MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE OF CHRISTIANS SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES LESSON 689: MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE OF CHRISTIANS

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “Jesus’ pattern of soul-winning”, we learnt the following lessons: The Lord was successful in soul-winning because He knew God’s word, taught it and demonstrated it through healing, miracles, signs and wonders. Jesus welcomed sinners, related to them and removed barriers to their salvation. He used parables, questions and stories illustrate His message. To demonstrate God’s power, we must be holy, prayerful and studious. Like Matthew did, young converts can invite others to hear the gospel. We must all care for visitors and seek ways to integrate them into the Church.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 689: MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE OF CHRISTIANS MEMORY VERSE: “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4). TEXT: Matthew 19:3-12; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 5:22-33. The study of today touches on three points: Commencement of the journey of marriage and common pitfalls to avoid. Christian courtship, engagement and wedding. Christian family life and causes of conflict in the home.

SUMMARY Commencement of the journey of marriage… (Ecclesiastes 3:1,11): The marriage journey begins with desire for a life partner and prayer to God for guidance. God can speak to us in different ways/channels… in line with His word. We must avoid walking by sight, pre-empting God, idols, marriage to unbelievers & human matchmaking (I Corinthians 10:6-12; Proverbs 31:30). Christian courtship, engagement and wedding (Luke 14:28-32; John 2:1-3): Inform leadership when you know God’s will. Do not propose till you get due approval. Courtship begins after obtaining parental consent. Openness, holiness, prayer and tolerance are essential virtues during courtship. Ask for counsel on difficult issues. We must avoid deceit, deception, compromise and worldliness. Focus on glorifying Christ. Christian family life and causes of conflict in the home (Psalm 128:1-4; Proverbs 5:15-23): Divorce/separation is not God’s will. Prayer, patience, communication and counsel help. Conflicts arise from external influence, worldliness, lack of love, pride, childlessness, lack of submission, money mismanagement, selfishness, inconsideration, infidelity, etc.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 Give scriptural reasons why God instituted marriage and family life: Genesis 2:18 1 Corinthians 7:2 Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 Genesis 1:27,28

QUESTION 2 Mention some wrong motivations that compel some people not to marry: Matthew 19:10-12 1 Corinthians 7:7,8,32,34

QUESTION 3 Mention some ways through which through which God reveals His will in marriage to us: John 10:4,5 Job 33:15,16

QUESTION 4 Mention some pitfalls to avoid in the choice of a life partner: 2 Corinthians 6:14 Ezekiel 14:3,4

QUESTION 5 Mention some helpful guiding principles during courtship: Matthew 1:18 1 Corinthians 10:31

QUESTION 6 What should be the focus of a Christian during the engagement and marriage ceremonies? 1 Corinthians 10:31

QUESTION 7 What causes problems in Christian families and what are the solutions? Ephesians 5:22-25 1 Samuel 8:4,5,7 Luke 16:10-12

CONCLUSION Marriage is holy; the Word of God must guide us from the beginning to the end. God still leads and speaks to His children in diverse, scriptural ways! We must avoid unholy association with unbelievers, idols in the heart and carnality in the process of choosing a life partner. Successful courtship demands openness, tolerance, prayers and holiness. We must seek the glory of the Lord in engagement and wedding ceremonies. Divorce/separation is not God’s will. His will for us is a happy, healthy & holy home. Therefore, we must present all challenges to Him in prayer.