"He gave up his comfort in order to gain eternal glory. Tomiss that is to miss the point. Likewise, God has purposed for all those areas where you experience pain and suffering to be the very places where he displays his sufficiency and so brings glory to himself. And not just so that you can see it, but so that the people around you can see it. Everything from looking for a job to facing surgery to working on a difficult marriage, those are the very things God has planned to use for his own glory." Mark Dever
Posted above is a Mark Dever quote from "Message of the New Testament," on the book of 2nd Corinthians. I've been thinking about this quote for a while, especially in light of what Tripp says in, "instruments in the redeemer's hands," about all of this life, especially marriage, being an engagement to Christ. If this life is preparation for our marriage to Christ and we are guaranteed to have struggles and trials in this life, then can it not also be said that marriage will have its fair share of trial and struggles. I don't expect marriage to be this blissful haven where all of my trials and worries will go away.
As I came across that above Dever quote above, I couldn't help but to wonder if there is such a thing as an "easy marriage." Marriage involves sacrifice and service. It's interesting because as I've read about people who have been married for less then a year and for almost 30 years, I have only become more convinced that marriage is about a daily bearing of the cross. Is there a better verse about marriage then Hebrews 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I kind of chuckled to myself as I read verse 3 and realized something I had never realized before. The sinful men it is referring to in verse 3 is myself. Laura and I are sinners. We are great at sinning, if there is one thing we do better then anything else, it's sin. Because of the example of Christ and His ability to forgive us and triumph over our sins, we will not grow weary or lose heart for loving each other.
Although marriage is much hard work, there is so much joy that can be found in it. Joy can be found in marriage for the same reason that joy can be found in all aspects of life, because of the cross and the Holy Spirit that enables us to be filled with joy. With the highest highs and lowest lows there is joy to be found because we are redeemed and made friends with the King, not because of any meritorious work, but because of His glorious grace. How much richer does the blessing of marriage become in light of how God has freed us from wicked humans wills and empowers us to glorify Him through marriage.
Posted above is a Mark Dever quote from "Message of the New Testament," on the book of 2nd Corinthians. I've been thinking about this quote for a while, especially in light of what Tripp says in, "instruments in the redeemer's hands," about all of this life, especially marriage, being an engagement to Christ. If this life is preparation for our marriage to Christ and we are guaranteed to have struggles and trials in this life, then can it not also be said that marriage will have its fair share of trial and struggles. I don't expect marriage to be this blissful haven where all of my trials and worries will go away.
As I came across that above Dever quote above, I couldn't help but to wonder if there is such a thing as an "easy marriage." Marriage involves sacrifice and service. It's interesting because as I've read about people who have been married for less then a year and for almost 30 years, I have only become more convinced that marriage is about a daily bearing of the cross. Is there a better verse about marriage then Hebrews 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I kind of chuckled to myself as I read verse 3 and realized something I had never realized before. The sinful men it is referring to in verse 3 is myself. Laura and I are sinners. We are great at sinning, if there is one thing we do better then anything else, it's sin. Because of the example of Christ and His ability to forgive us and triumph over our sins, we will not grow weary or lose heart for loving each other.
Although marriage is much hard work, there is so much joy that can be found in it. Joy can be found in marriage for the same reason that joy can be found in all aspects of life, because of the cross and the Holy Spirit that enables us to be filled with joy. With the highest highs and lowest lows there is joy to be found because we are redeemed and made friends with the King, not because of any meritorious work, but because of His glorious grace. How much richer does the blessing of marriage become in light of how God has freed us from wicked humans wills and empowers us to glorify Him through marriage.
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