It was a great class today, getting into chapter 7 and taking a look at v.2-5, and the protection of the home against Satan’s subtleties. We saw that Adam (Genesis 2:24), Jesus (Mark 10:1-9), and Paul all declared the same truth – marriage is between a man and a woman, and it is about leaving your family and starting a new family with your spouse — leaving and cleaving. No other combination of a marriage union is acceptable to God.
I made the statement at the end of class that God only recognizes marriages of born again believers. He also blesses homes where one spouse becomes a Christian. The unbeliever is impacted by the spouse’s new lifestyle. 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Corinthians 7:12-14
When both spouses receive Christ, they are now part of God’s family, and their marriage is joined together, as Jesus said in Mark 10:9 – What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. The marriage relationship in the nation of Israel was important because of what it represented to the world. That is why Jesus was so protective of it. In the Church Age / Age of Grace the marriages of believers are just as important! Regardless of whether you entered the marriage relationship as believers, or came to Christ after you were married, God is the head of your home. Keep Galatians 5:23-24 and Ephesians 4:30-32 as your guideline for dealing with conflict.