God’s Design for Marriage

  • God designed marriage for man’s good (Genesis 2:18-24).
    • What are some of the problems of loneliness?
    • What are some of the benefits of companionship?
  • God designed marriage for life (Matthew 19:4-6).
    • What does Jesus say about divorce?
    • What are some of the causes of marital failures?
  • God designed marriage for purity (1 Corinthians 7:2-5).
    • What are some things that threaten the purity of marriage?
    • Why doesn’t marriage alone solve these problems?

Fundamentals for Marriage Success

  • Build on God
    • You need to accept Christ (Matthew 11:28-30).
    • You need to follow Christ (John 8:12).
    • You need to grow in Christ (1 Peter 2:2).
  • Commitment is Key
    • “Commitment … is what transforms a promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions. It is the actions that speak louder than words. It is making the time when there is none, coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of, the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism.” — The Triumphant Marriage
    • “You need to be committed to the Lord!

 You need to be committed to your spouse!

 You need to be committed to your marriage!

 You need to be committed to growth!“ — Marriage as a Spiritual Covenant

  • You Can Change
    • Growing in your relationship with God (Philippians 3:12-14).
    • Growing your relationship with your spouse (Ephesians 4:31-32).
    • Note which of the following ways you can grow your relationship with your spouse.
      • Open up and talk (see 1 Corinthians 2:11)
      • Be quick to hear (see James 1:19)
      • Listen all the way through (see Proverbs 18:13)
      • Be kind and compassionate (see Ephesians 4:31-32)

Mate Selection

  • Many Ways to Find a Spouse — Some Approved and Others Aren’t
    • Parental choice (arranged marriages)
    • Courtship (a formal process)
    • Dating (a less formal process)
    • Hanging out (or hooking up)
    • Cohabitation
    • Online dating
  • A Note for Single Disciples
    • Being single doesn’t make you inferior. There are actually advantages (1 Corinthians 7:32-34).
    • Marrying an unbeliever is not a sin, but it can lead to problems down the line. Be careful and have some forethought.
    • Don’t marry someone bound to another (Romans 7:2-3).
    • Don’t marry someone merely because you are attracted to them. Marry someone who will also help you go to heaven!
    • Pray for a godly spouse!