Christian Marriage 1 – 25 Classes for

Christian Marriages

Christian Marriage , these classes were done by a group of married

couples who saw the need to learn more about this important topic in the
church, the experience of this group was captured in these classes to be used
by Christian Marriage to upload a level in your married life.

We sincerely hope that these classes for Christian Marriages will be

helpful to many who write to us asking for advice, and also for leaders,
Pastors, Ministers and other workers in the church who take charge of this
very valuable ministry and which forms future generations.

1. Christian Marriage – The Foundations of a Biblical

Marriage
2. Christian Marriage – God: The Husband of the Christian
3. Christian Marriage – Love
4. Christian Marriage – The Practice of Love
5. Christian Marriage – Sex and Marriage
6. Christian Marriage – In Pursuit of a Biblical Definition of
Marriage
7. Christian Marriage – Goals and Priorities in Marriage
8. Christian Marriage – The Role and Responsibilities of
Spouses
9. Christian Marriage – Characteristics of the Man and
Woman of God
10. Christian Marriage – Developing a Personal Relationship
11. Christian Marriage – The Christian and the Work
12. Christian Marriage – God and Money
13. Christian Marriage – Principles of Verbal Communication
14. Christian Marriage – Honest and Open Communication
15. Christian Marriage – Righteousness in Our Work
16. Christian Marriage – Working in the Real World

Relations
18. Christian Marriage – The Christian Handling of Our
Conflicts

17. Christian Marriage – Christian Attitudes in Our

19. Christian Marriage – Christian Administration
20. Christian Marriage – The Christian and His Finances
21. Christian Marriage – The Couple and Their Family
Relationships
22. Christian Marriage – Healing Troubled Relationships
with Our Relatives
23. Christian Marriage – The Christian and the Use of the
Home
24. Christian Marriage – Principles for Raising Our Children
25. Christian Marriage – The Permanence of Marriage

Christian Marriage – Questions Every Couple Should Answer

1
Christian Marriage – The Foundations of a Biblical Marriage

Christian Marriage – The Foundations of a Biblical Marriage

I. God's goodness promotes marriage

A. According to Genesis 2:18, why did God create marriage?

Starting from this fact, we can see that for the vast majority of men, God's
will is to marry. Therefore, it is very important to know what God says
about marriage and how to prepare for it.

B. In the Song of Songs, a love poem, the lover gives a warning three
times (verses 2:7, 3:5 and 8:4):

What does she advise regarding falling in love?

Why do you think the Bible gives this advice?

According to Proverbs 24:27, what could be a reason for not entering into a
marriage commitment hastily?

C. Many times people rush to have a boyfriend or get married, not because
it is God's will, but because there are pressures, desires or needs in this
world. This is not good, because then the person is not believing that God
has the best plan for his life. What do the following verses say about God's
plans for us?

Romans 12:2

Jeremiah 29:11

The world thinks that following God is losing the good things in life. But
what does the Bible say about God as the source of good?

Proverbs 18:22
Psalm 16:11
Psalm 34:8-10
Psalm 84:11
James 1:17

D. Meditate on the verses that follow and make something in writing

relating God's goodness (regarding marriage) to our responsibility to seek
Him:

Ezra 8:22 “The hand of our God is for good on all those who seek him; but
his power and his fury against all who forsake him.”

2 Chronicles 30:18 “Yahweh, who is good, be merciful to everyone who

has prepared his heart to seek God.”

Lamentations 3:24-25 “Yahweh is my portion, says my soul; therefore I

will wait for him. “Yahweh is good to those who wait for him, to the soul
that seeks him.”

Matthew 7:11 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good things to
your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good
things to those who ask him?”

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.”

E. The need to keep God as the most important priority:

Where does Proverbs 19:14 say you can find a good wife?

How do you relate this truth to Matthew 6:33?

When considering marriage, what advice does 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 give?

F. Write how God has spoken to you through his word in this section and
indicate how you can apply these principles to your life:

II. The need to marry a committed Christian

A. What do Proverbs 21:9 and 25:24 say about marrying wrongly?

According to Proverbs 31:30, what are the most important attributes?

B. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 has clear teaching about not committing our

future to a non-Christian. Why would it be an “unequal yoke” to marry a
person not committed to Christ? (See Deuteronomy 22:10)

Write in your own words the teaching of this passage regarding marrying a
person not committed to the Lord:

C. Based on the following verses, why does God prohibit us from marrying
non-Christians?

Exodus 34:14-16
Deuteronomy 7:1-4
Joshua 23:12-13
Ezra 9:14

D. Solomon, the wisest and richest man in the world made a big mistake.
According to 1 Kings 11:1-11 and Nehemiah 13:25-27, which one was it?

E. How would you explain to someone that out of His kindness (and not
cruelty) God forbids us to marry a person not dedicated to Christ?

2
Christian Marriage – God: The Husband of the Christian

Christian Marriage – God: The Husband of the Christian

1. God commits himself to us: He makes us his own forever

In the Old Testament, God committed himself to the people of Israel,

making a covenant with them (the ten commandments). In the New
Testament, God commits himself to individuals who believe in Christ
through the second covenant (his blood shed on the cross).

TO. Jeremiah 2:2-3 “Thus says Yahweh: I have remembered you, the
faithfulness of your youth, the love of your courtship, when you walked
after me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. You were holy to Yahweh,
the first fruits of his new fruits…”

2. What are some of the characteristics of God's people's commitment

to Him? Why are they also important for a good marriage?

3. According to James 1:18, how do we become “firstfruits” to God?

b. Hosea 2:19-20 “I will make you my wife forever, my lawful wife,

according to the law, because I love you dearly. I will make you my wife,
and I will be faithful to you, and you will then know me as the Lord.”

1. What things does God promise us when he commits to us?

2. For you, what does it mean to “know the Lord”? How can it be
achieved?
See also John 17:3 and 1:12-13

C. 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 “The jealousy I feel for you is a jealousy that

comes from God. I have espoused you to one husband, Christ, and I want to
present you before him pure as a virgin. But I fear that, just as the serpent
deceived Eve with his cunning, you too will allow yourself to be deceived
and that your thoughts will be diverted from pure and sincere devotion to
Christ.”

1. What does it imply that we “espouse” Christ?

2. How do you think we came to be married to Jesus Christ?

D. Examine the following verses and note their teaching regarding God as
our husband:

Isaiah 54:5
Isaiah 62:5
Jeremiah 3:14

II. God remains faithful to us even in our unfaithfulness (Hosea 2:19)

A. In Jeremiah 2:31-33, what are the sins of God's people (wife)?

How does God respond to this situation of unfaithfulness?
B. How did God respond to the sin of his people in Isaiah 54:5-10?C. What
does all this mean for our attitude toward another's failings?

III. Christ is our husband and he has a plan of goodness for us

A. John the Baptist referred to himself as “the friend of the bridegroom

(Christ)” (John 3:28-29). According to John 3:16-18 of this same chapter,
how is the necessary step to be the wife of Christ described?

B. Romans 7:4 says, “You, my brothers, through the death of Christ have
died with him to the law, to belong to another husband. Now they belong to
Christ, to him who was resurrected so that they may bear fruit for God.”

What does this verse add about being the wife of Christ?
Why is it necessary to “die to the law” to belong to Christ?

c. Study Ephesians 5:23-32 in depth.

What does it teach regarding the desires and actions of Christ as the
husband of the Church (Christians)?
How can a Christian couple apply this model to their marriage?
Do you think it is possible to carry out this without Christ?

IV. Personal surrender to Christ as husband

If you have never taken this step of surrendering to Christ, what do you
think you lack to be his?
In Revelation 3:20, what is Christ doing and what does he want?
If I compare myself to a house, how can I respond to Christ who wants to
come in and dwell in me?

If you already belong to Christ, write why you know you belong to Christ
and your basis for believing this:
Christian Marriage – Love in Christian Marriages
Introduction: Much has been said and sung about love, but this agrees very
little with the truth. For this reason, it is necessary to know the different
types of love.

YO. Human loves (Greek words: Storgos, Eros and Philos)

The Bible talks about four types of love. We humans can experience three
types without knowing God. They are part of the human experience and
very good when they work as they should. But if “love” is our goal, these
three guys become our gods, and thus destroy both themselves and us. They
are good as results of normal life, but terrible as purposes for our life.

TO. Storgos: The Greek word for “natural affection.” It is an almost

universal love of wanting to protect or help. It focuses mainly on issues of
solidarity and need. It is a love that gives, but it also has to feel appreciated.
It is a sense of mutual preservation rather than morality. Examples: an
animal protecting its young, loyalty and service between parents and
children, the desire to help a stranger in trouble.

