Questions for February 20

Message: "What is Marriage?"

Opening
Review announcements and open with prayer and singing, if someone wants to lead and the group is on board. 

Learn It
Our verse summarizes the heart of Christian relationships: 
“... a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” ~ Ecc 4:12

This series will explore biblical teachings on weaving God into all aspects of our relationships.  Last week we started at the beginning: how do we get into a Christ-centered, God-honoring relationship?  This week we get into the meaning of marriage in the bible.

• Ask those who have been married the longest tell the story of how they meet, fell in love, and got married.

Read Genesis 1:27-28, 2:18-25

• What does the creation story teach us about marriage? 
• What is the purpose and meaning of marriage?

The church calls marriage a “covenant.”  The formula for “cutting” a covenant was as follows:

1. First, the covenant is initiated by the greater of the two parties.  Usually between a king, and other.
2. Second, the history between the two parties was stated.
3. Third, the party in power sets the terms of the covenant.
4. Fourth, the two parties take their vows.
5. Fifth, blessings and curses from keeping or breaking the covenant are stated.
6. Finally, the covenant is sealed, most often with the sacrifice of animals.  This is why it making a covenant was called “Cutting a covenant.”

Read Genesis 15 and look for all six movements.

Review these movements found in most wedding ceremonies:

1. First, the processional and “invocation.”
2. Second, the declaration on the purpose of marriage: That God has given us marriage that two maybe become one, that families are formed, that we have a living example of Christ’s love for us, and for us to love, in our spouse.
3. Third, the preaching of the Word.
4. Fourth, the vows are exchanged and a symbol of the covenant given, traditionally rings.
5. Fifth, the marriage blessing.
6. Finally, the kiss, introduction of couple, and recessional.

Discussion:

• How can an understanding of covenants help us to understand marriage?
• What help or advice can your group give to those who are single?
• What help can your group give to newly weds?
• What help can be given to those with children?
• What help can be given to those widowed or newly single?
• Is there hope for marriage in our culture, or is this a religious relic of the past.
• Is marriage a “creational institution” that will withstand the tests of time and culture?

If your group has question on more specific issues pertaining to marriage review 1 Corinthians 7.

Live It
Close with a time of prayer with and for one another.