The Family & the HomeThe Family & the Home

Lesson 3: Preparing for Marriage

Marriage Preparation

The two most important decisions a person can make in life is (1) to say “I believe…” - become a Christian, and (2) to say “I do…” - get married

“Look before you leap!” is still good advice

Preparation for any important endeavor in life will determine the success or failure of that endeavor; marriage is no different

Marriage Preparation

Marriages often fail because of a lack of preparation; many people spend more time and money preparing for the wedding (rings, dress, flowers, music, food, etc.) than they do the marriage

The wedding ceremony is over within a few minutes; the marriage covenant is to last a lifetime

Marriage Preparation

Marriage preparation should always begin with a study of God’s marriage manual; slow down and take your time preparing; don’t forget that marriage is honorable (Heb. 13:4)

Marriage Preparation

Self-preparation: “I’m truly ready (scripturally) to be married?” Before you find the right person, you need to be the right person!

Study preparation: “Do I know all that God says about marriage and the family?”

Selection preparation: “Is the person I am interested in truly ready (scripturally) to be married?”

Marriage Preparation

It begins with parental teaching and a proper childhood up-bringing (Eph. 6:4)

Establish a good name or character (Prov. 22:1; Eccl. 12:1)

Learn and know God’s NT law of marriage (Mt. 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mk. 10:1-12; Lk. 16:18; Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:10-15, 39)

Marriage Preparation

Learn all that you can about everything related to marriage and family (Eph. 5:22 – 6:4; Col. 3:18-21; 1 Tim. 2:15; 5:14; Tit. 2:4-5; Heb. 12:7-11; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)

Seek out a faithful Christian that you truly know from among good company (1 Pet. 3:7)

Marriage Preparation

Be old enough to be mature (Gen. 2:24)

Maturity is need in serving the Lord together

Maturity is needed in fulfilling marriage/parent roles

Maturity is need in working in and out of the home

Maturity is needed in raising children

Review Questions

1. What do many people spend more time preparing for, the wedding or the marriage?

2. When, where, and how does marriage preparation begin?

3. What kind of things should be considered while preparing for marriage?