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

2. Marriage Preparation  The two most important decisions a person can make in life is (1) to say “I believe…” - become a Christian, and (2) to say “I do…” - get married  “Look before you leap!” is still good advice  Preparation for any important endeavor in life will determine the success or failure of that endeavor; marriage is no different

3. Marriage Preparation  Marriages often fail because of a lack of preparation; many people spend more time and money preparing for the wedding (rings, dress, flowers, music, food, etc.) than they do the marriage  The wedding ceremony is over within a few minutes; the marriage covenant is to last a lifetime

4. Marriage Preparation  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)

5. Marriage Preparation  Self-preparation: “I’m truly ready (scripturally) to be married?” Before you find the right person, you need to be the right person!  Study preparation: “Do I know all that God says about marriage and the family?”  Selection preparation: “Is the person I am interested in truly ready (scripturally) to be married?”

6. Marriage Preparation  It begins with parental teaching and a proper childhood up-bringing (Eph. 6:4)  Establish a good name or character (Prov. 22:1; Eccl. 12:1)  Learn and know God’s NT law of marriage (Mt. 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mk. 10:1-12; Lk. 16:18; Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:10-15, 39)

7. Marriage Preparation  Learn all that you can about everything related to marriage and family (Eph. 5:22 – 6:4; Col. 3:18-21; 1 Tim. 2:15; 5:14; Tit. 2:4-5; Heb. 12:7-11; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)  Seek out a faithful Christian that you truly know from among good company (1 Pet. 3:7)

8. Marriage Preparation  Be old enough to be mature (Gen. 2:24)  Maturity is need in serving the Lord together  Maturity is needed in fulfilling marriage/parent roles  Maturity is need in working in and out of the home  Maturity is needed in raising children

9. Review Questions 1. What do many people spend more time preparing for, the wedding or the marriage? 2. When, where, and how does marriage preparation begin? 3. What kind of things should be considered while preparing for marriage?