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Introduction:
I. Having discussed the courtship period - (1) How to
select a mate and (2) conduct during courtship - we
turn to the marriage itself.
II. That marriage is approved of God can be easily shown.
Genesis 2:18, 24; Proverbs 18:22; Hebrews 13:4.
III. The purpose of marriage can be clearly seen:
A. Companionship. Genesis 2:18
B. To propagate the race. Genesis 2:28
C. To prevent immorality. 1 Corinthians 7:2
IV. There are other matters concerning marriage; however,
that maybe is not so clearly understood, and need to
be emphasized over and over.BODY:
I. Definition of marriage or what constitutes marriage?
A. "Marriage" is really not easily defined.
B. Room for considerable speculation and delving into
matters about which we know little.
C. There are two things; however, that we know must be
true if God recognizes a marriage.
1. The two must be eligible. Matthew 19:9
2. Legal requirements must be met. Romans 13:1-7 II. Seriousness of the step should be understood by those
entering into marriage.
A. I suppose if I had my way; we would do away with a
lot of the formality presently a part of so many
marriage ceremonies.
B. Typical ceremony - excitement, nervousness of
couple, nervousness of preacher, all been played up
as the most glorious event of her life, got to keep
up with the Jones, right in keeping with Emily Post
and Amy Vanderbilt, and somewhere lost in all of
this excitement is those words of soberness spoken
by the preacher and the solemn vows that have been
exchanged.
C. When leaving, about all they know is, they said "I
do" and the preacher has said "You are," and little
is known as to what they have said "I do" to.
D. No wonder, several years later, when the marriage
is on the rocks, and the preacher reminds them of
their vows, they look at him with astonishment and
bewilderment.III. Review vows - In taking these, a couple is pledging to
one another.
A. Fidelity.
1. Temptations will possibly arise, but I will be
faithful.
2. Marital infidelity is referred to in the scrip-
tures sometimes as fornication, sometimes as
adultery, but is always condemned.
a. Galatians 5:19-21.
b. Hebrews 13:4.
B. Love.
1. Ephesians 5:25. (APAPO - Thayer's - to have a
preference for, wish well to, regard the welfare
of.).
2. Titus 2:4. (PHILANTHROPIA - Thayer's - love for
man (the verb form more nearly represents tender
affection.
C. Fulfillment of needs. 1 Corinthians 7:3-5.
D. Steadfastness, even in difficult situations.
1. In sickness or in health. Recognize possibility
of T.B…, mental illness, etc. that could
separate.
2. In adversity or in prosperity.
3. "In separation or togetherness" could be added -
military service or persecution a possibility.
E. All of this for so long as you both shall live. IV. When these vows are exchanged and couple is joined in
marriage, the Bible used the following terms to
describe that union.
A. Matthew 19:3-9.
1. Cleave or "be joined" to his wife.
a. Webster: To adhere closely; to stick; cling.
b. Vincent: shall be glued.
c. Vines: to joined fast together, to glue,
cement.
2. "One flesh" - not two, but one.
3. "God hath joined together." "Yoked together"
Robertson
B. Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39. "Bound"
C. Only thing that will loose:
1. Death.
2. Infidelity of one's husband or wife.Top of the page     |