Preparing for the Lord's Day
EXILES IN A FOREIGN LAND
1 Peter Sermon Series
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of God, to join this man and this woman in holy marriage. The bond and covenant of marriage is instituted by God, regulated by His Word, and blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and His Church and is to be held in honor among all people. The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given to one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the giving of children and their nurture in knowledge and love of the Lord. Let us therefore reverently remember that God has established and sanctified marriage for the good of all mankind. Our Savior has declared that a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife and the two shall become one flesh.
It is with these words or similar that a Christian wedding ceremony begins. They remind us of the created purpose of marriage and the Lord’s blessing of the union for the good of all mankind. However, we all know that often marriage can become the context of our greatest struggles and hardships. The blessed union has often degraded into a sinful disunion. How then are we as Christians to live in a way that is reflective of God’s created purpose for marriage as an institution of union and love? In our passage for this week the Apostle Peter outlines how Christians are to express their faith in Christ within the context of a marriage relationship. And what we will see is that though sin has marred God’s original design for marriage, through the blood of Christ marriage has been restored. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon 1 Peter 3:1-7, Genesis 1:27; 2:18-25; 3:16, Matthew 19:4-6, Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 5:25-33, and Westminster Confession of Faith 4.2.
As we gather to worship our Prophet, Priest, and King this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise "Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord," the Acclamation of Praise "Spirit of the Living God," and the Hymn of Response "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
If you’re going to be out of town this Sunday, let me encourage you to listen to the sermon online (usually posted by Monday afternoon) or you can download the REPC podcast, which will be delivered to your mobile device.