriage fidelity. Remember your decision to depend upon Him, remain devoted, and develop your love for your spouse; stay disciplined and determined.