1. What would be other examples of storgos love?

2. Romans 1:31 and 2 Timothy 3:3 speak of people “without natural

affection.” What are some characteristics of people “without storgos”?

3. How should storgos manifest itself?

b. Eros: Sexual or erotic love. The basis of eros is primarily physical,

created by an emotion that can be good or bad. He seeks to satisfy himself
and fulfill his needs with the other person. It's a good part of falling in love,
feelings, and romance. Controlled by Christ, it can provide good support for
the marital relationship and intimacy.

1. According to Song of Songs 2:3-6, 7:6-9, and 8:6-7, what are some of
the characteristics of this eros love?

2. What does it take to experience this love for another person?

3. What are the dangers of basing a marriage on this love?

4. What can eros love bring to marriage?

c. Philos: This love is basically friendship. It is the human response to what
pleases him. It is based on a mutual communion between the lover and the
loved. They both have things in common and it is a mutual love to share.

1. From the following verses, note attributes of the philos:

Luke 15:6,9
Luke 23:12
John 15:13-15
Acts 10:24,33
Romans 12:10
3 John 15
Revelation 3:19

2. What should be the characteristics of a good friendship?

11. Divine love: Agape

This love is absolute and comes only from God. Agape love does not expect
a reward, like the other types, or even self-acceptance. On the contrary, he
worries about the other person first. He sacrifices and gives of himself
regardless of the other's response. It is a love that seeks the greatest good of
the other no matter what the cost. It is the same love of Christ.

A. To understand divine love, we have to start with the person of Christ.

How does God demonstrate this love in the following verses?

John 3:16
Romans 5:5-8
1 John 4:7-10 and 19

B. Read 1 Corinthians 13, which is a majestic treatise on love.

1. What else stands out to you about agape in this chapter?

2. Define the following words from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and explain their
importance within the marriage relationship:

be suffered
be benign
Don't be envious

Don't be boastful
Don't get conceited
Don't do anything wrong
Don't look for your own
Don't get irritated
Don't hold a grudge
Do not enjoy injustice
Enjoy the truth
bear it all
Believe it all
wait for everything
Don't get weak

3. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, using the name “Jesus Christ” instead of

“love.” What impresses you about having done this?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 aloud, using your own name instead of

“love.” What do you need to be able to love more?

5. How can you apply I Corinthians 13 to your life?

4
Christian Marriage – The Practice of Love in Christian
Marriages
I. The bases to be able to love the other

A. According to James 2:8, what is the royal law?

Is it okay to love yourself? (See Matthew 22:35-40)
Why is it not possible to love others if we do not love ourselves? What is
the basis of being able to love ourselves? 1 John 4:10,19

B. How can the husband show his love? Ephesians 5:28-31

C. The love I have for myself is based on the value I place on myself.

How can we correctly focus our self-esteem?

Jeremiah 9:23-24
1 Samuel 16:7
2 Corinthians 10:12

To God, what is worth more: all the things this world has, or a single soul
like yours? Mark 8:36
In the market, we assign value through the price we put on something, or
the amount we are willing to pay. When God redeemed us (when he bought
us on the sin market), how much was he willing to pay for us? 1 Peter 1:18-
19

What does this tell us about our worth before God? And who is the most
qualified person in the universe to give an opinion on our value?

D. Summarize the following verses about the kind of love God offers us in
Christ, first for ourselves and then to share with others:

John 3:16
Jeremiah 31:3
Hosea 14:4
Isaiah 63:9
Deuteronomy 6:5-8

E. To the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, Jesus Christ

added a new and much more difficult commandment: what is it? John
13:34 35

How can we experience and manifest this love? John 15:9 How does this
love apply to the marriage relationship? Ephesians 5:25-27

II. Manifestations of love in our treatment of others

A. Unconditional acceptance: According to Matthew 5:43-48, how does

God demonstrate unconditional love toward all men, regardless of our
behavior? How should this be applied in our relationships with others?

What is God's love for us despite our spiritual adultery? Hosea 3:1

According to Ephesians 4:2-3, how can I show this love?

B. Total Forgiveness: What is God's attitude toward forgiven sins?

Micah 7:18-19
Ephesians 1:6-7
Hebrews 10:17-18

What is the relationship between love and forgiveness? Luke 7:41-43,47

and 1 Peter 4:8

C. A delivery to serve
How does Christ define the maximum expression of love? John 15:1
How can we manifest this love according to 1 John 3:16-18?
According to Romans 12:9-10, what are some characteristics of this love?
How should we use our freedom in Christ? Galatians 5:13-15
How can we apply Romans 12:15 and 14:15 to serve others?D. A positive
attitude towards others:
What does 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 say about the attitude that love takes
towards another?
How should I think of others according to Philippians 4:8?
How can we apply Romans 12:17-21 to respond to negative treatment?

E. Edification: Love helps others grow and encourages them (Ephesians

4:16).

This help is not based on knowledge, as the world thinks, but on love (1
Corinthians 8:1). How can you edify others in practice?

F. Rebuke: Conflicts and problems always arise in a deep relationship.

We have an obligation to speak the truth in such situations, but always with
love (Ephesians 4:15). According to Proverbs 3:11-12 and Revelation 3:19,
how does God lovingly treat our problems?

What does Proverbs 27:5-6 say about love and rebuke?

According to 2 Corinthians 2:4-8, what attitudes should be present when
rebuking?
What does Galatians 6:1-2 add to this idea?

G. According to Colossians 3:12-15, what are other ways to show love?

Christian Marriage – Sex and Marriage

I. The divine design: Sex only within marriage

A. The origin of sex and marriage:

1. If God is the Creator of man, whose idea was sex?

What does this imply?

2. After creating male and female (with their sexual differences) and
speaking of “being fruitful and multiplying” (Genesis 1:27-28), what was
God's opinion on what He had created, including sex in marriage? ? Genesis
1:31
3. In Genesis 2:24-25, what are the instructions that God Himself gave to
the first marriage? What does it imply that the idea of “being one flesh” was
in effect before the fall of man?

4. What do you believe are some of the divine purposes for sex within
marriage?

B. According to the first half of Hebrews 13:4, what attitude should we

have toward the “marriage bed”?

According to the second half of the verse, what are two illegitimate uses of
sex?

How do you differentiate fornication from adultery? What do they have in

common?

C. In Proverbs 5:18-19, what should be a married person's attitude toward

sexual pleasures within marriage? (see Ecclesiastes 9:9)

According to Proverbs 5:15-17, what level of exclusivity should be in this

sexual relationship and why?

What does 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 add about the legitimate role of sex?

II. The need to avoid sexual sins

A. According to Galatians 5:19, what are some sins of the flesh that are
prohibited for Christians?

What else does Colossians 3:5-6 say about avoiding such sins?
How would you respond to a person who tells you that such commandments
are only to restrict our freedom and fun?

B. What does Christ teach about the importance of avoiding bad attitudes
regarding sexual relations outside of marriage? Matthew 5:27-30

What was Job's attitude regarding this matter? Job 31:1-4

c. Summarize 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 about how our relationship with Christ

should affect our sexual behavior:

d. What is God's attitude toward our failures? Psalm 103:8-14

If we have sinned in our sexual life, what should be our response according
to Psalm 32:5 and 1 John 1:8-2:2?
Upon receiving God's forgiveness, what should be our conduct? 1 John 2:3-
6

III. Physical purity in Christian dating

A. 1 Timothy 5:2 says that we should treat everyone other than our spouse
as a brother or sister. What physical limits would you like to see in the
relationship between your sister and her boyfriend?

In a Christian courtship, the couple are “brothers in the Lord” until they get
married. How should this limit physical intimacy between couples?

B. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 carefully and list the principles that apply to
Christian dating. You must find at least ten:

C. Write at least ten things under each column:

Reasons to maintain purity

Consequences of immorality

D. Write and sign a contract with your boyfriend/girlfriend specifying in

detail the limits and agreement before God regarding your physical
relationship:

6
Christian Marriage – In Pursuit of a Biblical Definition of
Marriage
YO. The beginning of marriage

A. Genesis, the book of origins, tells us how God instituted marriage. Read
Genesis 2:18-25 and record your observations about God's plan and
marriage:

B. We cannot deal with the topic of marriage if we do not know what it

consists of. What do you think would be the problems of leaving the
definition of marriage to each person's criteria or feelings?

