The covenant of marriage between a man and a woman establishes these two into one flesh. There is not a more serious contract that a man can enter into like the bond of marriage. God is so serious about this issue that He said, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cling to his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen 2:24) Today, the society we live in is making a bold attempt to eliminate the sacredness of marriage. Liberal minded politicians, homosexuals and lesbians all want to minimize the institution of marriage so that they will be comfortable in their sins. If it were only these people it would not be a problem, but it’s more than a handful of liberals, its radio, TV, internet and any medium Satan can use to discredit the institution of marriage. Why would Satan want to discredit marriage you might ask? Well, its simple marriage between men and women create families which are used by God to establish His covenant through out all nations. Our society is structured around the organization of the family, but where there is lack of family balance with a mom and a dad confusion and disorder usually exist.
Marriages Are Attacked through the Head
In the sport of boxing there is a tactic used against an opposing fighter, which calls for pounding the head of the competition. The theory behind this is that if you knock off the head the body will follow. Now, observe what 1 Corinthians 11:3 says, “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ: and the head of the woman is the man: and the head of Christ is God.” Why is this important? It’s important because most of the forces opposing marriage are focused on weakening, demeaning and destroying men that would be used by God. If you have attempted to watch any television in the last few months you should have noticed half naked women on almost every commercial that was aired during televised sporting events. The half time show featuring Janet Jackson during the Super Bowl stands out especially. Its purpose and intent is to lure otherwise faithful men into deviant behavior. That is why as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, husbands and wives must commit all they have to the Lord and to their marriage. It’s sad to say but there are Christian men that don’t understand how important it is to guard their hearts from the temptations of this evil society. I talk to men almost every day that have less control over their sexual lusts than newborn babies that wet themselves. The worst part about it is that most of these men are married. Pardon my expression, but its like all these guys are saying, “a little dip with a stranger won’t hurt my family”. Well, they’re right that little dip won’t hurt the family it will destroy it, because Satan will never let anyone see his ultimate goal in tempting one to sin, which is total destruction. Ephesians 4:27, says, “Give no place to the devil.” You know, one of the things about some believers that disturbs me is that when there is sin in their lives that’s being addressed they will immediately use Romans 3:23, saying, “All have sinned.” This is merely an attempt to excuse their sin in the face of a holy God. We as believers need to stand for righteousness as the scripture tells us in Ephesians. The book of James has this to say, “Blessed is the man that endures temptation: For when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren”. (Jam 1:12-16)
Marriages shielded and protected by the Word
Without a doubt the pressures being exerted upon marriages are tremendous, but not in relation to the couple that puts their faith and trust in the Word of God. Every born again believer has been empowered through the Holy Spirit to resist sins temptations. 1 Corinthians 10:13, says, “ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. In the book of Genesis chapter 39 there is a story about Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. Potiphar trusted Joseph and put him in charge of his entire house. During one period of time Potiphar was away on business and his wife began to lust after Joseph. Beginning in Genesis 39:7 it says, “And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, lie with me. But he refused and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master has left nothing in the house which is not subject to me, but you his wife: how can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” The story goes on to say that one day Potiphar’s wife caught Joseph’s clothes and begged him to lay with her, but Joseph snatched away from her and ran. Men and women of God when we face this type of temptation we need to do just as Joseph did, get yourselves away and stay away. Amen.
Saints, God has secured our weaknesses by giving us His Word to trust in which releases the faith and power needed to ensure our success. There is no way a marriage based on the word of God can fail. The marriage should not be based on the couple’s ability, but on Gods ability through His Spirit. Ecclesiastes 4:12, says, “A threefold cord is not easily broken”. I believe this verse is telling us that if a husband and wife are connected with the Lord Jesus, then there is no attack the enemy can launch that will damage this union. As believers we need to remember there are no little issues with God. If there is something causing you to stumble then that issue needs to be brought to the Lord. Through prayer and faith God will maintain our marriage vows, but we must also commit to doing the natural things that nurture loving relationships. Lots of couples do the exact opposite of Ephesians 4:27, which again says, “Give no place to the devil”. How so, you say? Well, when couples have disagreements the first thing turned off is physical intimacy. Guess what? If there is too much anger, hostility and no intimacy somebody is vulnerable. Observe what 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, says, “Let the husband render unto the wife due affection: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Deprive ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your lack of self-control.” If Christian couples would accept the truth of God’s word, marriages would not be put in the hands of the tempter. It is so clear how Satan uses couple’s hurts and offenses against them to either weaken or destroy marriages. Couples need to stay submitted to God so that they may be able to discern what the enemy is trying to do and then commit the matter to God. The Holy Spirit is so in tune with what’s going on that he tells the husband in Colossians 3:19 not to be bitter against his wife and in the same chapter advises the wife to submit to the husband. God is so awesome, He gave us instructions for solid marriages and all we have to do is read His Word and believe what He says. I know without a doubt if couples will first submit totally to the Lord and then to their spouse God will bless that marriage in every conceivable way. So, it is my prayer that as husbands and wives read this article together they will begin to kindle a new fire that will never go out. Amen!
