The New Man’s Marriage
ICS Daily Devotions
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
The opening Scripture reiterates what it means to be crucified with Christ. As believers who are in Christ, we were united with Him at the cross through God’s sovereign, inscrutable act; we were crucified with Christ and buried with Him, dead to sin and no longer slaves to sin. When Christ was raised as the firstborn of the new creation, we too were raised with Him into new life. Our old man, or the old nature, is dead.
What does it look like in practical terms? Let us take marriage as an example. The family is under tremendous attack today. Words, attitudes and actions affect relationships. The devil is still in the business of divide and conquer today. Therefore, the more he attempts to divide, the more we must cling to one another through love and forgiveness.
To the old man, marriage is a contract with an escape clause. Consequently, the couple will think in terms of conditions, limits, rights, and even “outs.” Marriage is about the big “I” rather than viewing ourselves as one flesh. Sin is fundamentally about the self and the gratification of the self; it is filled with individualistic ideology. However, when a couple has this mindset, a broken marriage becomes inevitable. When the relationship stops providing what you desire, becomes difficult, or even dull, you may feel inclined to end it. In the process, hearts are broken, homes are shattered, and the collateral damage ripples through society.
Luke 6:37 (NKJV) “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
It is easy for us to judge and even condemn others for their actions, particularly those who are closest to us. However, the Bible encourages us not to look at the speck in our brothers’ eyes and forget the log in our own. It is easy to be critical of others instead of engaging in self-reflection about our own actions.
Some of us are blessed to have time to study the Bible, but we may forget that while our knowledge has increased through studying the Word, our spouse has been busy with work. If we are not careful, we may use what we have learnt to judge whether our spouse measures up. The Word of God encourages us not to judge, but to forgive their shortcomings and pray for them.
When you have been crucified with Christ, you have also died to individualism and have begun to walk in love for others. Your old man is dead, and you start to live for Christ and your spouse. You will do unto your spouse just as you would like your spouse to do unto you, treating them with respect, just as you would wish to be treated with respect and love.
Sermon Series: Dying to Self
