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No Ordinary Marriage: Together for God's Glory
One of the greatest social tragedies of our day is the underperformance of marriage--not only marriages that end in divorce, but also those which, while remaining "intact," become painfully strained and emotionally scarred. Surely there must be hope for something better, for something more.
With profound insight and vivid illustrations, pastor and marriage counselor Tim Savage helps us to realize the unlimited potential of marriage--to discover how the glory of God can infuse our relationships, increase our joy, and make us bright lights in a troubled world.
With profound insight and vivid illustrations, pastor and marriage counselor Tim Savage helps us to realize the unlimited potential of marriage--to discover how the glory of God can infuse our relationships, increase our joy, and make us bright lights in a troubled world.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2012
15 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Timothy B. Savage
5 books10 followersTim Savage (PhD, University of Cambridge; ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a pastor, author, international conference speaker, and founding council member of the Gospel Coalition. He has served in churches in Arizona, Great Britain, and Texas. He is married to Lesli and they have two adult sons, Matthew and Jonathan. Tim is the author of No Ordinary Marriage.
His father is William C. Savage.
His father is William C. Savage.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 25, 2025
Great book on marriage. Savage is also a beautiful writer. He kept me engaged throughout the book.
March 12, 2020
This is the best book on marriage I've ever read.
August 3, 2021
Really great book. Practically and beautifully written.
June 26, 2012
If there is a genre of books which rivals the self help section of your local bookstore, it is maybe the relationship section. Personally I know of a rash of recent Christian books which dispense relational and marital advice. So when you are shopping for a marriage book you are really looking for what sets a particular book apart from the others, more ordinary marriage books. What set this book apart for me was not its snappy title,
No Ordinary Marriage: Together for God's Glory
; rather it was endorsements from Kevin Vanhoozer (theologian and hermeneutical rock star) and Alice Cooper (actual rock star). Sorry Ed Young, Craig Groschel, Mark Driscoll, John Piper, Tim Keller and whoever else is writing marriage books these days, butou just don't have much street cred until rock stars start endorsing your books. Maybe you can send a review copy of your next book to Ted Nugent. Or maybe Kevin DeYoung can sit down with Brian "Head" Welch and get an endorsment for his new parenting book, Children of the Korn (I know of no such project but we can dream can't we?).
Kidding aside, I think Tim Savage has written a decent book which helps Christians press into the meaning and sanctity of marriage. Drawing generously on patristic, reformers and puritan sources, Savage frams marriage theologically before turning toward practical questions. The book is divided into three parts.
In part one, he casts a vision of the meaning of marriage. Men and Women as joint image bearers of God are able to reflect God's glory as they love one another with self-sacrificing 'cruciform' love. In part two he addresses the particular words Paul addresses to women and men in Ephesians 5 and reflects on what it means to be 'one flesh.' Part three is where Savage addresses variously: sex, the way churches nurture marriages and family, learning to be realistic and gracious with one another and the gift of singleness. I think part three is the least cohesive and feels more like a 'catch all' section of other things that Savage thinks he better say, but he does offer helpful practical and pastoral advice. Part one, which frames marriage theologically and talks about God's intent for marriage, is easily my favorite part of the book.
As a biblical egalitarian I did not agree with Savage's exegesis of Genesis 3 or Ephesians 5 (Savage is a biblical complementarian). I don't really feel like I have to, to appreciate much of what he says here to women and men, as he addresses both and talks about how both husbands and wives should love each other with cruciform (Christlike) love. He posits that the particular word to women is to 'submit' to her husband (be subordinate to him) while the word to husbands is to love their wives (Ephesians 5:22,25). Certainly he is right to talk about how women 'ought to submit' to their husband but he is wrong to say that this is 'the particular word' to wives expressed in Eph. 5:22. The verb translated 'submit' is not in that verse in the original Greek but is borrowed from the previous verse which says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." The passage itself puts the wives' submission in the context of mutual submission (of which the husbands love is also an expression). I think you can certainly hold a complementarian view of gender roles from this passage, but you ought to at least signal the context of mutuality (which Savage does not do in his exegesis of Ephesians). My problem with his exegesis of Genesis 3, is that he interprets God's curse on the man and woman as enshrining gender differences. Maybe, but there should at least be an acknowledgement that the curse represents a world gone wrong.
These small exegetical differences aside I probably agree with 90% of this book. Savage's account of humanity's creation acknowledges male and female as joint image bearers and he argues strongly that marriage done right should point beyond itself to our Triune Creator. I couldn't agree more and found there was lots worth reflecting on (particularly as I near 10 years of marriage to a wonderful, godly woman). There may be better books on marriage out there (there are certainly worse ones) but this book can be the start of a fruitful dialogue with your spouse. Those with a more pragmatic bent may find this book challenging as Savage tends to talk about theology and ideals more abstractly, though he does point to a few concrete examples. I tend to think a lot of the more 'practical books' are fluffy but there might be a happy medium between those books and this one. Let me know if found it.
I received this book from Crossway Books in exchange for this fair and balanced review.
