GOD’S PLAN FOR MARITAL SUCCESS
April 25/26, 2020
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13
“It’s by God’s grace that you’re saved, through faith--and even the faith is not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, so no one could boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
WE WORK OUT WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY WORKED IN
“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13
A lot of us believe IN God, but do we believe God?
WHAT GOD DEMANDS, HE SUPPLIES
“Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other.” Matthew 12:13
EQUALIZE THE PRESSURE
“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; Always give thanks to Father God for every person he brings into your life in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:17-20
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...” Galatians 5:22-23
CHOOSE TO CONTROL MY TONGUE
“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” Proverbs 18:21
“So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness, and poisons every part of the body. And the tongue is set on fire by hell itself and can turn our whole lives into a blazing flame of destruction and disaster.” James 3:4-11
“Don’t let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29-30
“Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another…” Ephesians 4:31-32
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you.” Philippians 2:14
REPLACE COMPLAINING WITH GRATITUDE
“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
HOMEWORK: PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Mark & Laura’s new habit
5 encouraging things
