adult journey sunday school class six weeks teaching series on marriage 9:15-10:30 am, fireside room

Adult Journey Sunday School ClassSix weeks Teaching Series on Marriage9:15-10:30 am, Fireside Room

Fruit of Spirit defined

"But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control" ~ Galatians 5:22-23

1 Fruit- Galatians 5:16-21 implies overall character- not individual actions

Of the Spirit- not of us All already in us as Believers Some parts not so well developed

THE SPIRIT OF MARRIAGE

love

THE SPIRIT OF MARRIAGE

1) Most of Us are Spir itual ly Developmental ly Delayed

2) Bett er characters make bett er marr iages

3) Companionship & Sancti fi cati on

4) Pursue Love

5) God designed us to be diff erent

Summary

THE SPIRIT OF MARRIAGE

Joy

What provides Joy?

What provides Joy?

Proverbs 14:13

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Sustainability of Joy

Seeking Joy elsewhere?

Proverbs 5:18-20

18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.19 A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.20 Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?

THE SPIRIT OF MARRIAGE

Human Joy is not

sustainable

Point 1

Joy defined?

Webster’s New World Dictionary:

Synonymous with "happy," "glad," and "cheerful." A thesaurus relates it to "exultation,“ “rapture,” "satisfaction" and "pleasure.“

Webster's specifically defines it as "a very glad feeling; happiness; great pleasure; delight." It also refers to the source or cause of delight.

False settings of Temporary Joy

Biblical Joy

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

THE SPIRIT OF MARRIAGE

God’s Joy is different than human “joy”

Point 2

Joy in comparison

Words of AffirmationQuality TimeReceiving GiftsActs of ServicePhysical Touch

Seeking Joy elsewhere?

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)

He said:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute

you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Makarios

THE SPIRIT OF MARRIAGE

Biblical joy is Inseparable

from our relationship

with God

Point 3

Difference between Happiness and Joy

Happy = Root “Hap”; Chance

Joy comes when we’re secure in our pain?

United in:

Husband Wife

God

THE SPIRIT OF MARRIAGE

Enduring Pain correctly can bring us Joy

Point 4

God’s Joy?

God Knows us

Psalm 139:1-41 You have searched me, LORD,    and you know me.2 You know when I sit and when I rise;    you perceive my thoughts from afar.3 You discern my going out and my lying down;    you are familiar with all my ways.4 Before a word is on my tongue    you, LORD, know it completely.

Seeking Joy elsewhere?

Romans 5:88 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

THE SPIRIT OF MARRIAGE

God loves Me as I am

Point 5

Top 5 Reasons for Divorce

5) Unrealistic Expectations

4) Failing to define roles

3) Lack of financial planning

2) Lack of communication

1) Lack of honesty

Why is there dishonesty in Marriage?

Emotional Dishonesty

Historical Dishonesty

Current Honesty

Future Honesty

Building Security in Marriage

1) Cares for spouse above anything or anyone else except God

2) Communicate admiration and love

3) Being faithful4) Providing financially (Men) Respecting and Honouring (Women)

Seeking Joy elsewhere?

James 1:2

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

Happiness vs. Joy

THE SPIRIT OF MARRIAGE

Focusing on the final goal

and relationship provides Joy

in the present momentPoint

6