Sunday 06:16:13

Genesis 1:26-27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Femininity - reflects the heart of God Compassion, beauty, nurturing, love, care Masculinity - reflects the strength of God Strength, leadership, courage Men and women are equal in their importance - both reflect God's character. Neither adequately represents God, but together, they are an image of God - not perfect because of sin - but an image of God nonetheless. In all creation, marriage is the fullest expression of God's image. 1. Harmony and unity in the relationship 2. Equality and importance of persons 3. Difference in role and authority Your marriage reflects the image of God. In God, there are distinct persons, but united in being, in purpose, and in nature. Each is eternal, each is holy, each is righteous. Genesis 2:18-24 Likewise in marriage there are two distinct persons; united physically, spiritually, and emotionally. When your marriage is united in purpose and direction, you reflect the glory of our Creator. In the Godhead, there is a continual honoring of the members. John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. When you honor your spouse, you reflect the glory of our Creator. How do you honor your spouse? Start by not dishonoring them - then... Ephesians 5:25-33 When Paul wrote about the love a man should have for his wife, he could not help but to write about Jesus' love for his bride, the church. So what do we do with this? Do we tell our kids, "if you want to see God, just watch your mom and me"? No, we are an imperfect representation of God - Jesus is perfect. If you want to know what God is like, you have to look to Jesus. But, I do tell our kids, "I want to love your mom well because that's how Christ has loved me - and when I do, it's because of him." When I love her well, imperfect as my love is, God is honored, Jesus is glorified, and my marriage works fantastically Your marriage reflects the image of God and each of you plays a part in reflecting his image. When your marriage is united in purpose and direction, you reflect the glory of God. When you honor your spouse, you reflect the glory of God. Next week: the problems in marriage that go all the way back to the fall of Adam and Eve and the redemption of the marriage relationship found in Jesus Christ.