KNOWING GOD'S WILL IN MARRIAGE

House and riches are the inheritance from fathers, but a wise, understanding, and prudent wife is from the Lord. (Prov 19:14)

The greatest threat to our society and environment today is the attack on the family. The devil knows that if he can successfully attack the family, he can attack every other system (including the church) and the world at large.(Genesis 2:18-25; Proverbs 18:22)

One of best things that can ever happen to a human being is to be married (according to the will and purpose of God). It is expedient for us to know and do God’s will in marriage.

Marriage is good and honorable.(Hebrews 13:4). It is not a necessary evil.
You have to be prepared (spiritually, mentally, psychologically, emotional, etc) before going into it....else, you’ll get confused.

Marriage is the union between a matured man and a matured woman, which is based on a covenant relationship.

It is the verbal and written covenant between two adults of opposite sex in the presence of physical and spiritual witnesses to live together without any intimidation of fear, and this covenant is binding for the rest of their lives.

                                Tips in Choosing the right partner!

• Personal relationship with God

Your relationship with God will sharpen your spiritual sensitivity and open your inner eyes.
Wait on the Lord in fasting and prayer!
Meditate on God’s word
The sensing of your spirit tells you the will of God...The Spirit bears witness with your spirit. You will have inner peace within you...
Sometimes, you need to go on a ‘deep sleep’ and allow the Lord to perfect His work in you.

Bone of my bones....flesh of my flesh....

                  There are 3 levels of compatibility involved here:-

1. Spiritual – you must not be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14). He/she must not be the one to draw you back spiritually. The spouse is supposed to be a partner in progress (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Iron sharpens iron... (Proverbs 27:17)
2. Mental – Ensure that you are likely on the same page, so that you can relate freely on different issues. There must be a connecting point between the parties, in the area of their mindsets, value systems, etc. There shouldn’t be too much gap in the area of academic achievements/qualifications (my opinion). Your views on issues like morals, character, integrity, discipline must align.
3. Physical – having satisfied the spiritual and mental compatibility requirements, you can give room for the physical.

Note: It’s better to marry for integrity, rather than for reputation. Integrity is who you are, when no one is watching. Check out for the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit.

                  WAYS WE CAN FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSE IN MARRIAGE.

1. Faithfulness to God and to your spouse (Hebrews 13:4) 
2. Divorce is not an option (1 Cor. 7:10)
3. Submit yourselves to each other in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21)
4. Finally, we must ‘leave....to cleave....’ (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7, Ephesians 5:31).

To ‘leave’ your parents does not mean ignoring them or not spending any time with them. It actually means recognizing that your newly created family must be given a higher priority than your previous family.

To ‘cleave’ means ‘to be united to, to cling unto, to adhere to, stick to, or join with’. It is a unique joining of two people into one entity. It means we do not quit when things are not going right. It includes talking things out, praying things through, being patient as you trust God to work in both of your hearts, being willing to admit when you are wrong and asking forgiveness, and seeking God's counsel regularly in His Word.

write up by; PASTOR NATHANIEL SADELA.

                   Resident pastor GACikeja