Pastor Lowell Nelson teaches a topical study about God's Design for Marriage Part 4: Overcoming Opposition to God's Design on 9/17/2006 for our Sunday service.
Part 4 of God's Design for Marriage Pastor Lowell Nelson addresses the oppositions spouses face in fulfilling their God-given roles in marriage. It identifies three sources of opposition: the flesh, the world, and the devil, with the greatest battle often being against one's own flesh (self). The flesh's attack often manifests as feeling unmet needs and making them known, leading to unrealistic expectations that cause disappointment. Instead, spouses should cultivate "anticipation," allowing God room to work and finding satisfaction in His orchestration. Marriage is designed to teach spouses to "die to self" and serve, picking up their cross daily to bring life and joy to others. The session debunks two common psychological excuses for not serving a spouse: one's past (addressed by being a "new creation in Christ") and a spouse's present behavior (since service is a response to Christ, not conditional on the spouse). Finally, it emphasizes dealing with a spouse's failures by covering them with mercy and love, rather than exposing them, drawing on the example of God covering our sins and Noah's sons.
