Preaching Outline on Marriage: Resolving Conflicts

Conflicts exist, but they cannot be able to undo a marriage. The Bible teaches what makes up a healthy marriage and how relationships can work.

Base Text: Matthew 19:6

Theme: Resolving Marital Conflicts

Main Statement: For a marriage to be successful, both the husband and wife need to be able to resolve the conflicts that arise in the development of the marital relationship.

Goal: Lead listeners to the decision to seek full fulfillment in marriage, based on the ability to resolve conflicts in the marital relationship.

Preaching Outline

What makes a marriage successful is not the absence or intensity of conflicts, but rather the ability and determination to resolve these conflicts.

This message brings:

3 attitudes that can help resolve conflicts in a marital relationship.

1. One communion intimate and personal with the Lord
2. One open and efficient communication in the wedding
3. One practical understanding of love biblical and true

Introduction

1. Base text: Matthew 19:6

Thus, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.

2. Illustration: “The Wedding”

• Today it is very common for couples to celebrate “Wedding”:
• The most famous are:
  • “Silver Wedding” (25 years married)
  • “Golden Wedding” (50 years married)
• In addition to these most famous “Weddings”, there are other types:
  • 1 year – Paper Wedding
  • 5 years – Wooden Wedding
  • 10 years – Tin Wedding
  • 20 years – Porcelain Wedding
  • 25 years – Silver Wedding
  • 30 years – Pearl Wedding
  • 40 years – Emerald Wedding
  • 50 years – Golden Wedding
  • 75 years – Brilliant Wedding
  • 100 years – Wedding of Jequitibá

3. Argumentation:

• However, why are many couples unable to even complete the “Paper Wedding”?
• One of the answers lies in the inability to resolve conflicts.
• It is not the absence of conflicts nor the intensity of the conflict that leads a marriage to fail.
• What leads a marriage to fail is the inability to resolve conflicts.
• Sources of possible conflicts:
  • Family heritage
  • Marital expectations
  • Sexual relationship
  • Finance
  • Relationship with in-laws
  • Children

4. Main Affirmation:

For a marriage to be successful, both the husband and wife need to be able to resolve the conflicts that arise in the development of the marital relationship.

3 attitudes that can help resolve conflicts in the marital relationship:

I. An intimate and personal communion with the Lord

Ecclesiastes 4:12b.

…the three-ply cord does not break easily.

1. The author of Ecclesiastes is emphasizing the fact that it is much better to be two than one.
2. For this, the author brings the illustration of the three-line cord.
3. Many see here a prophetic reference to the presence of the Lord in the couple’s relationship.
4. Marriage cannot be complete without the presence of the Lord.
5. Both husband and wife need to be in communion with God.
6. Seeking God through prayer and meditation on the Word of God (Bible) is fundamental.
7. This search can be joint (the two together), but it must also be individual.

II. Open and efficient communication in marriage

Ephesians 4:15

But, following the truth in love, let us grow up in everything into him who is the head, Christ…

Ephesians 4:25-27

Therefore, leaving lies aside, let each one speak the truth to his neighbor, because we are members of the same body. Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger, nor give place to the devil.

1. Open communication involves telling the truth: Ephesians 4:25
2. However, this truth must be spoken in love: Ephesians 4:15
3. We may be angry, but we must not sin: Ephesians 4:26
4. Communication, to be efficient, needs to be cordial and mild, without anger or animosity.
5. Leave no room for the evil one: Ephesians 4:27
6. When husband and wife stop talking, both become susceptible to evil influence.
7. This means giving way to the devil.

III. A Practical Understanding of True, Biblical Love

Colossians 3:14

Above all this, however, is love, which is the bond of perfection.

1. Biblical and true love has 4 characteristics:
   • Commitment: The relationship is based on the alliance.
   • Unconditional: Does not impose conditions for loving.
   • Decision: Regardless of feelings.
   • Action: Do good in relation to others.
2. However, it is not enough to just understand this, it is necessary to experience these concepts.
3. This biblical and true love is the result of a rational decision, based on a solid alliance between the couple and between the couple and God.
4. It is a love that does not require compensation, but loves, even when it is not loved.
5. This love is the “bond of perfection.”

Conclusion

1. Main Statement:

For a marriage to be successful, both the husband and the wife need to be able to resolve the conflicts that arise in the development of the marital relationship.

2. Base text: Matthew 19:6

Thus, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.

3. Prayer for couples…

See too: