CENTRAL THOUGHT
Godly foundation, guarantees the sanctity of marriage.
HYMN: I’M PRESSING ON
TEXT: Gen. 2:21-25;
Eph. 5:21-33
INTRODUCTION
Marriage, was instituted by God in the garden of Eden where God placed the first man He made Adam. God also provided a ‘help meet for him’ (Gen.2:18) whom Adam called woman, “the bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.” The man and woman were called husband and wife.
God originally intended that marriage should be an estate of sanctity, (-saintliness, godliness, holiness). Hence marriage is described as Holy matrimony.
This study focuses on some factors that have polluted the marriage institution, and attempt to offer possible solutions.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
- To understand the type of foundations that we can lay for the sanctity of marriage.
- To examine some of the factors that have polluted marriage institution.
- To discuss some of the factors that can promote the sanctity of marriage.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. WHAT FOUNDATION CAN WE LAY FOR THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE?
Marriage is a union of a man and a woman who live throughout their life time having having all things in common, being in one accord in every area of their lives. The individuals should realize that it is the creation of God, therefore no other foundation can guarantee its sanctity except the Word of God. In other words, the sanctity of marriage can only be sustained through the fear of God that emanate from the knowledge of His word, and deliberate determination to obey the same. Psalm 127 v 1a says “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it”. A Christian should not marry an unbeliever. God’s desire is that marriage should be honorable in all things (Heb.13:4). Giving honor to marriage will require the utmost in Christian conviction and only a monogamous type of marriage is more likely to provide the atmosphere for the exhibition of the honor God expects in marriage. Saintly marriage should be bible based. In grateful acknowledgement of all that God has done for us, Christians must consecrate themselves to God, so as to live a life of holiness in the fear of God, even in marriage.
Individuals in a marriage relationship must live honestly and commit themselves to honoring and glorifying God in their marriage.
Q2. DISCUSS HOW THE FOLLOWING FACTORS HAVE ADVERSELY AFFECTED MARRIAGE.
A. Economic problems: It is now a common phenomenon for husband and wife to leave home in the morning and come back at night, in the name of trying to make ends meet. Children are normally left, either to themselves, or in the hands of house helps, who may not care so much, about the children’s welfare. Economic pressures can adversely affect marriage if not properly handled. The class should discuss!
B. Improper Child Upbringing (Prov.22:6): Improper child upbringing has had its toll on marriage. Children who become deviant constitute problems to their families and society. Children who would make positive contribution to the stability of a marriage need to be taught the word of God and guided to obey the instructions therein. When this is properly done, such children bring joy and peace to the family.
C. Delayed Child Bearing: There may be pressures from the parents, in-laws, relatives, brethren and even clergy men in situations of delayed child bearing. However, couples under such situations should learn to wait patiently on God. (1 Sam.1:1-22; Lk.1:5-20, 57-64).
D. Desired sex of Child: Every child is a gift from God; no father or mother is able to create a child. Insistence on a particular sex of child is an affront on the Creator. Therefore, parents should thankfully accept any child irrespective of the sex.
E. Infidelity. (Prov.6:32-33; 1Cor.6:13-20): The effect of infidelity is grievous. It brings scorn, ruin and destruction to those involved, to the entire family and the church. It’s a sin against God and the individual’s body. Unwanted pregnancy could result and polygamous family brews with it’s attendant bickering. It should be avoided at all cost by spouses.
F. Promoting culture and tradition over the word of God. (Gen.18:19): In some parts of this country, culture demands that a man could allow his visiting friend sleep with his wife as a mark of regards for his friend. In some communities, a husband and wife cannot use the same water container to take their bath. In some others, people are not allowed to marry from a particular quarter on the basis of cultural differences. All these negates God’s purpose for marriage. G. Long distance Marriage: In some cases, husband and wife reside in different cities of the country, for whatever reason. This has adversely affected the sanctity of marriage and brought hardship on the offspring.
H. In-laws/Parents (Matthew 19:5-6): Pressures from the in-laws/parents over marriage challenges should not be allowed to disrupt marital relationships and family unity. The husband should remember that the Lord requires that he loves his family. (Eph.5:25-32).
I. Unforgiveness: Christians are enjoined to forgive one another (Mark 11:25-26). If there is no forgiveness in a marriage, it will hinder fellowship with one another, and fellowship with God (1 Pet.3:7) and prayers will be unanswered.
Q3. DISCUSS HOW THE FOLLOWING PROMOTES THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE:
A. Family Altar: This is a veritable platform for a family devotional fellowship together, where the word of God is studied, issues that promote Christian conduct and godly virtues are discussed, family corporate prayers and intercessions are made. An atmosphere of this nature guarantees oneness in a family. The fear of God and obedience to His word would always be the bedrock of such a family and the characteristics of such family would be love and stability.
B. Unity and Openness: Unity and openness in a marriage relationship promotes family intimacy. Tendency for suspicion will be removed. When we fail to expose our secret thoughts to God, we break our line of communication with Him. In the same way, cord of oneness in marriage is broken when spouses fail be to open to each other, and naturally it gives room for suspicion and lack of trust. If such situation is not well managed, it could degenerate into a total breakdown in the relationship.
C. Love, submission and care: The scriptures enjoins husband and wife to submit to each other, Eph. 5:21-30. Care is a product of submission. Submission simply means putting aside one’s interests in order to take care of another’s. When this is done in a marriage relationship, love is provoked. Forgiveness becomes easier in an atmosphere of love, – love covers many faults. Husband and wife need the grace of God to “submit to each other in the fear of God”. D. Fruit of the spirit: The fruit of the spirit is the character of Christ. This include love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; and this is the character expected of a child of God. If husband and wife manifest the fruit of the Holy Spirit, there will be perfect harmony in the relationship.
E. Sound and Godly foundation: The strength of a building is in its foundation. If any building must last and stand the test of time, it must of necessity stand on a solid foundation. Solid foundation in the context of this study refers to spiritual and eternal stand points. Any marriage that would maintain its sanctity and fulfill God’s purpose, must be built on the word of God, a sure foundation that will never fail, and such marriage cannot be polluted.
F. Fear of God: The fear of God, therefore is an essential ingredient of a successful marriage. This helps keeping marital obligations and vows. Mutual relationship is built on the wisdom of God and the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
Husband and wife learn the fear of God when they are constantly aware that God’s presence is all over the whole earth.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
Marriage is of God. God intends that through marriage, humanity will be blessed. God expects that partners involved in marriage should work hard to uphold the sanctity embedded in marriage. He expects each spouse to have a positive influence on the marriage. If a marriage is to be honored as ordained by God, husband and wife have a responsibility under God, to deliberately determine to commit themselves to each other in total submission to God’s will.
MEMORY VERSE
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but whole mongers and adulterers God will judge”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Monday: Submit one to another.
Eph. 5:21 30
Tuesday: The fear of God in marriage.
Ps. 1:1; Prov. 31:30-31;
Exo. 20:7; Lev. 19:12
Wednesday: God hates Divorce.
Matt. 19:6-8
Thursday: Marriage is honorable.
Heb. 13:4; 1 Cor. 7:38
Friday: Love one another.
Eph. 5:25-29; John 13:35
Saturday: Unity in marriage.
Gen. 2:21 25