I Do
This is a statement that is made
between a man and a woman when they are getting married. It confirms the vows
that have just been stated. We are to be married to Jesus Christ. We have vows
that we must fulfill spiritually, just as a natural marriage. Being married to
Jesus Christ means we must be devoted to his ways. When I got married, my life
changed. When I marry Jesus Christ, my life also will change.
II Corinthians 11:2, For
I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one
husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. Just as the
bride wants to be beautiful and elegant to her husband, the church is to be the
same way for Jesus Christ. Husbands,
love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or
wrinkle or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Eph. 5:25-27. For the church to be holy, the people within the church must be
holy. We find out how to be holy and pure through the word. II Cor. 7:1, Having therefore these promises dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves
from all filthiness of the flesh, and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of
God. The way of life that we lived before coming to Jesus Christ must
end. We must clean out the words we spoke, the negative attitude we had and the
actions people saw. Read Eph. 4:22-29. Read Titus 2:14, Revelation 19:5-9
Just as in the natural marriage your
life changes, so it must change when marrying Jesus Christ. Read Eph. 4:17-29.
Verse 22 and 23. That ye put off
concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to
the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; We must
put away our old ways and start living differently. The way of life that was
acceptable before, no longer is. We learn about a new life and how Jesus Christ
wants us to act. When we learn that there is a different life out there, it is
our job to embrace it and live it.
When a man and woman take those vows
and say I do it is based on dedication and commitment to each other. When
we find Jesus Christ we must dedicate and commit our life to his ways. He gives
us the tools we need
to become that new person. Say for yourself, I will dedicate my
mind and body to Jesus Christ. With his spirit within us and using the knowledge
and understanding we get from his word, we can be Gods righteous people. We
will be married to him and receive all the blessings that go along with it.
Phil. 2:5, Let this mind
be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Co-Pastor Michael Miller