Marriage on the Rock The Most Important Issue in Marriage Lesson 3 Discussion/Homework Questions 1 Corinthians 10:4 for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 1. The most important issue in marriage. Seek God first to meet my deepest needs. The following is a list of the most common resources for the fulfillment of our deepest needs. a. Yourself b. Spouses c. Friends d. Children e. Employers f. Churches and Pastors g. Parents h. God i. Money/material possession Currently, who meets your deepest needs? 1
2. The Four Basic Needs (not wants) - God created us with these needs to draw us to Jesus whom God intended to fulfill us as humans. a. Acceptance -Knowing you are loved and needed by others. b. Identity - Knowing you are an individual significant and special. c. Security - Knowing you are well protected and provided for. d. Purpose - Knowing you have a reason for living; knowing that God has a special plan for your life. In your current relationship, which needs are not being met? 2
Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. Jeremiah 17:5 This is what the LORD says: Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. Jeremiah 17:7-8 But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Proverbs 11:28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Psalm 125:1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. 2. When you trust in people or things for your basic needs, these are the results. a. You transfer the expectation for fulfillment to the closest person or resource in whom the most hope has been placed (spouse, friend, etc.) This creates 3 problems 1. You will always be disappointed with the results, no matter how well it goes. 2. You will lack the inner resources you need to love others the way you should and to confront life successfully. 3. You almost always will be hurt and offended, eventually, by the one in whom you have invested all your trust. b. Your inner security is dependent upon someone or something you cannot predict or control and whose resources to meet your needs are limited. c. Your ability to give is dependent upon your ability to get from others. d. Your life is filled with an atmosphere of disappointment and frustration. e. Your unrealistic expectation of others create a negative atmosphere of tension in your relationships, if not a compelling force field of pressure that drives other away from you. Can you see any of these results in your current relationship? 3
Psalms 107:20: He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Galatians 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23: gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 3. When you Trust in God, these are the results. a. Your inner security and strength are dependent upon Him Who is totally faithful and Who has unlimited resources. b. Your ability to give flows from an inner resource available to you at all times the Holy Spirit. When others are not giving to you, still you can love them generously, thus endearing yourself to them and strengthening your relationships. c. Your life will be filled with an atmosphere of blessing, satisfaction, and optimism. d. Your realistic expectations of others draw you closer together with them as you love and give to them of yourself. e. He will fill you with the Holy Spirit. Would you like to see these results in your current relationship? 4
Homework: 1. Read again Proverbs 28:26, Jeremiah 17:5, and Proverbs 11:28. Share an example from your own life of the results of not seeking God to meet your inner needs. 2. Read again Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalm 125:1, and proverbs 29:25. Share a personal example of blessing as a result of trusting God to meet your inner needs. 3. Read John 4:1-42. What does this passage teach you about Godʼs attitude towards people with failed marriages? 4. Ask yourself these questions honestly, without answering out loud. a. Do I expect my spouse to make me happy? b. What expectations do I put on my spouse to meet needs that only God can meet? c. Is my inner joy, peace, and fulfillment easily disrupted when things donʼt go the way I want, or when people donʼt behave the way I think they should? d. Am I confident that my life is built on knowing who I am in Jesus, and that no matter how people behave or how situations turn out, I am secure? 5. Just between your spouse and you, a. Talk about ways to depend more on the Lord to meet your needs. b. Make a verbal commitment to each other to depend on the Lord, not your spouse, to meet your deepest needs. c. Ask each other for forgiveness for times when you have put unrealistic expectations upon your spouse that have resulted in hurt and division in your marriage. d. Conclude by praying for each other to have a deeper walk with the Lord and a greater dependence upon Him. 6. Consider starting the following activities. a. Praying alone b. Praying as a couple c. Reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible d. Attending church together e. Fasting f. Serving in church g. Enter into a discipleship or mentoring relationship 5