Kidding aside, I think Tim Savage has written a decent book which helps Christians press into the meaning and sanctity of marriage. Drawing generously on patristic, reformers and puritan sources, Savage frams marriage theologically before turning toward practical questions. The book is divided into three parts.
In part one, he casts a vision of the meaning of marriage. Men and Women as joint image bearers of God are able to reflect God's glory as they love one another with self-sacrificing 'cruciform' love. In part two he addresses the particular words Paul addresses to women and men in Ephesians 5 and reflects on what it means to be 'one flesh.' Part three is where Savage addresses variously: sex, the way churches nurture marriages and family, learning to be realistic and gracious with one another and the gift of singleness. I think part three is the least cohesive and feels more like a 'catch all' section of other things that Savage thinks he better say, but he does offer helpful practical and pastoral advice. Part one, which frames marriage theologically and talks about God's intent for marriage, is easily my favorite part of the book.
As a biblical egalitarian I did not agree with Savage's exegesis of Genesis 3 or Ephesians 5 (Savage is a biblical complementarian). I don't really feel like I have to, to appreciate much of what he says here to women and men, as he addresses both and talks about how both husbands and wives should love each other with cruciform (Christlike) love. He posits that the particular word to women is to 'submit' to her husband (be subordinate to him) while the word to husbands is to love their wives (Ephesians 5:22,25). Certainly he is right to talk about how women 'ought to submit' to their husband but he is wrong to say that this is 'the particular word' to wives expressed in Eph. 5:22. The verb translated 'submit' is not in that verse in the original Greek but is borrowed from the previous verse which says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." The passage itself puts the wives' submission in the context of mutual submission (of which the husbands love is also an expression). I think you can certainly hold a complementarian view of gender roles from this passage, but you ought to at least signal the context of mutuality (which Savage does not do in his exegesis of Ephesians). My problem with his exegesis of Genesis 3, is that he interprets God's curse on the man and woman as enshrining gender differences. Maybe, but there should at least be an acknowledgement that the curse represents a world gone wrong.
These small exegetical differences aside I probably agree with 90% of this book. Savage's account of humanity's creation acknowledges male and female as joint image bearers and he argues strongly that marriage done right should point beyond itself to our Triune Creator. I couldn't agree more and found there was lots worth reflecting on (particularly as I near 10 years of marriage to a wonderful, godly woman). There may be better books on marriage out there (there are certainly worse ones) but this book can be the start of a fruitful dialogue with your spouse. Those with a more pragmatic bent may find this book challenging as Savage tends to talk about theology and ideals more abstractly, though he does point to a few concrete examples. I tend to think a lot of the more 'practical books' are fluffy but there might be a happy medium between those books and this one. Let me know if found it.
I received this book from Crossway Books in exchange for this fair and balanced review.
November 16, 2012
The past year has seen a huge increase in marriage books and for good reason, marriage is under attack in our culture. One of the great social tragedies of our day is the underperformance of marriage—not only marriages that end in divorce, but also those which, which remaining ‘intact,’ become painfully strained and emotionally scarred. Surely there must be hope for something better, for something more. In this excellent new book No Ordinary Marriage Together for God’s Glory Pastor Tim Savage takes a different approach to marriage than the majority of marriage books by focusing on God’s glory in marriage. With profound insight and vivid illustrations the author helps us to realize the unlimited potential of marriage- to discover how the glory of God can infuse our relationships, increase or joy and make us bright lights in a troubled world.
Being married is hard work. Husbands and wives must exercise vigilance. They must be committed to work for this prize. In particular, they must cling tenaciously to the one piece of equipment that guarantees a safe ascent to the marital summit. They must fasten themselves to the rope that binds them together as one. The rope that binds them together is the glory of God. In this excellent new book Pastor Tim unpacks the glory of God in marriage which will help husband and wives to ground their hope in God and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in their marriages.
When husbands and wives cling firmly to the lifeline of God’s glory and do so with a resolve appropriate to the importance of their joint expedition, the unbridled optism of the wedding with be confirmed a hundred times over by an upward ascent that surpasses even their loftiest expectations. Such a marriage can become a living miracle—a relationship grounded on earth but filled with the glory of heaven.
This book will help marriage couples to examine the nature of the divine glory which alone can sustain a marriage. I recommend married couples read this book to look at the multi-faced radiance and rejoice at the very down-to-earth assistance the glory of God affords husbands and wives. This book will be a breath of fresh air for married couples and will help them to learn from the One who created marriage, who sustains marriage and who walks alongside of couples so they can display the glory of God in and through marriage.
Title: No Ordinary Marriage: Together for God's Glory
Author: Tim Savage
Publisher: Crossway (2012)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Crossway book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Being married is hard work. Husbands and wives must exercise vigilance. They must be committed to work for this prize. In particular, they must cling tenaciously to the one piece of equipment that guarantees a safe ascent to the marital summit. They must fasten themselves to the rope that binds them together as one. The rope that binds them together is the glory of God. In this excellent new book Pastor Tim unpacks the glory of God in marriage which will help husband and wives to ground their hope in God and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in their marriages.