II. Genesis 2:24: Three essential aspects of marriage

TO. Genesis 2:24 is the working definition of marriage in the Bible. This
verse is so important that it is cited three times in the New Testament
(Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7-8, and Ephesians 5:31). Write your summary of
this verse:

b. "Leave"

1. For you, what does “leaving your parents” mean?

2. According to Exodus 20:12 (a verse that is repeated seven times in the

New Testament), is this “leaving” a total rejection of the parents? See also
Mark 7:9-13.

3. This separation of the family to form a new family nucleus has certain
manifestations. Write down how one can “leave” one's parents:

a) Geographically:
b) Economically:
c) Psychologically:
d) Spiritually:
e) In making decisions:

4. For whom is this process of leaving parents difficult: for them or for the
children?

5. Why is it necessary for a new marriage to separate from the parents?

6. Based on all this, which relationship is more important: father-son or

husband-wife? So, what should be the priority in marriage when children
are born?

7. What would be some practical “leaving” parents steps that the couple
can take with them before the wedding?

c. "Join"

1. How do you understand the word “join” as applied to marriage?

2. The verb translated as “join” has, among its various meanings, the idea
of “adhering as with glue.” What does this communicate about the
permanence that God intends there to be in marriage?

3. If you glue two sheets of paper together and then try to separate them,
what is the result? How can we apply this idea to the harm that happens to
people who try to get divorced?
4. Examine Malachi 2:14-16 and Mark 10:2-12 and write a summary of
what God's word says regarding the permanence of the marriage union:

5. According to Romans 7:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39, what is the event

that definitively ends marriage?

d. “Be one flesh”

1. For you, what does the phrase “be one flesh” mean?

2. What does it mean that this aspect of marriage existed before the fall of
man?

3. In 1 Corinthians 6:13-16. Do you get the idea that having sexual

relations is equivalent to getting married?

4. When Shechem slept with Dinah (Genesis 34:1-2), did he later consider
himself married to her because of that fact? Genesis 34:3-12

5. If a virgin was deceived by a man, according to Exodus 22:16-17, did

she have to get married?

6. Do you consider Samson married because of his sexual adventures?

Judges 16:1 5

7. Read John 4:16-18 carefully and write a statement about whether Jesus
considers cohabitation to be a marriage or not:

Although sex outside of marriage does not constitute a marriage, we must

remember that it is a sin (fornication) with terrible consequences and defiles
the body, which is the temple of God. Having fewer social consequences
does not reduce personal harm. If you have questions, review the study “Sex
and Marriage.”

III. The need for a wedding to be married

The wedding is the social contract that establishes the existence of a

marriage. Each society has its own customs regarding weddings, but the
common factor is that it is a ceremony with participants who also serve as
witnesses, that is, a public event that makes marriage concrete. The wedding
publicly signals that the child begins to form his or her own family unit
(“leave”), that from that moment there is a social contract to which one
must remain faithful (“join”), and that the couple now has the right to sexual
relations. (“be one flesh”).
A. Based on each of the following references, write down examples of the
three factors of a wedding (“covenant” – Malachi 2:14):

(Specific moment, Ceremony, Witnesses)

Gen 29:21-22
Song of Solomon 3:11
Matthew 22:2-10
Matthew 25:1-10
Luke 14:8-9
John 2:1-10
Ap. 19:7-9

B. In Greek, the word for wedding is “gamos.” The word for single is
“agamos,” which literally means “without a wedding.” So, based on this, is
it possible to be married without a wedding?

C. According to Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:37-39 and Luke 20:34, in what

stages of human history has the wedding existed or will exist to establish a
marriage? What does this imply about the universality of the wedding in
human existence?

Will there be marriages between humans after we have been glorified?

Matthew 22:29-30

D. Divorce is a social procedure to separate a marriage. Do you need a

divorce to separate yourself from a prostitute or a common-law union? Does
this mean that these relationships constitute a marriage?

E. Based on this study, write what is now your own definition of marriage:

Christian Marriage – Goals and Priorities in Marriage

YO. God: Our goal and top priority

A. Examine Colossians 1:15-18 and write down the characteristics that

make Christ “number one” in the universe:

B. The word “first” implies a priority. Research the following verses to see
our priority (“first things”) according to the Bible:

1. Matthew 6:33
2. Mark 12:28-30
3. Revelation 22:13
C. According to Luke 9:59-62, what are some things one may want to do
“first,” before following Christ?

