Marriage Part 4 - The Marriage Covenant
Subject: Marriage Part 4 - The Marriage Covenant
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5: 22 - 33
Memory Verse: Mark 10: 9
Objective: To define marriage as a lifelong, sacred covenant established by God which reflects the magnificent relationship between Christ and the Church.
Introduction: Marriage is not a contract of convenience that can be broken when feelings fade; it is a sacred covenant made before God. When a man and woman enter into marriage, they are bound together as "one flesh." The highest purpose of this union is not merely human happiness, but to serve as a living, breathing illustration of the profound, sacrificial love between Jesus Christ and His bride.
Who instituted marriage, what was its original design, and what did God say about man's isolation? Genesis 2: 18 & 21 - 24, Matthew 19: 4 - 6
What standard is given to husbands regarding how they must love and lead their wives? Ephesians 5: 25 - 28, Colossians 3: 19
Note: A husband's leadership is never to be dictatorial, harsh or self-serving. He is called to lay down his life for his wife, just as Christ did for the Church, seeking her absolute spiritual and physical well-being.
What is the biblical role, response and attitude of the wife toward her husband? Ephesians 5: 22 - 24, Titus 2: 4 - 5
How does Scripture describe the exclusive beauty and required purity of the marriage bed? Proverbs 5: 15 - 18, Hebrews 13: 4
What does Jesus boldly declare about the permanent, binding nature of the marriage union? Mark 10: 7 - 9
Conclusion: When a husband loves sacrificially, and a wife respects and submits willingly, the marriage preaches the Gospel to everyone who observes it. It is a beautiful, mysterious union which requires the daily grace of the Holy Spirit to function as God intended.