Session Two: God-Honoring Marriage

Introduction

• Speaker: Pastor Ariel (married for 34 years, 4 children)
• Focus: Understanding and appreciating the design of a God-honoring marriage.
• Key Point: Marriage does not complete us; Christ does. Marriage is a gift to make us holy.

Cultural Pressure and Reality

• Society often pressures individuals to get married.
• Truth: It's better to remain single and happy than married and miserable.
• Goal: Honor God through your marital or single status.

Biblical Foundation

• Ephesians 5:31-32: Marriage reflects Christ's relationship with the Church.
• Purpose of Marriage: Holiness over happiness.

Marriage in Redemptive History

• Old Testament Reality: Sin led to deviations such as polygamy and divorce.
• God’s Law: Serves as a boundary for life and peace.
• Design: Man and woman united to express love and fidelity.

Teachings on God’s Design for Marriage

Original Design

1. For God's Purposes: Genesis 2:18 — not good for man to be alone.
2. For Partnership and Companionship: Humans need community; marriage is a partnership to accomplish God's plans.
3. Priority: Marriage should be prioritized after God.
4. Permanence: Marriage designed to be permanent (Genesis 2:24).
5. Purity: For holiness; sexual relations within marriage only.
6. Procreation: Fill the earth; provide stable environment for children.

Redemption

1. Marriage as Covenant: Sacred relationship; faithfulness required.
2. Blessings and Curses: Faithfulness leads to blessings.
3. Restoration: Jesus' teaching restores God’s original design.

Directions for Marriage

• Covenant Relationship: Lifelong commitment.
• Role of Husband and Wife:
  • Wives: Submit to husbands as to the Lord.
  • Husbands: Love wives as Christ loved the church.

Conclusion

• Ideal Model: Christ and the Church as the ultimate marriage example.
• Encouragement: Honor God in marriage, be faithful, and prepare as singles.
• Ultimate Goal: Use marriages to showcase God’s love and share the Gospel.

This session emphasized the importance of aligning marriages with biblical principles, understanding the role of husband and wife, and living under God's design to honor Him.