D. Read Psalm 127 and note the advantages of seeking God first:

II. Finding time to develop a relationship with Christ

A. Almost all of us live very busy lives. It is easy to forget that God has
primarily called us into an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ (see 1
Corinthians 1:9). According to Luke 10:38-42, despite all of Martha's
pending tasks, what was Jesus' advice?

What can we do to live the priority of “the only thing necessary”?

B. Many times we say: “but I don't have time.” The Bible states that we are
fools if we do not use our time to live according to God's priorities
(Ephesians 5:15-16). We need to spend time each day communicating with
Christ in His Word and talking with God in prayer. Don't couples find time
to see each other despite being “so busy”? On the next page, note the time,
place, and activity of the important and busy people the verses describe:

(Time, Place, Activity)

Job 1:5
Psalm 5:1-3
Psalm 57:7-9
Psalm 119:147
Psalm 119:148
Psalm 119:164
Matthew 14:23
Mark 1:35
Luke 6:12
Acts 10:9

C. We almost always take care of ourselves physically; We don't forget to

eat every day. But what does God say about spiritual food?

1. Matthew 4:4
2. John 6:63
3. Job 23:12
4. Why don't you make a commitment to God not to eat or bathe before
reading a chapter of the Bible and praying to the Father? Write down what
you are going to do to ensure that priority needs (spiritual ones) are met
before lower priority needs (physical ones):
111. The order of priorities for everyday life

TO. In this life we have several important responsibilities to maintain and

balance; for example, our relationship with God, children, marriage, our
ministry, and work. Fill out the following table of these priorities in the
order they are found in the Scriptures:

1. Ephesians 5:18-20
1. Colossians 3:16-17

2. Ephesians 5:21-31
3. Colossians 3:18-19

4. Ephesians 6:1-4
5. Colossians 3:20-21

6. Ephesians 6:5-9
4. Colossians 3:22-4:1

5. Ephesians 6:18-20
7. Colossians 4:2-6

b. God has ordered human life so that, if we follow his priorities, every area
of our lives functions in balance and harmony. But, if we neglect the most
important priorities, nothing is going to work out well, despite the amount
of effort and time we put into life. So, write below your concrete plans to
take responsibility for the following areas of your life:

1. My relationship with God:

2. With my spouse (or my family if I am single):
3. With my children (does not apply to singles):
4. My relationship with my work or my studies:
5. My ministry (a Christian need):
6. What should I do to live more according to biblical priorities?

8
Christian Marriage – The Role and Responsibilities of Spouses
YO. The effect of the fall of man on marriage papers

A. In Genesis 2:20-25, what attitudes do you see in the marriage

relationship before the fall? What were the roles of each spouse?

What changes did sin produce for the man and his wife? (Genesis 3:16-19)

B. What comments does Paul give in 1 Timothy 2:13-15 about the

creation, the fall, and the situation of women?

What else does 1 Corinthians 11:7-9 add about the relationship between a
husband and his wife?

In 1 Corinthians 11:3, what are the four levels of authority? In this scheme,
can we conclude that the person in authority is superior to the person under
authority?

What does this mean for marriage?

Moving on, what does 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 add to the idea that levels of
authority in a fallen world do not mean levels of superiority?

These two teachings of Paul are found in the context of the behavior of
wives in church services. What does this imply?

II. The basic commandment for the wife and for the husband

A. How does Colossians 3:18-19 summarize the primary duty of every

husband?

If one does not fulfill his marital duty, does the other have to fulfill it?

Why does this responsibility have to be unilateral?

Why is it important for a wife to be subject to her husband?

Why is it important for a husband not to be harsh with his wife?

B. Ephesians 5:21-33 is the most complete teaching in the New Testament

on marriage. How do you summarize the responsibility of each spouse?

According to verses 22-24, what should the wife's submission to her

husband be like?

Why do you think it is important for a woman to submit to her husband?

What are some practical ways a wife can (and should) submit to her
husband? And to what extent should she have a say in decisions?
How can a wife respect her husband? Why is this respect important?

According to verse 25, how should a husband love his wife? How is it
possible to carry out this?

In what ways can a husband “give himself” for his wife?

How can the husband apply Christ's purposes for the Church (verses 26-27)
to his own marriage?

