MarriagePart I

Church of Christ at MedinaSeptember 8th, 2014

What is marriage?• The legal status, condition, or relationship that

results from a contract by which one man and one woman, who have the capacity to enter into such an agreement, mutually promise to live together in the relationship of Husband and Wife in law for life, or until the legal termination of the relationship. (The Free Dictionary)

Marriage is governed by…• God– Marriage was developed by God from the very

beginning.» Genesis 2:15-25» Marriage was designed by God to meet the needs of

His creation – man and woman.» God created woman from the man and for the man.

– Matthew 19:1-12» Jesus confirmed that marriage was

from the mind of God.– Proverbs 18:22 – “He who finds a wife

finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

Marriage is governed by…• Civil Authority– The civil government also has the right and ability to

make laws regarding marriage. For instance, in Tennessee, marriages are…» …prohibited in certain cases (bigamous, homosexual,

etc.).» …required to have a marriage license. » ….must be solemnized by an official.» …the man and woman must declare their allegiance

to each other.

God’s rule for marriage…• Who can be married?– “4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created

them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4-5, ESV)

– Who can marry?» Men and women who have never been married.» Someone whose spouse has died.» Someone who is legally divorced.

God’s rule for marriage…• How important is the marriage relationship?– It is the most important or highest order for earthly

relationships.– The man (woman) must leave father and mother. This

takes courage, but it also takes maturity.– The man must cleave to the wife. » “to cling, keep close…”» “to join fast together, to glue or cement.» Forsaking all others means…• Other people• Hobbies, friends, careers, etc.

God’s rule for marriage…• How important is the marriage relationship?– The importance of the relationship is also understood

based upon its term (length of the agreement).– Matthew 19:5-6» The marriage relationship takes two people and turns

them into one couple. Jesus says that God has joined them and man should not separate.

– Romans 7:1-4» The woman is bound to the husband as long as he is

living.

God’s purpose for marriage…1. It provides men the ability to serve God. (Hebrews

13:4)2. It provides a means for man to fulfill his natural

desires, giving him comfort and joy.– Man needs companionship. (Genesis 2)– Man can find joy in the physical relationship with his

wife. (Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 7:1-5)

3. It provides the basis for the home.– Genesis 1:28– Ephesians 6:4– Titus 2:4