Understanding God's Design for Sexual Intimacy in Marriage

March 17, 2025 | The Way of Life Church Blog

Understanding God's Design for Sexual Intimacy in Marriage

Sexual intimacy is a precious gift from God designed specifically for marriage. While our culture often misrepresents its purpose, Scripture provides clear guidance on how this gift should be understood and expressed within marriage.

What is the Biblical Purpose of Sexual Intimacy?

Sexual intimacy serves three key purposes in marriage:

• It seals the oneness. The physical act confirms and completes the marriage covenant
• It yields oneness. Through procreation, two become one flesh
• It shields oneness. Regular intimacy protects the marriage relationship

Why is Sexual Intimacy Important in Marriage?

Studies show up to 74% of divorces correlate to sexless marriages (defined as intimacy 10 times or fewer per year). Scripture teaches that depriving one's spouse of physical intimacy creates vulnerability to temptation.

What Does the Bible Say About Marriage and Intimacy?

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 establishes that:

• Spouses have conjugal rights to physical intimacy
• Neither spouse has sole authority over their body
• Couples should only abstain briefly by mutual agreement for prayer
• Regular intimacy helps protect against temptation

How Should Couples Address Intimacy Issues?

Like tending a garden, intimacy requires consistent nurturing.

• Start with emotional and spiritual connection
• Communicate openly about needs and concerns
• Remember intimacy reflects complete giving of oneself
• Focus on expressing oneness, not just physical acts
• Make time for regular connection

Life Application

This week, take steps to strengthen intimacy in your marriage:

For beginners:

• Plan intentional connection time
• Practice physical touch like hand-holding
• Share a 6-second kiss daily

For advanced couples:

• Accept the "touch and agree" challenge
• Commit to intimate connection at least 4 days this week
• When not physically connecting, pray together

Questions to Consider:

• How am I viewing intimacy—as a gift or an obligation?
• Am I fully giving myself to my spouse emotionally, spiritually, and physically?
• What steps can I take this week to nurture greater intimacy in my marriage?
• How can I better reflect God's design for oneness in my marriage?

Remember: Sexual intimacy is God's gift for strengthening marriage bonds. When approached according to His design, it brings joy, protection and deeper connection between spouses.

Understanding God's Design for Marriage: Beyond the 50/50 Partnership

March 10, 2025 | The Way of Life Church Blog

Understanding God's Design for Marriage: Beyond the 50/50 Partnership

Marriage is often viewed as a partnership where both spouses contribute equally. However, God's design for marriage goes far beyond this simplified view. Let's explore what Scripture teaches about the true nature of marital commitment.

Why Traditional Views of Marriage Partnership Fall Short

Like group projects where partners don't contribute equally, marriages can become frustrating when one spouse feels they're carrying more of the burden. Whether it's childcare, finances, or emotional support, keeping track of each other's contributions often leads to resentment.

What Does the Bible Say About Marriage Roles?

Ephesians 5:22–33 outlines distinct roles for husbands and wives:

• Wives are called to submit to their husbands as to the Lord
• Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church

These commands are unconditional; they're not dependent on the other spouse fulfilling their role first.

Why Marriage is a Covenant, Not a Contract

A key distinction is that marriage is a covenant, not a contract. As Matt Chandler explains, "A contract says 'as long as you...' while a covenant says 'I will, even if you won't.'" This means each spouse commits to their role regardless of the other's performance.

How Should We View Marriage Commitment?

Rather than a 50/50 partnership, marriage is meant to be 100/0—each person giving 100% regardless of what they receive in return. This reflects God's unconditional love for us, demonstrated in Romans 5:8: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Where Do We Find the Strength to Love Unconditionally?

The power to love unconditionally comes not from our spouse but from God's love for us. When we focus on God's perfect love and sacrifice, we find the strength to love our spouse even when it's difficult.

Life Application

This week, take on these two challenges:

• Do something daily to bless your spouse without expecting anything in return
• Memorize Ephesians 5:2 and spend 5 minutes each day reflecting on God's love for you

Questions to consider:

• Am I viewing my marriage as a contract or a covenant?
• Where am I keeping score with my spouse instead of focusing on God's love?
• How can I better reflect God's unconditional love in my marriage?
• What practical steps can I take to serve my spouse without expectation of return?

Remember: Your ability to love your spouse doesn't depend on their response but on your connection to God's perfect love.