So What’s the Big Deal About Marriage

In this whole study we have been emphasizing that dating is just a step toward marriage. We have said that you should not date someone you would not marry. We have stated that you should keep yourself pure for marriage, and that you should be preparing spiritually for your future spouse. So what’s the big deal about marriage? Why is it so important? A. Marriage was the very first human relationship or institution that God made. Genesis 2:18-25 records the creation of Eve and the first marriage ceremony, the one between Adam and Eve. All human society and inter-relationships spring from the basic design of the home: one man and one woman bound together in a covenant bond. This chapter in Genesis also teaches us that marriage was designed to meet the very deepestneeds of human companionship. Marriage cannot replace the need of the human soul for a connection to God, but it does meet the human needs for friendship, communication, loyalty, and love. B. Marriage was planned by God from eternity past to be a clear picture of the incredible love of Jesus Christ for His bride, the Church. Read Ephesians 5:22-33. The marriage bond is supposed to display to everyone who sees the relationship that Jesus Christ willingly sacrificed Himself, and continues to cherish, protect and devote Himself to the Church. The Church, meanwhile, is supposed to obey, love and honor the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. C. God has not designed every human being for marriage (I Corinthians 7:7,8), but from the model of Adam and Eve and from God’s words to them (Gen. 1:28) and to Noah and his family (Gen. 9:1), it is clear that God wants most humans to marry. Marriage should be for life – God does not see divorce as an option (Malachi 2:16). Marriage is both a lot of hard work and one of the most fulfilling experiences of life. If God blesses you and your future spouse with children, you will have the responsibility and privilege of molding and training new human lives for the glory of God. That is an awesome thought! D. Since marriage is designed by God to be so wonderful and so serious a responsibility, you should be preparing for it now. Why not put on your daily prayer list: “Pray for my future wife/husband”? Also, as we mentioned before, you should be spiritually growing in the Lord so that you are ready for when God introduces you to the right person. Discussion Questions: 1. Slightly more than half of all marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. Is this okay with you? Why or why not? What do you speculate are some of the chief causes of divorce? 2. For several years there has been a growing trend for people to live together rather than to get married. Is this okay with you? Why or why not? 3. Summarize in your own words why you think marriage is important. 4. What are you doing to prepare for marriage right now?