RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
LESSON THIRTY
SUNDAY, 25TH MARCH 2018
TOPIC: A HAPPY MARRIAGE
MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” – Proverbs 18:22
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1Corinthians 7:1-15
INTRODUCTION:
There are seasons and times for everything and every purpose in life (Ecclestiastes 3:1). Like in every other facet of human endeavour, doing the right thing at the right time, in marital issues, is crucial to success. Many people have entered the institution of marriage at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons. Believers in Christ should be different and get it right from the onset. When should a Christian marry? What makes a happy marriage? These questions will be addressed in this lesson.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. When should a Christian marry?
2. What makes a happy marriage?
WHEN SHOULD A CHRISTIAN MARRY?
1. Wait until you are old enough to marry. Marriage is for adults and not for children, for it carries heavy responsibilities requiring maturity and experience (1Corinthians 7:36; Hebrews 5:14).
2. Let God guide you into marriage after much prayer and seeking His will (Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:13).
3. Do not rush into marriage even after you know whom God wants you to marry. It is always advisable to know your partner sufficiently well to know his or her dislikes (Isaiah 28:16).
4. Never marry a man or a woman with the hope of reforming or transforming him or her. Instead of reforming they may drag you to hell. Therefore, wait until any moral problems are settled (1Corinthians 10:12).
5. Wait for health. Marriage requires strong bodies. If your partner is unwell, jointly pray for healing from above (Jeremiah 30:17).
6. Wait for the approval of the girl’s parent. This is very important. A Christian should not “steal” a wife (Isaiah 28:16; Colossians 3:20).
7. Wait for a measure of financial stability. Not wealth as such but at least some security (1Timothy 5:8).
WHAT MAKES A HAPPY MARRIAGE?
To the couple planning to get married, courtship should be handled carefully. It is a time of getting better acquainted and ascertaining whether or not they are prepared for marriage. It is very important to note that they must not take liberties one with another at this time, for they are not yet married (1Corinthians 8:9). Avoid petting and caressing lest passion override reason and you ruin everything. Keep yourself pure or you may discover how easily love can turn to hate (2Samuel 13:15). Any mistake made during courtship can stamp a regrettable mark on the marriage, if it eventually holds.
A happy and successful marriage is based on genuine heart agreement of the couple (Amos 3:3). They must be willing to establish a Christian home with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), the husband as head of the home (Ephesians 5:23-24), the wife a pleasant helpmate (Genesis 2:18) and with the family altar (Matthew 18:19). They must not defraud one another, rather they should render full benevolence to each other (1Corinthians 7:3-5). Genuine love is essential to a happy marriage (1Corinthians 13:4-8; Ephesians 5:25; Titus 2:4).
CONCLUSION:
Marriage is not an experiment for a short time. It is permanent. It must be based on lifetime anticipation, “till death do us part” – Matthew 19:6-9.
QUESTIONS
1. When should a Christian marry?
2. What makes a happy marriage?
