Sexual joy & faithfulness – Ex.20:14; Mt.5:27-30; Rev.19,21 1. The amazing story of God’s marriage Is.54:5; Jer.31:31,32; Mt.22,25,Eph.5:25- 27; Rev.19,21 a. It is a covenant relationship – Ex.24:3- 11; 2Cor.11:2; Eph.1:13,14 b. God is faithful - Zeph.3:17 c. God’s people are unfaithful
God’s people are unfaithful – Ex.32; 34:11-16; Dt.31:16 1. Israel’s unfaithfulness – Hosea 2. God’s persistent & pursuing love – Hos.2:14,15; 3:1-3 True repentance & forgiveness brings hope
2. The wonder of human marriage a. Key elements in a marriage – Gen.2:24 b. God is a witness – Pr.2:16-19; Mal.2:14 c. God unites the 2 in marriage – Mk.10:7-9 d. Faithfulness excludes rivals 1. Characteristics of adultery a. It is dishonest – Pr.24:15 b. It is dangerous – Pr.6:25-29; Mt.5:27-30 c. It is destructive – 2Sam.11,12
Faithfulness excludes rivals 2. Safeguards against adultery a. Honour the marriage covenant – Gen.39:9; 1Cor.7:4 b. Honour God – Gen.39:9; Ps.51:4 c. Joyful & faithful love – Song of Songs; Pr. 5; 1Cor 7
e. Faithfulness is for life 1. The call to faithfulness 2. Supporting faithfulness 3. Foundation for faithfulness - the character of God – his faithful love - we are made in his image 4. The hope of forgiveness
3. The great invitation a. Come & receive forgiveness b. Come and receive God’s grace c. Come into an eternal, love relationship