Marriages
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Marriage in Crisis

In American society today, the collapse of marriage is both widespread and tragic. Teachers see firsthand how many children come from broken homes—some raised by one biological parent, stepparents, or even grandparents. Some marriages fail within a year. Why? While each case is unique, patterns emerge. From years of experience and the wisdom of couples married over fifty years, we find clear reasons why marriages fail—and what makes them last.

Why Marriages Fail

1. Unforgiving Spirit
Many marriages fall apart because one or both spouses refuse to forgive. Paul teaches in Colossians 3:13 that we must forgive one another just as Christ forgives us. Marriage without forgiveness cannot thrive.

2. Financial Pressure
Worldliness and materialism burden marriages. Paul warns in 1 Timothy 6:10 that the love of money brings many sorrows. Couples must practice self-control and avoid letting money become a master in their marriage (Titus 2:12).

3. Unfaithfulness
Adultery remains a destructive force. Exodus 20:14 and Matthew 19:9 affirm God’s command against it. Avoid tempting situations—faithfulness is essential.

4. Secret Sins
Hidden behaviors, like gambling, destroy trust. Psalm 19:12 and Psalm 90:8 declare that nothing remains hidden from God. Secret sins bring ruin to any relationship.

5. Parenting Differences
Spouses must be united in how they raise children. Discord in discipline or priorities causes confusion and conflict. The spiritual foundation must always be to seek Christ first.

6. Interference from Others
Overbearing in-laws or friends can interfere in marriages. Jesus said married couples become “one flesh” and must not let others divide their bond.

7. Selfishness
Philippians 2:3–4 commands humility and consideration of others. In marriage, your spouse’s interests must come before your own.

8. Emotional and Spiritual Immaturity
Growth is vital. Paul urges maturity in Philippians 3:14–15. If neither spouse has grown spiritually or emotionally over time, the marriage will suffer.

9. Dishonesty
Never lie, mislead, or deceive your spouse. Transparency builds trust. Hiding the truth damages unity.

10. Pride
Proverbs 29:23 warns that pride brings ruin. Humility, grace, and love must govern the relationship.

What Makes Marriages Last

1. Perseverance Through Trials
Spouses must endure together. Proverbs 5:15–17 teaches faithfulness and commitment. Giving up easily is not the way of Christ.

2. Seeking Counsel
Proverbs 12:15 praises the wisdom of seeking advice. Godly counsel from others can bring healing and strength.

3. Good Friends
Proverbs 17:17 and Proverbs 18:24 speak of faithful friendship. A good support system encourages strong marriages.

4. Supportive Churches
Faithful churches rooted in God’s word help couples grow spiritually and remain accountable. Isolation leads to collapse.

5. Time Away Together
Even Jesus withdrew from stress to rest (Mark 6:31). Couples benefit from stepping away from daily stress and reconnecting.

6. Solving Problems Together
Whether the issue is emotional, spiritual, or financial, unity is key. Marriages last when both partners face challenges as a team.

Sermon Outline: Marriages

1. Marriages in Crisis Today
   • Observations in schools and society
2. Reasons Marriages Fail
   • Unforgiving spirit (Colossians 3:13)
   • Financial pressure (1 Timothy 6:10)
   • Unfaithfulness (Exodus 20:14, Matthew 19:9)
   • Secret sins (Psalm 19:12, Psalm 90:8)
   • Parenting differences
   • Interference from others
   • Selfishness (Philippians 2:3–4)
   • Emotional/spiritual immaturity (Philippians 3:14–15)
   • Dishonesty
   • Pride (Proverbs 29:23)
3. Reasons Marriages Succeed
   • Perseverance (Proverbs 5:15–17)
   • Seeking counsel (Proverbs 12:15)
   • Good friends (Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 18:24)
   • Supportive churches
   • Special time together (Mark 6:31)
   • Solving problems together

Call to Action
A strong, godly marriage is possible. It requires humility, forgiveness, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to God's Word. If your marriage is in trouble, do not wait—seek counsel, pray, and return to Scripture. If you’ve never obeyed the gospel, now is the time to respond in faith, repentance, and baptism (Acts 2:38). Your home—and your soul—depend on letting God build your foundation.

Scripture Reference List

• Colossians 3:13 – Forgive as Christ forgave
• 1 Timothy 6:10 – Love of money causes sorrow
• Titus 2:12 – Live self-controlled, godly lives
• Exodus 20:14 – Do not commit adultery
• Matthew 19:9 – Jesus’ teaching on divorce
• Psalm 19:12 – Cleanse me from secret faults
• Psalm 90:8 – Secret sins exposed
• Philippians 2:3–4 – Humility and putting others first
• Philippians 3:14–15 – Press toward maturity
• Proverbs 29:23 – Pride brings a man low
• Proverbs 5:15–17 – Drink water from your own cistern
• Proverbs 12:15 – Heed wise counsel
• Proverbs 17:17; 18:24 – Faithful friends
• Mark 6:31 – Jesus withdrew for rest
• Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized