FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS
ABOUT MARRIAGE

PURPOSE

In this study, we will explore some foundational truths about marriage.

OPENER

What is a marriage? How would you define it?

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LESSON

1. WHO ORIGINATED THE IDEA OF MARRIAGE (GENESIS 2:24)?

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• In (Genesis 2:24), we see that marriage was part of God's original plan for man. Since God instituted marriage, and not man, it should be honored by all (Hebrews 13:4).

2. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MARRIAGE?

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• Scripture gives at least three reasons for marriage. One is the propagation of children. At creation, mankind was commissioned to “be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth” (Gen. 1:28). Marriage is also provided as a means of preventing sexual sin. “Because of immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband” (1 Cor. 7:2). Marriage is also provided for companionship. “God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him’” (Gen. 2:18).

3. WHAT DOES (PROVERBS 18:22) TEACH US ABOUT MARRIAGE?

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• This verse states that it is good to be married. God created marriage for our enjoyment and He pronounced it good. This is one of many passages in the Bible that show marriage as a joyful and good creation of God (Proverbs 5:15-19).

4. FROM (MALACHI 2:14), WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP IS MARRIAGE?

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• Marriage involves a covenant before God. A covenant is a mutual commitment or agreement (Proverbs 2:17). When we marry, we are promising God that we will love and take care of our spouse and that we will live our lives according to His will and standard.

5. HOW LONG SHOULD A MARRIAGE LAST?

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• From the beginning, God intended that marriage be a life-long commitment. In (Genesis 2:24), “Cleave to” carries the idea of firm, permanent attachment, as in gluing. In marriage, a man and woman are so closely joined that they become “one flesh,” which involves spiritual as well as physical oneness. In marriage, God brings a husband and wife together in a unique physical and spiritual bond that reaches to the very depths of their souls. As God designed it, marriage is to be the welding of two people together into one unit, the blending of two minds, two wills, two sets of emotions, two spirits. It is a bond the Lord intends to be indissoluble as long as both partners are alive.

6. COMPARING (GENESIS 3:6-7 AND MATTHEW 19:6-8), WHAT HAPPENED TO GOD'S ORIGINAL PLAN FOR MARRIAGE?

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• Sin came into the human race and man rebelled against God. Instead of remaining married for a lifetime, man began to divorce his spouse and break up the family unit.

Although marriage should be a life-long commitment, why do you think at least half of all marriages end in divorce?

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• There are many reasons why half of all marriages end in divorce.

1. Divorces occur because people don't understand that all marriages have problems. They split rather than solve their problems. Running away does not solve any problems; it only creates a new set of problems. This is why statistically more second marriages end in divorce (and third marriages, etc.) than first marriages because some people take their problems to their new mate rather than solve them with their current mate.

2. Divorces occur because people don’t know that love is something you create, not something that just happens.

3. Divorces occur because jobs or other commitments receive more attention than the marriage. Then the marriage relationship grows weak and dies.

4. Divorces occur because one or both stop trying.

5. Divorces occur because of physical abuse, adultery, and alcoholism.

How does God view divorce (Malachi 2:16)?

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• God hates divorce.

How does divorce affect the family?

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• Divorce is having a devastating impact on both adults and children. Every year, parents of over 1 million children divorce. Children are reared without the presence of their father or mother. Children are often forced to take sides in the conflict. And, children often carry the scars of the conflict and frequently blame themselves for the divorce.

What can we do to lesson the likelihood of ever getting divorced?

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• No matter how rough things may get, we must predetermine in our minds that divorce is not an option. We must work through our problems. Remain faithful to our spouse. Love and be kind to our spouse.

7. WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL BENEFITS OF MARRIAGE?

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• Having someone to love.
• Companionship.
• Developing a spiritual bond.

How do you show your love for your spouse?

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CONCLUSION:

1. Marriage is a great blessing from God that we must always honor.

2. I pray that your marriage continues to get stronger and better each day. 

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