•  A disciple in the 5 spheres –abiding –identity –purpose –strength is the starting place
• As we abide we receive directions and power for every part of our lives
• This matters for singles too
• The focus for this series is the home sphere
• Mental health is built into us in our interactions within our homes –proactive

Matthew 7:24–27 (NIV) — 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

What is the mission and purpose of Marriage

1. Let’s start with defining terms –the architects purpose for humans

• We accomplish the mission we were given – ruling and reigning
• Multiplying
• Godly offspring
• Salt and light – a city on a hill

2. Let’s look at the Architects design –for marriage (if you are married) –help to complete mission

• Man and woman
• Marriage
• Commitment for life
• The result of living in purpose in design

3. The race to the bottom –the foundation –servanthood –Video graph

Mark 9:33–35 (NIV) — 33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

A. As we focus on Jesus we begin to care for the hurting and broken –grace

Philippians 2:3–8 (NIV) — 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

B. As we focus on Jesus He gives us strength to continue on –endurance

Hebrews 12:1–3 (NIV) — 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

C. Abiding in Jesus gives us the ability to be in relationship with others –the strength needed

1 John 1:5–7 (NIV) — 5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Philippians 4:11–13 (NIV) — 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

D. I do what I do because of what Jesus has already done for me

• We don’t look across and decide to press in if they do

Colossians 3:13 (NIV) — 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Matthew 5:43–48 (NIV) — 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

E. We see the other person in the light of how God sees them

•  When we are with Jesus –close – we look at the other person from Gods vantage point

1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)

For Small Group Discussion:

Opening Question: What was the most impactful marriage relationship you witnessed growing up (good or bad)?

Main Point: Marriage according to God’s design leads us to have the attitudes and actions of Christ; to serve our spouse (and others) like Christ served the church.

Read/Tell the Story: Philippians 2:1-8

Questions:

Head –

• From this passage, what are we told not to do? What are we told to do?
• What stood out to you the most in what Christ gave up in order to love us?
• What can you learn about God’s design for marriage and relationships by looking at the attitudes of Christ in verses 5-8?

Heart –

• Who have you known that has put your interests ahead of their own? How did it feel to be served that way?
• When are you most tempted to be selfish?
• When have you had to put someone else’s interests above your own? How did that go?

Hands –

• In what ways can you imitate Christ and “serve your way down”?
• Christ gave up His divine privileges for our sake, who do you need to model humility to in this season?
• What step can you take to put on the attitudes of Christ and glorify God in your relationships?

Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 3:8-9, Ephesians 54:5, Genesis 2:18

Tips and Resources: *This series is focusing on the home sphere. Everyone has a home/family sphere whether it’s your spouse, children, extended family or close friends.

There are more resources for this series linked at: https://realliferesources.org/current-series/upgrades/