Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
This Momentary Marriage summary
John Piper
Noël Piper
Brief summary
This Momentary Marriage by John Piper is a thoughtful exploration of the divine purpose behind marriage. It delves into the biblical perspective on marriage and offers practical advice on how to glorify God through this sacred union.
Topics
Table of Contents
This Momentary Marriage
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Essence of Marriage
In This Momentary Marriage, John Piper, a well-known theologian, and pastor, brings forth his profound insights on the institution of marriage. He starts by establishing that the primary purpose of marriage is to reflect the covenant-keeping love between Christ and His church. This foundational understanding, he argues, is crucial for a healthy and enduring marriage.
Piper emphasizes that the essence of marriage lies in the commitment to love and cherish one another, even when emotions wane. He introduces the term 'momentary marriage' to emphasize the brevity of our earthly lives compared to the eternal reality of our union with Christ. This perspective, he believes, helps couples navigate the inevitable ups and downs of married life.
The Role of Gender and Sex in Marriage
Building on this foundation, Piper delves into the roles of husband and wife in a marriage. He asserts that God created men and women with distinct, complementary roles, and that these roles are designed to bring glory to God. He also discusses the sensitive topic of sex within marriage, arguing that it is a gift from God, designed to deepen the bond between spouses.
However, he cautions against making sex the center of a marriage, arguing that when it becomes an idol, it can lead to dissatisfaction and even destruction. Instead, he advocates for a balanced view of sex, where it is seen as a beautiful expression of the deep unity and intimacy that a couple shares.
Challenges and Sanctification in Marriage
Piper acknowledges that marriage is not always easy. He speaks openly about the challenges couples face, from communication issues to financial strains. However, he sees these challenges as opportunities for growth and sanctification. He believes that God uses these difficulties to shape and refine us, making us more Christlike.
He also addresses the painful reality of divorce, acknowledging that it is sometimes a necessary evil in a fallen world. However, he encourages couples to fight for their marriages, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness even in the face of betrayal and hurt.
Practical Advice and Encouragement
Throughout This Momentary Marriage, Piper offers practical advice for couples, including the importance of regular prayer, open communication, and mutual submission. He also emphasizes the need for humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to serve one another, drawing from the example of Christ's sacrificial love for the church.
He concludes by reminding readers that the ultimate purpose of marriage is to display the covenant-keeping love of Christ. He encourages couples to view their marriage in light of eternity, seeing it as a temporary, yet significant, reflection of the eternal union between Christ and His bride.
Final Thoughts on Marriage and Faith
In summary, This Momentary Marriage is a deeply theological and practical exploration of the institution of marriage. Piper provides a compelling vision of marriage as a sacred covenant, designed to glorify God and sanctify His people. He challenges readers to view their marriages through the lens of eternity, understanding that their earthly union is a shadow of the ultimate union between Christ and His church.
By intertwining the biblical perspective on marriage with real-life experiences and practical advice, Piper offers a comprehensive guide for couples seeking to honor God in their relationships. He reminds us that while our earthly marriages are momentary, the love and commitment we display in them have eternal significance.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is This Momentary Marriage about?
This Momentary Marriage by John Piper explores the profound mystery of marriage through a biblical lens. It challenges common misconceptions about marriage and offers a compelling vision of what it means to be united in Christ. With practical wisdom and deep theological insights, Piper presents a thought-provoking perspective on the purpose and significance of marriage in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan.
This Momentary Marriage Review
This Momentary Marriage (2009) by John Piper and Noël Piper is a profound exploration of the true meaning and significance of marriage. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Offers biblical perspectives on marriage, providing a solid foundation for couples to build upon.
- Presents a vision of marriage that focuses on God's glory and eternal purposes, offering a refreshing outlook on the institution.
- Engages readers with its deep insights into the beauty and challenges of marriage, ensuring a thought-provoking and valuable read.
Who should read This Momentary Marriage?
Individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the biblical perspective on marriage
Couples looking to strengthen their relationship and build a Christ-centered marriage
Those who want to explore the spiritual and practical aspects of marriage
Categories with This Momentary Marriage
Book summaries like This Momentary Marriage
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
This Momentary Marriage FAQs
What is the main message of This Momentary Marriage?
The main message is about the sacredness and purpose of marriage in God's design.
How long does it take to read This Momentary Marriage?
It takes a few hours to read the book, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is This Momentary Marriage a good book? Is it worth reading?
This Momentary Marriage is worth reading for its profound insights on marriage and relationships.
Who is the author of This Momentary Marriage?
John Piper and Noël Piper are the authors of This Momentary Marriage.
What to read after This Momentary Marriage?
If you're wondering what to read next after This Momentary Marriage, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan