Living in the Throne Zone | Better Together | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, February 2
Key Scriptures:
Exodus 25:21-22; Genesis 15:9-10; Jeremiah 34:18; I Samuel 20:42; Ecclesiastes 4:12; Matthew 18:20; Ezekiel 28:14; Revelation 4:4; Luke 23:23
“And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.” Exodus 5:22
Introduction
In the message, "Living in the Throne Zone" by Pastor Jentezen, he began a series of messages based on developing and strengthening relationships. While he directed a lot of the focus on the relationship of marriage, he also pointed out that married people are a minority demographic in our society.
More adults in our society are single due to the death of a spouse, divorce, or choice than are married. The U.S. Census Bureau says that current statistics show that married people are on the decline and that currently, every other adult in our society is single. Moreover, it is estimated that 1 in 4 young adults will never marry in their lifetime, according to the Pew Research Center. Many of those who are in a relationship are together without the commitment or sanctity of marriage.
This said, it is more important than ever that we return to the importance and essence of what makes a relationship committed and sanctified. Whether you are married or single, you have relationships. Those relationships are a part of God's plan for your life, and they need to be built on the foundation of God's presence in your personal life.
- Introductory Groundwork: Name one thing that you have learned about yourself through your relationships.
The Ark of the Covenant
When God established how His people were to live in a relationship with Him, He used the imagery of the Tabernacle. The central element of the Tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant, which represented the presence of God in the midst of the people. As Pastor Jentezen noted, the top cover of the Ark was designed with two Cherubim angels kneeling on each end; they did not look at each other, but their heads were bowed to the center of the Ark. Additionally, they had wings that were extended in such a way as to touch each other, even though they were not looking at each other. That area in the middle was called the Mercy Seat. This is where God's presence was manifested.
While God calls us into relationship with others, we do not find wholeness or sanctity by focusing on each other. Rather, we find completeness when we learn to focus on Christ and touch each other as the Cherubim glazed at the Mercy Seat of God and touched each other with their wings.
In this week’s study we will look at:
- The Purpose of Marriage (and relationships)
- The Sacrificial Nature of Relationships
Whether you're married or single, seek to implement the lessons from this content in all the relationships God has placed in your life. Remember that the strength of your relationship to your spouse, or anyone else, can only be as strong as your relationship with God.
- Discussion: What do you think are the biggest reasons for divorce in our society? Why do you think that so many young people are choosing to never marry?
Purpose of Marriage
Marriage may seem like such a normal part of the adult growth track that we may overlook its purpose, divinity, and creator. God created everything, including marriage, and has a specific view, purpose, and expectation of marriage.
From being fruitful and bringing up children (Gen 1:28) to not living alone (Genesis 2:18) to being united as one flesh (Gen 2:24), God tells us that many things about marriage. Marriage should be honored (Heb 13:4). After all, He shows us in Ephesians 5:22-32 how marriage represents His love for the church.
Marry someone who enhances your service to God
Who you marry has a great effect on your whether you will be running for the prize with wind under your wings or weights on your ankles. (1 Cor 9:24) If husbands and wives are unequally yoked (2 Cor 6:14), they often do not hold the same view of God or His commands and cannot perform the tasks God set before them collectively; and may be hindered separately.
With mutual focus on God and biblical submission to one another (Eph 5:21) we can foster an environment where both husband and wife can grow in faith toward Christlikeness; serving God together.
- If you have seen couples who are unequally yoked, what was your impression? Did it appear to you that they would be successful in their service to God?
- What does it look like practically to be a catalyst for someone else’s service to God? An inhibitor?
By coming together, we can serve God more effectively and spur one another on toward love and good deeds, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
Unity in Marriage
The cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant face each other but are looking at the mercy seat and their wings touch (Exodus 25:18-22).
When married couples stay united in love, each keeping their eyes on Jesus, the enemy has no place to come in and divide. Romans 14:19 encourages us:
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (NIV)
Strife and division hinder God's presence. Peace and unity are essential for His presence to be maintained. Jesus said peacemakers are called children of God (Matthew 5:9). There are numerous examples in the Bible where God’s presence left the Israelites.
- If a married couple focuses on each other's mistakes, failures, and flaws, what are some actions, attitudes, and behaviors that can quickly emerge? (criticism, blame, withdrawal, bitterness, etc.)
- What impact does marital disunity have on how a couple reflects God's nature, intentions, and plan to those around them?
- Do you have an example to share of a time when your relationship or one you’ve witnessed went from united to divided? What was the impetus for division? What was the solution?
Handling Differences
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Relationships, including marriage, are designed for companionship, not isolation; intimacy rather than loneliness. When couples in any relationship, including marriage, fail to see eye to eye, it's God's love, grace, and mercy that sustain and strengthen the bond. When God is invited into the middle ground of our relationships, He fosters unity. Embrace teamwork and connection in all relationships.
- How have you seen the benefits of companionship in your relationships, whether in marriage or friendships?
- Why do some people prefer isolation? What steps can we take to reach out to those who might be isolating themselves, encouraging them to engage in community?
- In what ways can you serve God and others through your relationships? How does this shift focus from self-serving to community-building?
- Reflect on your current relationships. How do you see God's design for companionship and intimacy playing out, and where might you need to invite God more fully into the "middle ground" of your relationships?
Remember, we are here not to serve ourselves but to enrich the lives of those around us.
Sacrificial Nature of Relationships
In ancient times, cutting a calf in half and passing between the pieces (Genesis 15:9-10) was a covenant ritual symbolizing judgment for breaking the agreement. Read the following paraphrased verse:
“Those people who have broken my covenant will be punished. They have not lived up to the terms of the covenant they made in front of me. When you made that covenant, you cut a calf in two. Then you walked between its pieces. Now I will cut you to pieces.” Jeremiah 34:18 (NIrV)
Marriage isn't about giving half effort where each gives 50%; it's about both giving more than 100%. It means always giving, forgiving, and making big sacrifices while looking at each other with kindness. We need to follow God's teachings, not let pride stop us from reconnecting after mistakes.
- Why is marriage described as a 50-50 proposition? What does giving more than 100% in marriage look like in practical terms?
- Can you share a time when pride almost got in the way of reconnecting with someone you love? How did you overcome it?
Conclusion
When addressing unity in relationships, it is crucial to understand that the foremost relationship we can have and develop is that with God. It is divinely intentional that the two cherubim facing one another on the Ark of the Covenant were strategically looking down at the middle-ground. This area of the Ark was the ‘Throne-Zone.’ It is where God meets us. It is also quite significant that, according to John 20:12, when Mary came to the tomb of Jesus, “she saw two angels, one at the foot and one at the head of where Jesus lain.” Jesus is the middle-ground where God meets us.
Without the Sacrificial Lamb, there is no redemption for our sinful state and therefore no relationship with God. Without this relationship with God through Jesus, we have no solid foundation to build our relationships with others.
- What is your biggest takeaway from this lesson and sermon?
Commission
Today we are privileged and welcomed to come to God’s Throne Room, through Jesus, to dedicate and rededicate our individual lives and our marriages and families to the Lord, for His purposes and plans for our lives. Choose to build your relationship with God by focusing on Jesus. In so doing, offer your life as a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing, and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), and see how God strengthens and grows your marriage and/or relationships that He has called you to.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for Jesus, who provided the way for us to be in relationship with You. We ask that our hearts would be in alignment with Yours, that You would forgive us as we forgive others, that You would draw us into unity with one another and into right relationship with You, and that in doing so, we would be healed and delivered from all that hinders us from walking out what You have called us to, in Jesus' mighty name, Amen.