Biblical and Practical Thoughts on Parenting, Part 3: Building a Christian Marriage and Family – What Did God Intend?
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As we go through this series covering biblical and practical thoughts on parenting, we’re looking at several different aspects of a biblical home. Today I’m sharing a simple outline, looking to Scripture, to consider what God intended for a Christian marriage and family. When we build those units in our own lives, we must examine our Creator’s intent for biblical people, biblical purposes, and biblical principles. I adapted this outline from Dr. John MacArthur, and in my experience have found the concepts to be very true.
Building a Christian Marriage and Family
What Did God Intend?
I. Biblical People
- People committed to the family. Col. 3:18-21
- People committed to each other. John 13:34-35
- People committed to life-long love. 1 Cor. 13; Phil. 1:9-10
- People committed to God’s will. Rom. 12:1-2
II. Biblical Purposes
- Complete Companionship Gen. 2:18-23
- Keys: Communication, Conflict Resolution, Commitment
- Times of Crisis: a) Arrival of Children; b) Adolescence Period; c) Empty Nest; d) Death of a Loved One; e) Financial Problems; f) Care of Elderly Parents
2. Sexual Fulfillment 1 Cor. 7:3-5; Heb. 13:4
3. Responsible Parenting Psalm 127, 128
4. Family Unity Deut. 6:4-25
5. Church Symbolism Eph. 5:18-33
III. Biblical Principles
- Monogamy Gen. 2:24-25
- Fidelity Matt. 19:1-9
- Heterosexuality 1 Cor. 6:9-11
- Mutuality Gal. 6:2; 1 Cor. 7:1-7; Phil. 2:3-5
“Biblical people become biblical partners who can become biblical parents.”
Next, we’ll look at some more practical ideas for managing the home front.
