Building a Christ-Centered Marriage

Matthew 7:24-27
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Background:

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus uses the analogy of building a house to show the importance of a solid foundation. As He wraps up the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes that just as a house must be built on rock to withstand the elements, our lives—and our marriages—must be rooted in His teachings to endure the storms of life.

Why is it Important to Have a Godly Foundation in Marriage?

A strong, Christ-centered foundation is essential for a marriage that can weather challenges and grow in love and faith. Like a well-constructed house, a resilient marriage is built on solid planning, trustworthy materials, and skilled craftsmanship. When grounded in biblical principles, a marriage can foster unity, patience, and enduring love.

Building a Christ-Centered Marriage

I. Laying the Groundwork
Every strong marriage begins with careful planning. Just as a home requires a clear design and quality materials, a marriage needs intentional preparation to build a Christ-centered foundation.

1. In Building a House:
   Planning involves budgeting, choosing the right location, and selecting quality materials and trustworthy contractors.

2. In Building a Christ-Centered Marriage:
   How do we establish a spiritual foundation as a couple?

   1. Do we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, both individually and together?
      “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night.” — Psalm 1:2

   2. Are we treating one another with love and respect, following biblical principles?
      “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10

   3. Are our decisions rooted in godly wisdom and trust in the Lord?
      “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

II. Putting the Blueprint into Action
Once the foundation is planned, it’s time to put the blueprint into action. Just as a home needs a solid foundation to endure, a marriage requires intentional steps to build spiritually.

1. In Building a House:
   Laying the foundation can be challenging and costly, but it is essential for a home to withstand storms. Delaying the process leaves the house vulnerable.

2. In Building a Christ-Centered Marriage:
   If our marriage lacks a Christ-centered focus, we must act promptly:

   1. The enemy actively seeks to destroy marriages.
      “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” — John 10:10

   2. We must identify and remove distractions that hinder spiritual growth.
      “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” — Hebrews 12:1

   3. Growth takes time, but steady progress matters.
      “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Discussion Questions:

1. What strengths do you see in your marriage as you build a Christ-centered foundation?

2. Which areas of your spiritual growth as a couple need more attention, and how can you strengthen them together?