1. 2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 1

2. Matthew 5:32
32 “…but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.”
Matthew 19:9

3. Outcome if these are not in us: Useless and unfruitful – short-sighted, blind, forgetting our purification from sins
Outcome if these are in us: We are useful and able to bear fruit…never stumble
Home & Family 3 3

4. Choosing A Mate For Life
1 Cor. 7:1-5
Eph. 5:22-33
Col. 3:18-19
2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 4

5. Choosing A Mate For Life
Titus 2:4
1 Pet. 3:1-7
2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 5

6. Some Important Questions To Consider
Are you about equally socially?
Are you both stern-minded with high ideals?
What about the age of the partner?
Has one been divorced? (Mat. 5:32; 19:9)
Is he or she dependable?
Have you been dating for awhile?
2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 6

7. Some Important Questions To Consider
Are both sets of parents in favor of the marriage?
What about his or her physical health?
Is he or she free from jealousy or suspicion?
Does he or she have a habit that bothers you?
What about children?
What about mental and educational compatibility?
2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7

8. Some Important Questions To Consider
Are you fully persuaded that you are ready to accept the responsibilities?
2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 8

9. Some Wrong Reasons To Marry
Merely for beauty and looks
Money and material possessions
Pity
To flee from poverty
Escape from a bad home
Because the couple “cannot contain” (1 Cor. 7:9)
2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 9

10. Some Wrong Reasons To Marry
Because his or her friends play “cupid”
Because of a “forced marriage”
Someone on the “rebound”
2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 10

11. Some Reasons Why Marriages Are Unhappy
Wrong motives
Mixed marriages
Extravagance
The pleasure craze
Selfishness
Not putting the Lord and spiritual things first
2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 11

12. Love Alone Cannot Solve All The Problems
2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 12

13. 2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 13

14. 2 Cor. 1:4-6 (NKJV)
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. [5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. [6] Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 14