Relationship Goals Part 2 - Godly Marriage | Craig Groeschel

Mission-Driven Marriage

Scripture References

Primary text

• Genesis 1:27
• Genesis 2:24

Other references

• Amos 3:3
• Romans 16:3-5

Overview

A God-honoring marriage is built on more than romance or shared hobbies—it thrives on a common mission. Pastor Craig reviewed the four “relationship goals” (Christ-centered, mission-driven, devil-kicking, covenant-keeping) and focused this week on the second: living a mission-driven marriage. From creation’s first couple to Priscilla and Aquila, Scripture shows God uniting spouses for purposeful work, while the enemy schemes to divide. Couples—and singles preparing for marriage—must discover, pursue, and protect a shared mission so they can serve Jesus better together than apart.

Main Points

Relationship goals review

• The series sets four intentional aims for marriage:

  “We’re going to be Christ-centered, mission-driven, devil-kicking, covenant-keeping.”

• Calling yourself a Christian is not the same as living a Christ-centered life; each goal demands active pursuit.

Marriage needs a shared mission

• Genesis 1 shows God blessing the first couple with purpose: “Be fruitful, increase, fill the earth, subdue it.”
• Happiness is not the foundation of marriage—unity is. Happiness becomes a by-product of shared purpose.
• Premarital counsel test: when asked, “Why do you want to get married?” many couples default to “Because we’re in love.” The stronger answer is, “Because together we can serve God better than we can alone.”

• “Here is your mission, should you choose to accept it.”

What God unites, the enemy tries to divide

• In Eden the serpent separated Eve from Adam, questioned God’s word, and tempted them with what they “lacked,” bringing blame and shame.
• Division = two visions (“di-vision”). Amos 3:3 asks if two can walk together without agreeing on direction.
• Absence of shared vision leads to people—and marriages—perishing.

Common mission & common enemy unite couples

• Two strongest bonding agents: a goal you both love and an enemy you both hate.
• Identify what you righteously love (e.g., hospitality, kids, financial freedom) and what you righteously hate (e.g., debt bondage, loneliness, trafficking). The intersection often reveals your mission field.

Biblical model: Priscilla & Aquila

• Mentioned six times; never one without the other.
• Romans 16:3-5—co-workers with Paul, risked their lives, hosted a church in their home.
• Strength flowed from being Christ-centered and mission-driven.

Living mission-driven while single

• You don’t wait for a spouse to complete you; Jesus already completes you.
• “Become the person the person you’re looking for is looking for.” (Andy Stanley)
• Walk hard after Jesus; glance sideways only to notice someone keeping the same pace and passion. Courtship then centers on shared service, not shared sin.

• “You don’t build a life of righteousness in the future on a foundation of sin today.”

Discovering your shared mission

• Ask: Where do we serve? Where do we glorify God—inside and outside the church?
• Practical examples Pastor Craig shared:
  • Hosting international students to model Christ in the home.
  • Helping couples heal after adultery.
  • Walking families through the loss of a child.
  • Mentoring young business leaders.
  • Using CrossFit community to foster health and open doors for faith conversations.
• Unity doesn’t require doing identical tasks; it means backing each other’s God-given callings. Amy Groeschel’s five homes for women leaving trafficking and addiction illustrate supportive partnership.

Unity means together, not identical

• “Untied” and “united” differ by where the “I” is placed. When “I” (self) is out of place, oneness unravels.
• Couples must refuse to settle for mere cohabitation, shared bills, kids, or Instagram moments; they are called to impactful, God-directed teamwork.

Key Truths

• God gives every marriage a mission before He gives it a guarantee of happiness.
• Division in marriage often starts with two separate visions, not a major sin event.
• A Christ-centered single life is the runway for a mission-driven married life.
• Unity flourishes where couples both love a cause and oppose a common darkness.
• Supporting a spouse’s calling is part of living your shared mission.

Response

• Seek God individually, then discuss what you both love and hate for His sake.
• Write a one-sentence family mission statement this week.
• Evaluate current schedules; cut activities that distract from shared purpose.
• Serve side-by-side in one consistent area for the next three months.
• When tempted toward self-focus, pray together, “Lord, unite us for Your mission.”

Closing

A relationship without mission drifts toward division, but a couple united under Christ can shake darkness. Pastor Craig left the final step to each couple: discover and act on the mission God already has for you.

“Why are you getting married? Because we can serve Jesus better together than we can apart.”