- 3 Pieces of Pre-Marital Counseling
- Pick your fights
- Touch some part of your bodies together
- Face the Problem from the same side of the Table
- Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy about Jesus given 700 years before Jesus was born
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah isn’t the only place Jesus and wisdom are connected
1 Corinthians 1:24 (NLT2) 24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:30 (NLT2) 30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.
Colossians 2:3 (NLT2) 3 In him (Christ) lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
How do we gain access to that wisdom? That counselor? First, in itself
(Examples)
Matthew 7:1–5 (ESV) 1 “Judge not, that you be not judged… 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?… 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
- Don’t focus on what others are doing wrong, focus on what you can and should do right
Matthew 6:25 (ESV) 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”
- There are more important things than food and clothing to worry about
Matthew 5:21–28 (ESV) 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’22a But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment… 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
- Your thought life is as important as the things you do, so think rightly
- The love and forgiveness of the Prodigal Father for the Wayward Son is the same love and forgiveness God offers us
Luke 14:11 (ESV) 11 “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
- Don’t think too much of yourself and seek recognition
Come to the Lord directly in prayer
James 1:5 (NIV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
- We can be sure that when we come to God seeking wisdom and counsel, it will be given to us
- Jesus tells us to come close to him
Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT2) 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
John 14:26 (NIV) 26 The Counselor, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.