Marriage and Family - Core Doctrines

Materials for Marriage and Family - good but need to be built on solid foundation of Scripture (Systematic Theology).   These are the doctrines on which the teachings of Marriage and Family rest.

BASIC CORE ISSUES:  

I.  Creation and Design -
   A.  We are created and designed
   B.  Marriage and family are created and designed.
AND,
   C.   function BEST when practiced according to that Design!!  (example:  your plan for marriage vs. His intent.  - we don't know as much as we think we do.  He DOES!!)

II.  Sin - "if marriage and family designed .... why do they fail so??
Answer: = Sin - which = acting contrary to God's will, intent, design
Example:  #1 effect of Sin = Alienation - schism, break in harmony

POINT -  understanding Christian Marriage and Family at superficial levels is practical and helpful
BUT, when you grasp CORE DOCTRINES on which they were built, much more effective!

So, today = 3 core doctrines (that affect your marriage and family)

The Doctrine of:
#I.  The Indwelling Holy Spirit

#II.  Sanctification

#III.  Redemptive Suffering

First:  Definition/Description of these Doctrines.
#I.  The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
ie:  when you receive Christ, His Holy Spirit comes to dwell, reside within
John 14:16-17  1 Cor. 6:19
How?  What manner? = mystery - Col. 1:27

But, regardless of what you feel, sense, are aware of,
He is WITH you in a very PERSONAL and POWERFUL way!

#II.  Sanctification = the ongoing process of becoming what you were created to be and saved to be!

3 tenses of salvation:   Justification - when accept Christ, placed in a right relationship with Him
                                  Sanctification - present - process of making you holy
                                  Glorification - future

#III.  Redemptive Suffering - ie:  Christ suffered for you and your benefit (immensely, eternally,) from His sacrifice.  1 Pet. 2:24, 3:18

Now, simple application of these core doctrines to your marriage and family life.

I.  The Indwelling - the Holy Spirit indwells you TO
    1)  reveal (show) - God's will for yr. life
                               - your behavior (what I am) - John 16:8 - so can turn to what should be
    2)  enable - you to do His will - instead of "couldn't" do that, = "won't" do that!
    3)  effect change - in you, your thinking, your philosophy, etc.
              Better Person => better Partner => better Parent

II.  Sanctification - the process is:
      1)  Gradual - immediate change only happens occasionally
      2)  continual - ie.  you have not arrived - therefore, should NOT stop!!  - as long as you live, should improve
      3)  a cooperative effort - 2 Pet. 1:2-4 - His part
                                            2 Pet. 1:5-8 - Your part

III.  Redemptive Suffering = as Christ sacrificed, suffered to MAED (make an Eternal difference) - so can you!!  Eph. 5:25-29  Can do for other people.

We can't sacrifice all things all the time,  (have physical, emotional, relational needs),
However, most could improve on sacrificing OWN SELFISH DESIRES.
1 Pet. 2:20-21 - doesn't mean He wants us to suffer.
BUT, He wants us to achieve, accomplish, effect - sometimes we're called to bear unjust load for the benefit of spouse, family, others..

                                      Marriage & Family Books & materials
                                            D O C T R I N A L     S T U D I E S
                                                          SCRIPTURE
                                                  JESUS CHRIST - 1 Cor. 3:11

On one hand, nothing wrong with starting at the top and working way down.  But note where that will ultimately lead you!!  - To Christ