2. Marriage makes the world go ‘round God’s first institution For man’s & society’s benefit Bedrock of societies, nations, & the church

3. Great deal of happiness tied to marriage Most influential relationship Peace & security in trials Share dreams and joys Help or hinder entrance into heaven

5. Man needs to provide materially Eph. 4:28; 1 Thes. 4:11; 1 Tim. 5:8 Food, clothing, shelter »Man identifies with job »Woman identifies with home, 1 Tim. 2:15

6. Man needs to provide materially Eph. 4:28; 1 Thes. 4:11; 1 Tim. 5:8 Sign of basic care & respect »Not only responsibility of husband »Provide food & shelter for a dog

7. Man needs to provide materially Eph. 4:28; 1 Thes. 4:11; 1 Tim. 5:8 Wife needs to support this

8. Man needs to provide spiritually Eph. 5:23, 29; 6:4 Study & prayer Worship Consistent with behavior; not hypocrite If not – “I don’t care about your soul” Wife needs to support

9. Stability & Security fostered by character Not moody, Prov. 14:29 Open to criticism, Prov. 15:1 Patient & forgiving, Prov. 21:21 Honest communication

10. Husband commanded to understand wife 1 Pet. 3:7 Will not happen overnight Takes time & patience Must spend time with her Reflects care & concern Expresses godly attitude Wife should understand husband too

11. Men are different from women Gen. 2:18-24 Problem: practical, logical, facts please Solution: move on Needs reassurance wife believes in him Wants to know you need him

12. Women are different from men Gen. 2:18-24 Problem: talk about, feelings please Solution: talk about it some more Needs reassurance husband values her Wants to know she is special to you

13. Effort to establish & maintain a relationship Prov. 18:24; cf. Rev. 2:4 Friends Brethren Mate

14. Husbands & wives worked to attract the other Conversations Compliments Letters, phone calls – emails, text msg.

15. Need continued work; deeper, more beautiful Niceties need to remain »Open door »Please & thank you

16. Need continued work; deeper, more beautiful Husbands »Give massage »Buy flowers »Buy manicure, pedicure

17. Need continued work; deeper, more beautiful Wives »Pamper »Send children away for special time »Set up for watching ball game

18. Taking your spouse for granted is sinful Gift from God, Prov. 19:14 For your benefit, Eph. 5:22-24; 1 Pt. 3:7

19. Examine yourself, 2 Cor. 13:5 Repent & seek forgiveness, Jas. 5:16 Seek God’s help, 1 Pt. 5:7 Sit down with spouse & discuss solutions Study & pray together

21. Marriage makes the world go ‘round God’s first institution For man’s & society’s benefit Bedrock of societies, nations, & the church

22. Great deal of happiness tied to marriage Most influential relationship Peace & security in trials Share dreams and joys Help or hinder entrance into heaven