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Sunday 18 May 2003 - "Gems for a successful
marriage" - wedding of Khumbulani & Nomusa
(Summary of sermon by Arno Stegen)
It is wonderful to enter marriage knowing that it did not
come from yourself, but God brought it about. It will be a firm foundation to you in
difficult times.
True Love Waits is a wonderful pledge millions of young people across the world has
made to stay sexually pure before marriage. But that 'True Love' must also endure and grow
in marriage.
The following illustration on marraige is the best known ever
Eph 5:25 - 33
It is the responsibility of the husband to treat his wife in such a way that she is
sanctified, even as Christ loved the Church and gave His life for her to sanctify her.
Marriage is a major, serious step. We know Nomusa as a Christian and we respect her for
it, but now it's your duty, Khumbulani, to see that her holiness and godliness increase
from today. God makes you responsible for it. Christ loved the Church so much that He gave
His life for her sanctification. Some men think marriage is just to satisfy them - the
wife must cook, do his clothing and look after their children. No, you missed the point
completely! You must love her as Christ loved the Church. Maybe your wife was a fine
Christian and example before you married her, but today there is no life left in her. Why?
Because of your selfish life, not caring for her sanctification. How do you sanctify her?
By washing her with God's Word. Make sure too that you are washed by the same Word.
God created marriage and it is a blessed relationship when
founded in God. Since God created it, the best one to ask how to make marriage work is its
Creator, God. Therefore let God's Word teach you and your wife how to be a good husband
and wife. We read in Ps 119:105 that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto
our path.
Difficult times arise in one's life too. The hymnwriter of
'What a friend we have in Jesus' lost his wife to be on the eve of their wedding day.
Once when Rev Chauke was given 1min to preach, he said, 'Once Jesus was in the boat
with His disciples. A storm arose and Jesus calmed the storm and the boat was safe. Make
sure that Jesus is in your boat when the storms of life arise', and then he sat down. That
is what you must be sure of - that Jesus is in your life every day and that you serve Him
with your whole heart.
To summarise then,
- As husband it is your responsibility to sanctify your wife.
- Make sure that God's Word is the light of your path.
- Ensure that Christ is in your boat at all times.
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