When husbands and wives cling firmly to the lifeline of God’s glory and do so with a resolve appropriate to the importance of their joint expedition, the unbridled optism of the wedding with be confirmed a hundred times over by an upward ascent that surpasses even their loftiest expectations. Such a marriage can become a living miracle—a relationship grounded on earth but filled with the glory of heaven.
This book will help marriage couples to examine the nature of the divine glory which alone can sustain a marriage. I recommend married couples read this book to look at the multi-faced radiance and rejoice at the very down-to-earth assistance the glory of God affords husbands and wives. This book will be a breath of fresh air for married couples and will help them to learn from the One who created marriage, who sustains marriage and who walks alongside of couples so they can display the glory of God in and through marriage.
Title: No Ordinary Marriage: Together for God's Glory
Author: Tim Savage
Publisher: Crossway (2012)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Crossway book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 14, 2012
First principle of matrimony: we marry for the glory of God. Need I say more? I don't suppose I am glorifying God when I am selfish and don't submit to my husband as He has called me to do.
READ the book, the word submit isn't as ugly as it sounds. A Wife's Spirit chapter deals with a woman's heart. It will leave you feeling a bit unsettled but I am resolved to live for His glory and so I will reread this chapter over and over. Earnest prayer is at the heart of all of it. We can't do it without Him. Seek Him daily and you will reach peaks with your marriage and probably relationships in general.
In A Husband's Love, it deals with the husband and if both work on their own problems instead of worrying about each other, we would all be in a better place.
Let's do as Savage suggests, living our marriage for the glory of the Lord. Please take the challenge with me!
I will hand this book to everyone I know, newlyweds, it would make a great gift! Enjoy it, add it to your bookshelf -- set it next to your Bible, read it with your spouse. I hope to see more marriages healthy and thriving!
READ the book, the word submit isn't as ugly as it sounds. A Wife's Spirit chapter deals with a woman's heart. It will leave you feeling a bit unsettled but I am resolved to live for His glory and so I will reread this chapter over and over. Earnest prayer is at the heart of all of it. We can't do it without Him. Seek Him daily and you will reach peaks with your marriage and probably relationships in general.
In A Husband's Love, it deals with the husband and if both work on their own problems instead of worrying about each other, we would all be in a better place.
Let's do as Savage suggests, living our marriage for the glory of the Lord. Please take the challenge with me!
I will hand this book to everyone I know, newlyweds, it would make a great gift! Enjoy it, add it to your bookshelf -- set it next to your Bible, read it with your spouse. I hope to see more marriages healthy and thriving!
July 16, 2012
This is a wonderful book for married couples to study together. There are nuggets of insight on nearly every page. Husbands and wives will see themselves in Savage's examination of the causes for marital breakdown, especially the selfishness that is so endemic to our nature. His premise is that marriages are designed to reflect God's glory. Savage advises that everything flows from the Apostle Paul's succinct advice--husbands love your wives; wives submit to your husbands. Most of us have it backwards: marriage aren't for us to get what we can out of the relationship; they are for use to glorify God by serving our spouse. The author suggests that no marriage is beyond repair, and even under the worst circumstances reconciliation can happen.
July 3, 2016
Marriages are failing miserably. Even marriages that don't end in divorce are often floundering in stagnant, meaningless relationships. Savage wrote a book that takes the spouses to a level of marriage that is both God based and self-less.
I just couldn't get into this book. Savage brought out some really great points. But it just seemed to be very repetitious and overdone for me. If you enjoy reading about relationships than this book might interest you enough to glean out the occasional gems. It's lots of reading without any practical advice and this is what I usually look for in a relationship book. It wasn't a bad book. It was just too much writing without enough how-to for me.
I received this book free of charge from Crossways in exchange for my honest review.
I just couldn't get into this book. Savage brought out some really great points. But it just seemed to be very repetitious and overdone for me. If you enjoy reading about relationships than this book might interest you enough to glean out the occasional gems. It's lots of reading without any practical advice and this is what I usually look for in a relationship book. It wasn't a bad book. It was just too much writing without enough how-to for me.
I received this book free of charge from Crossways in exchange for my honest review.
May 10, 2017
All for His glory.
3.5 stars. Simple, but helpful book. The main premise is that marriage (like all else) is to be all for His glory. I agree that it is. Not a deep book, but profound in simplicity and very moving at points.
3.5 stars. Simple, but helpful book. The main premise is that marriage (like all else) is to be all for His glory. I agree that it is. Not a deep book, but profound in simplicity and very moving at points.
July 15, 2017
I have read a lot of books about marriage this year, trying to do some research for a book I am writing about a struggling marriage. This is by far the best one I have read, and I would recommend it to anyone.
August 19, 2012
One of the best books (if not the best) on marriage I have read. Like Savage's Power Through Weakness this is a must read.
June 9, 2013
I love how Tim Savage unpacks the theology behind marriage and combines it with real, practical advice. A great book for any couple or person considering getting married.
March 25, 2014
A helpful book on marriage.
May 7, 2017
thoroughly biblical treatment of marriage and how God's glory is the foundation (as seen in the good news of Jesus) and pursuit of a healthy marriage. Tim brings out many insights that I had not seen before -- great read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews