Marriage Evangelism
Read the Text: 1 Corinthians 7
Memorize the Text:
Don't you yourselves know that you are God's temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, and that is what you are.
(1 Corinthians 3:16-17, CSB)
Consider the Text: 1 Corinthians 7:10-16
Marriage is a gift from God. At creation, the Lord saw that Adam needed a companion and created Eve as a help mate. He set the dynamics of one man and one woman becoming one in marriage. The apostle Paul discusses the importance of sexual purity within marriage in chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians. At the same time, he addressed when marriage becomes an opportunity for evangelism in 1 Corinthians 7:10-16. This passage reveals five critical truths for carrying out marriage evangelism.
First, a reality exists of MIXED SPIRITUAL MARRIAGES. A reality exists that some couples consist of a believer and an unbeliever. The Bible warns about this union and encourages believers to have relationships with other believers. In 1 Corinthians 7, the apostle addressed the reality that though believers marrying one another is optimal, some marriages are mixed spiritually. Paul called the believer to remain in the marriage in faithfulness and illuminate Christ.
Second, believers receive the call to LIVE IN BIBLICAL FAITHFULNESS. The Lord creates marriage to exist as a lifelong commitment and faithfulness to one another. The apostle Paul challenged believers to live in that truth and to remain faithful even when married to an unbeliever. The purpose of living in faithfulness occurs because this commitment shows Jesus.
Third, believers must pray for the SALVATION OF THEIR FAMILY. When a believer is wed to an unbeliever, and they have children, the believer receives the call to pray for the salvation of their spouse and children. The prayer flows from the deep desire to see them redeemed. The prayer centers on the recognition of the need for a Savior, the hearing of the gospel, and the receiving of Christ as Savior.
Fourth, believers must SHOW AND SHARE CHRIST. The spouse and parent that is a believer has the opportunity to live in a manner that shows Jesus to the family. They can love like Jesus and live according to the Word. When this occurs, the believer begins to share Christ in explaining why they live and love the way they do. This is the official marriage or parent evangelism act where the spouse or parent intentionally shares Jesus.
Fifth, believers must STAY THE COURSE FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THEIR FAMILY. Believers in a mixed spiritual marriage stay the course because of biblical faithfulness but also for the redemption of their spouse. Though the spiritual difference can cause issues, believers endure the course because they recognize the responsibility to share Jesus.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
