1. “Get Her For Me” Judges 14:1-3 Samson Had Little Idea About What Was Necessary for a Marriage.

2. Judges 14:1-3 1 Now Samson went down to Timnah, and saw a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines. 2 So he went up and told his father and mother, saying, "I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife." 3 Then his father and mother said to him, "Is there no woman among the daughters of your brethren, or among all my people, that you must go and get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?" And Samson said to his father, "Get her for me, for she pleases me well."

3. Is Marriage in Trouble? Recent survey in Hamilton County reported in the Chattanooga Times – November 25, 2003 Residents were asked to rank their “most important” priorities. This is part of a State of the Family report.

4. Is Marriage in Trouble? 1.Family 2.Faith 3.Children 4.Career / Work 5.Health Here are the top 10 Priorities:

5. Is Marriage in Trouble? 6. Money / Finance 7. Hobbies / Leisure 8. Getting ahead in life 9. Marriage / Spouse 10. School Here are the top 10 Priorities:

6. Is Marriage in Trouble? 54% believe that if the traditional family unit falls apart, the stability of American society will collapse. 70% believe the typical marriage is weaker today than the typical marriage 30 years ago. Here are some other stats:

7. Is Marriage in Trouble? 69% agree that children who are raised in a home with both their natural parents will grow up to be more stable emotionally than children raised by one parent. Is marriage in trouble? Here are some other stats:

8. “Get her for me.” Samson saw a woman of the Philistines. It was a violation of the law to marry her. He wanted her, anyway. He told his parents, “Get her for me.” This marriage would be based ONLY on physical appearance. Background of Judges 14

9. Ingredients for Marriage Marriage must begin with a commitment from both parties. Without this willful intent to live together for life – there can be no marriage. Marriage begins with this intent – and ends when this commitment fades. Commitment - Intent

10. Ingredients for Marriage Genesis 2:21-22 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. Commitment - Intent

11. Ingredients for Marriage Genesis 2:23 23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” Commitment - Intent

12. Ingredients for Marriage Genesis 2:24-25 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed Commitment - Intent

13. Ingredients for Marriage Genesis 29:18-20 18 Now Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter.” 19 And Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her. Commitment - Intent

14. Ingredients for Marriage There is no “official” ceremony in the Bible. Every part of the typical ceremony are taught in the pages of Scripture. Public announcements: Marriage license Wedding rings Newspaper articles Ceremony – Public Announcement

15. Ingredients for Marriage John 2:1-2 1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. This is the public announcement of marriage. Ceremony – Public Announcement

16. Ingredients for Marriage Laws vary from state to state Blood tests Pre-marriage counseling Application fees Waiting periods Age limits Restrictions – Can’t marry a close relative Law of the State

17. Ingredients for Marriage Romans 13:1-2 1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Law of the State

18. Ingredients for Marriage Romans 13:3-4 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Law of the State

19. Ingredients for Marriage Samson just saw the physical attraction Judge Judy’s book title – “Beauty Fades; Dumb is Forever” What happens to a marriage when the physical attraction is gone? What happens to a marriage when the Biblical ingredients are missing? Conclusion:

20. Ingredients for Marriage NOW FOR ONE FINAL QUESTION: WHAT ABOUT YOUR “MARRIAGE” TO GOD? How strong is your commitment, public announcement and obedience to the law of God? Conclusion: