Foundation
Author: Pastor Thomas G. Wilson
April 08, 2020
Luke 6:46-49 KJV [46] And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? [47] Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: [48] He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. [49] But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
The strength of anything lies in its foundation. The main purpose of the foundation is to hold the structure above it and to keep it upright. During storms and quaking, the foundation keeps the occupants safe. Without a strong foundation, everything else becomes superfluous. The words of Jesus comprise the foundation for every area of life…first and foremost, marriage.
Based on the passage above there appears to be a “two step” process to building a solid lasting foundation in marriage:
1. Relationship with God. Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him. Keep His word before your eyes and incline your ear to His sayings. Essential to success in any endeavor in life is a passionate pursuit of God. When anyone spends consistent time with God, purpose, power and direction always follows.
2. Obedience. This is the key to being a wise master builder. A lasting, stable marriage is built on doing what the Word tells you, not just knowing what it says. Jesus is basically saying in Luke chapter 6 (above), calamities come in every marriage, the ones that finish strong, dig deep to find the solid, firm unshakable Rock!
Genesis 2:24-25 KJV [24] Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. [25] And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
There are four biblical foundations for marriage found here in Genesis chapter 2:
I. PRIORITY. “… shall a man leave his father and mother…” The Hebrew word translated “leave” means “let go.” Marriage only works when held in first place. If work, achievement, children, or parents are more important, marriage just doesn’t work.
II. PURSUIT. “…shall cleave unto his wife…” This word cleave implies to pursue with all your energy, never becoming complacent or lethargic. Marriage is work… you have to work at it. You can never be satisfied with a decent marriage where you meet some of your spouses needs. Until Jesus returns keep working at it determining to always getting better and better. The world believes that marriage goes downhill after the honeymoon! Balderdash!!! There is no other profession or activity where the rookies are considered the most proficient! If you continue to apply the Word of God to your marriage, it has to get better or you ain’t doing it right.
III. PARTNERSHIP. “…they shall be one flesh.” Sharing. Marriage doesn’t work for independent selfish and dominant people. In other words, if your marriage was a company, you both own equal shares of stock. When individuals through manipulation or
force of personality etc., dominate the relationship they are not sharing, and it destroys intimacy.
IV. PURITY. “…they were both naked…and were not ashamed.” The Hebrew word translated naked means “to be exposed on every level.” Spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically both individuals must have the mindset ‘You have total access to me.’ As long as Adam and Eve were “pure”, they had a safe environment for full exposure. As soon as they sinned they covered themselves. They not only covered themselves with fig leaves but also began blame shifting. Adam blamed the woman and the woman blamed the devil. Purity demands that each partner be sensitive and careful and if they make a mistake, they take responsibility.
These principles not only are the foundation for marriage, they guard it and keep it strong.
For further reading: James 1:22-25; Mat.19:5-9; 1 Pet.3:1-7
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