1. Lesson 3: Preparing for Marriage
The Family & the Home
Lesson 3: Preparing for Marriage

2. Marriage Preparation (review)
Many people spend more time and money preparing for the wedding, than they do the marriage: rings, dress, flowers, music, food, etc.
The wedding ceremony is over with in a few minutes; the marriage covenant is to last a lifetime

3. Marriage Preparation (review)
Marriage preparation should always begin with a study of God’s marriage manual; slow down and take your time preparing; don’t forget that marriage is honorable (Heb. 13:4)
Am I beginning early? Am I working on my reputation/character? Am I always in a good environment? Am I marrying a stranger?

4. Marriage Preparation A responsibility of the parents (Eph. 6:4)
A responsibility of the local church (Acts 20:27)
A responsibility of the individual (Eph. 5:17)

5. What Will You Bring to the Altar?
Purity of person (1 Cor. 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:22)
Maturity of mind (Eph. 5:22 – 6:4; Col. 3:18-21; Tim. 5:8; etc.)
Permanency of purpose (Eccl. 9:9; Prov. 2:17; Mal. 2:14-16; Mt. 19:6,9; Mk. 10:9; 1 Cor. 7:10- 11, 39; Rom. 7:2-3)
Spirit of selfless service (Gen. 2:18; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)

6. What Will You Bring to the Altar?
Tone of trust (Prov. 31:10-11, 28-29)
Loyalty of love (Eph. 5:25; Tit. 2:4; Col. 3:14; Cor. 13:4-7)
Stance of spirituality or ground of godliness (Prov. 2:17; Mal. 2:14-16; Mt. 19:6; Eph. 5:22; Col. 3:18; 1 Pet. 3:7)

7. Marriage Preparation
Dating/courtship is a time to determine whether or not the person has…
Previous marital status; eligibility (a scriptural right to marry)
Godly character (values, purity, priorities, inner beauty)
Family background (habits, family, friends, reputation, work)

8. Marriage Preparation
Dating/courtship is a time to determine whether or not the person has…
Biblical love (genuine sacrifice and service)
A proper religion; basic religious differences (an active, faithful NT Christian only)

9. Review Questions
1. What do many people spend more time preparing for? The wedding or the marriage? 2. What kind of things should we bring to the marriage altar? 3. What kind of things should be determined during the dating process?