2. “Even sex is, by its very nature, an act of worship.” What does Tripp mean by this statement? (Hint: “You’re always worshiping something.” ) How can you ensure that you are worshiping God in your marital intimacy? 3. It is possible that this series has caused you regret, because you think that you might have avoided damage and hurt had you known this sooner. Understand that in God’s sovereignty “his timing is always right.” Read aloud Job 36:15 and Psalm 119:67,71,75 . What are the good things that God brings about through affliction and adversity? Why are lessons learned through adversity so often effective and long-lasting? Regret is painful, but might it have been necessary? 4. Others of you may be overwhelmed by what appears to be the insurmountable task of doing marriage the right way. Perhaps you have been building your relationship badly for many years, so major demo work is necessary before any new construction begins. Read aloud Hebrews 4:14-16 . Discuss the encouragement that comes from knowing that Jesus, through his incarnation, understands our human weakness. What descriptor does the writer attach to God’s throne? Discuss the joy that comes from knowing this. 5. As we discussed in an earlier session, we are all prone to view life from our vantage point seated on the throne of our own little universe, as if everything that occurs has us at its center. It is the same in marriage—we see its players and events and ups and downs as they relate primarily to ourselves. Read aloud Philippians 2:3-4 , from an earlier session. While God is at the true center of your marriage, whom should you see as in the orbit closest to him? What are some specific, practical ways to change your default perspective to one with your spouse near the center and you on the fringe? Now continue reading aloud vv5-8 , along with Mark 10:45 . Who is our model in placing the interests of others—that includes our spouse—above our own? Even though Jesus really is at the center of all things, did he choose to act that way? 6. This leads to Tripp’s final question, “Are you a soft brush in God’s redemptive hands?” Do you realize that you are a brush at all times, either a soft one or a stiff one, always painting on the canvas that is your spouse, whether for better or worse? How will this change in perspective help to make you a softer brush? Read aloud the divine description of a truly soft brush at 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (also from an earlier session). In the time remaining, discuss how to practically apply some of these soft-brush characteristics to yourself in your marriage.
Session 10
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?
30
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