7. These are seven qualities of a fulfilling personal relationship with Jesus a. Pray (without ceasing) A - ADORATION (Praising God for who He is and what He has done). C - CONFESSION (The acknowledgment of your sin to God). T - THANKSGIVING (You have so much for which to be thankful). S - SUPPLICATION (Praying for your needs and the needs of others). b. Bible Reading - Get a plan to read every day. (See Introduction to the Bible Below). c. Be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. In John 14-16, Jesus said He would empower us, teach us, lead us, help us, comfort us, and remind us of Him. This all takes place as we seek Him and invite Him into our lives each day. d. Fellowship - Find a Bible believing church that is excited about Jesus and get involved. e. Witnessing - The more you talk about Jesus and share Him with others, the more real and exciting your relationship with Him will be. f. Serving - Do Christian ministry in your church. Find someone to Disciple and Mentor. g. Giving - Be a cheerful giver and He will open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing upon you. 6
Introduction to the Bible Track 1 Reading Plans» Two Weeks on the Life and Teachings of Jesus Day 1, Luke 1: Preparing for Jesus' arrival Day 2, Luke 2: The story of Jesus' birth Day 3, Mark 1: The beginning of Jesus' ministry Day 4, Mark 9: A day in the life of Jesus Day 5, Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount Day 6, Matthew 6: The Sermon on the Mount Day 7, Luke 15: Parables of Jesus Day 8, John 3: A conversation with Jesus Day 9, John 14: Jesus' final instructions Day 10, John 17: Jesus' prayer for his disciples Day 11, Matthew 26: Betrayal and arrest Day 12, Matthew 27: Jesus' execution on a cross Day 13, John 20: Resurrection Day 14, Luke 24: Jesus' appearance after resurrection»two Weeks on the Life and Teachings of Paul Day 1, Acts 9: The conversion of Saul Day 2, Acts 16: Paul's Macedonian call and a jailbreak Day 3, Acts 17: Scenes from Paul's missionary journey Day 4, Acts 26: Paul tells his life story to a king Day 5, Acts 27: Shipwreck on the way to Rome Day 6, Acts 28: Paul's arrival in Rome Day 7, Romans 3: Paul's theology in a nutshell Day 8, Romans 7: Struggle with sin Day 9, Romans 8: Life in the Spirit Day 10, 1 Corinthians 13: Paul's description of love Day 11, 1 Corinthians 15: Thoughts on the afterlife Day 12, Galatians 5: Freedom in Christ Day 13, Ephesians 3: Paul's summary of his mission Day 14, Philippians 2: Imitating Christ 7
»Two Weeks on the Old Testament Day 1, Genesis 1: The story of creation Day 2, Genesis 3: The origin of sin Day 3, Genesis 22: Abraham and Isaac Day 4, Exodus 3: Moses' encounter with God Day 5, Exodus 20: The gift of the Ten Commandments Day 6, 1 Samuel 17: David and Goliath Day 7, 2 Samuel 11: David and Bathsheba Day 8, 2 Samuel 12: Nathan's rebuke of the king Day 9, 1 Kings 18: Elijah and the prophets of Baal Day 10, Job 38: God's answer to Job Day 11, Psalm 51: A classic confession Day 12, Isaiah 40: Words of comfort from God Day 13, Daniel 6: Daniel and the lions Day 14, Amos 4: A prophet's stern warning»two Weeks on Becoming a Christian Day 1, Genesis 3: The first sin creates a need Day 2, Isaiah 52: Salvation prophesied Day 3, Isaiah 53: The role of the suffering servant Day 4, Luke 15: Three stories about God's love Day 5, John 3: Jesus explains "born again" Day 6, John 10: The good shepherd Day 7, Acts 8: Conversions spread outside the Jews Day 8, Acts 26: Paul testifies of his conversion before a king Day 9, Romans 3: God's provision for sin Day 10, Romans 5: Peace with God Day 11, Galatians 3: Salvation unavailable by obeying the law Day 12, Ephesians 2: New life in Christ Day 13, 1 Peter 1: Future rewards of salvation Day 14, 2 Peter 1: Making your salvation sure»two Weeks on Prayers of the Bible Day 1, Genesis 18: Abraham's plea for Sodom Day 2, Exodus 15: Moses' song to the Lord Day 3, Exodus 33: Moses meets with God Day 4, 2 Samuel 7: David's response to God's promises Day 5, 1 Kings 8: Solomon's dedication of the temple 8
