Family Foundations: Building a Strong Christian Marriage - Kizombo Kalumbula, Genesis 2:18-24

I. Marriage is God's idea, and it is God's gift to humanity.
a. The helper does not mean that the woman was to be a man’s servant,
parent, or keeper.
b. The helper was to complement man in fulfilling God’s mandate of serving
and preserving the garden.
c. Struggling in their marriage, I usually encourage the couple first to look at
what they have in common.
d. Acknowledge that they are not competitors, but partners.
e. Evaluate whether the couple has truly left all others in their previous lives.

II. God’s divine purpose for marriage does not imply dominance of one
spouse.
Ephesians 5:21-33
a. First and foremost, to Christ and to His service
b. Second to each other.
“This commitment includes mutual submission and mutual support. Neither is ‘in
charge’ of the other. Both are under the charge of Christ. They are not competing
for power or anything else.” Mickelsens
c. Fruits of a one-way submission marriage:
 Resentments
 Lack of mutual growth
d. Fruits of a mutual submission marriage:
 More joy
 Freedom
 Intimacy
 Spiritual growth
Ephesians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

III. God uses a Christian marriage as His instrument to conform humanity to
the image of Christ.
Colossians 3:12-14

Take Action: Genesis 2:18-24, Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Tim 1:8-10; 1 Peter 3:7
1. What does the Holy Spirit reveal to you about the purpose of your marriage?
2. How can a husband and a wife fulfill God’s ideal of a Christian marriage?
3. What are the characteristics of a strong Christian marriage?
4. How does your marriage exhibit these characteristics? Discuss the presence or the absence of at least one characteristic in your marriage.
5. How is your marriage a model of servant leadership? Discuss with your spouse or a trusted friend how you will serve your spouse this week.
6. What is the one thing you are willing to put into practice this week because of hearing this message?