Day 6, 2 Chronicles 20: Jehoshaphat prays for victory Day 7, Ezra 9: Ezra's prayer for the people's sins Day 8, Psalm 22: A cry to God for help Day 9, Psalm 104: A prayer of praise Day 10, Daniel 9: Daniel's prayer for the salvation of Jerusalem Day 11, Habakkuk 3: A prophet's prayer of acceptance Day 12, Matthew 6: The Lord's prayer Day 13, John 17: Jesus' prayer for his disciples Day 14, Colossians 1: Paul's prayer of thanksgiving»two Weeks on the Holy Spirit Day 1, Judges 14: The Spirit gives Samson strength Day 2, 1 Samuel 10: King Saul's experience Day 3, Matthew 3:1 4:10: Role in Jesus' baptism and temptation Day 4, John 14: Jesus promises the Spirit Day 5, John 16: The work of the Spirit Day 6, Acts 2: The Spirit comes at Pentecost Day 7, Acts 10: The Spirit guides Peter to accept Gentiles Day 8, Romans 8: Christians' victory in the Spirit Day 9, 1 Corinthians 2: Wisdom from the Spirit Day 10, 1 Corinthians 12: Gifts of the Spirit Day 11, 1 Corinthians 14: Gifts of tongues and prophecy Day 12, Galatians 5: Life in the Spirit Day 13, Ephesians 4: Unity and gifts Day 14, 1 John 4: Signs of the Spirit»Two Weeks on Women of the Bible Day 1, Genesis 2: Eve, the first woman Day 2, Genesis 18: Sarah laughs at God's promise Day 3, Genesis 24: Rebekah's marriage to Isaac Day 4, Genesis 27: Rebekah, the manipulative mother Day 5, Judges 4: Deborah's leadership frees her people Day 6, Ruth 1: Ruth and Naomi's deep friendship Day 7, 1 Samuel 1: Hannah prays for a son Day 8, 1 Kings 17: A poor widow and the prophet Elijah Day 9, 1 Kings 21: Jezebel, an emblem of wickedness Day 10, Esther 2: Esther is chosen as queen Day 11, Esther 4: Esther's courage at the risk of death 9
Day 12, Luke 1: Mary and Elizabeth receive great news Day 13, Luke 2: Mary gives birth to Jesus Day 14, John 11: Mary and Martha and their brother's death»two Weeks on Men of the Old Testament Day 1, Judges 6: God calls Gideon to rescue his people Day 2, Judges 7: Gideon conquers his fears and his enemies Day 3, 1 Samuel 3: God calls young Samuel Day 4, 1 Kings 3: Solomon is given wisdom Day 5, 1 Kings 19: Elijah runs for his life Day 6, 2 Kings 5: Elisha heals a powerful foreign general Day 7, Isaiah 6: God calls the prophet Isaiah Day 8, 2 Kings 18: King Hezekiah under military siege Day 9, 2 Kings 19: Isaiah speaks God's word to King Hezekiah Day 10, 2 Chronicles 34: Josiah sets his nation back on course Day 11, Nehemiah 2: Nehemiah courageously begins rebuilding a wall Day 12, Jeremiah 38: Jeremiah, in prison, refuses to change his message Day 13, Daniel 1: Daniel risks his life in captivity Day 14, Daniel 5: Daniel's word to a royal orgy»two Weeks on Social Justice Day 1, Exodus 3: God hears the cries of the slaves Day 2, Leviticus 25: The year of jubilee, a time of economic revolution Day 3, Ruth 2: A poor woman finds help Day 4, 1 Kings 21: Elijah speaks to a land-grabbing, murderous king Day 5, Nehemiah 5: Nehemiah demands justice for the poor Day 6, Isaiah 5: Warning to fun-loving materialists Day 7, Isaiah 58: Worship that God appreciates Day 8, Jeremiah 34: Freedom for slaves Day 9, Amos 2: Sins against God by his own people Day 10, Amos 6: Warning to the complacent Day 11, Micah 6: What the Lord requires Day 12, Luke 3: John the Baptist tells how to prepare for Jesus Day 13, Matthew 6: Jesus speaks on material things 10
Day 14, James 2: How to treat the rich and the poor»two Weeks on God and Nature Day 1, Genesis 1: God creates the earth Day 2, Genesis 2: God creates human beings Day 3, Proverbs 8: Wisdom's view of creation Day 4, Genesis 7: God preserves the species Day 5, Job 38: The greatness of nature Day 6, Job 39: The wildness of nature Day 7, Job 40: God's mastery of nature Day 8, Psalm 8: Praise for the Creator Day 9, Psalm 98: Nature joins in the praise Day 10, Psalm 104: God sustains the earth Day 11, Isaiah 40: The ruler of all creation Day 12, Romans 8: The "groanings" of our present state Day 13, Isaiah 65: Preview of a restored earth Day 14, Revelation 22: The end of history»two weeks on Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: Genesis 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33»Two weeks on Moses and the exodus: Exodus 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 14, 16, 19, 32; Numbers 14; Deuteronomy 1, 2, 4, 31»Two weeks on David: 1 Samuel 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24; 2 Samuel 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18 11