Describe some practical ways in which a husband can love his wife as
himself (verses 28-30 and 33):

C. How does 1 Peter 3:1-7 summarize the duties of each spouse?

Verse 1 gives the idea that a wife has a more powerful influence over her
husband if she does not try to change him with her words. Read Proverbs
19:13, 27:15 and 21:9,19 and explain why it is better if she does not insist:

According to verses 2-4, what are some practical things a wife can do to be
a good wife?

Verses 5-6 praise Sarah for her submission. Read Genesis 12:11-20 and
20:1-18, and record your comments. How can God praise and bless this
submission when Abraham was neither behaving honestly nor protecting it?

Is the submission of a woman to her husband without limit? What are the
differences between the submission of a wife and a girlfriend? Because you
believe that?

He explains in detail the responsibilities of the husband in verse 7:

D. Why do you think that in all the verses in this study the role of the wife
is always touched upon before that of the husband?

9
Christian Marriage – Characteristics of the Man and Woman
of God
I. The Christian Husband

A. Your leadership in marriage:

1. What is the husband called in 1 Corinthians 11:3 and Ephesians 5:23?

2. What should be the husband's responsibilities as “head”?

3. What happens if the husband does not lead or is not the head of the
family?

4. Examine 1 Timothy 3:4-5,12 and Titus 1:6 and list the aspects of leading
a family well:

5. What do the following verses say about a man's duty to work and
support his home?

Genesis 3:17-19
Proverbs 12:11
1 Timothy 5:8

If the man is the head of the household, what should be the attitude
regarding decisions about the wife's income?

In Numbers 30:6-15, What right does the husband have over the
commitments his wife makes?

B. Other responsibilities of man

1. What does Malachi 2:13-16 require of the husband? Because?

2. What does Proverbs 31:11,28-29 say about a positive attitude on the part
of a husband toward his wife?

3. According to 1 Kings 12:7 and 2 Chronicles 10:7, how do good words

promote the voluntary submission of people under authority?

4. Study 1 Timothy 3:2-3, 8-9 and Titus 1:6-9, 2:2 and write down the
things that the Christian husband should have as goals:

II. The Christian Wife

A. What does Proverbs 12:4 say about the power of a wife in her husband's
life?

B. What advice does 1 Peter 3:2-4 give about wifely conduct?

C. What does 1 Timothy 2:9-10 add regarding a woman's appearance?

D. According to 1 Timothy 2:11-15, what are other aspects of the wife's

role that should be taken into account?

E. In Titus 2:4-5, what are the qualities that the wife must learn?

F. Proverbs 31:10-31 has the description of a good woman according to

God.
Study this passage, and note its qualities and activities:

10
Christian Marriage – Developing a Personal Relationship
YO. God is the only source of deep relationships

A. The essence of the Christian life is to know God intimately

1. John 17:3 gives the only definition of eternal life in the Bible. Which is
it? Why do you think it is defined as a relationship and not a “thing”?

2. What does 1 John 5:11-13 add to this idea of eternal life?

3. According to 1 Corinthians 1:9, what is our calling as Christians?

4. According to Philippians 3:10, how does Paul describe his goal in life?

B. God, as Trinity, had a relationship with himself with communication

and intimacy, before creating man (Genesis 1:26). That is why man, created
in the image of God, needs to follow the patterns that God demonstrates in
his relationship with us in order to have good relationships.

1. Why is a relationship with God essential to be able to develop loving

relationships with other people? 1 John 4:7-8

2. According to 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, what are some problems that arise

when trying to relate intimately with people who are not committed to
Christ?

What does Amos 3:3 say about being intimate with people who have
different goals?

3. How does 1 John 1:3,7 relate our relationship with God to the fellowship
we have with other Christians?
4. What are some advantages of having the Holy Spirit involved in our
fellowship with other Christians? Philippians 2:1-2

5. God has complete knowledge of every man (2 Chronicles 6:30, 1

Corinthians 2:11). How can this God be a resource for knowing another
person better?

6. In Psalm 116:1-2, what stimulated the psalmist's love for God? How can
we use this principle to develop loving relationships?

7. Write down how God relates to us in difficult times:

Psalm 31:7
Psalm 142:2-3

How important is this to get to know the other person better?

8. What principles in the relationship between Moses and God are relevant
to a friendship between two humans? Exodus 33:11-14

9. How does a commitment to the word of God promote better

relationships between two Christians? Psalm 119:63 and 1 Peter 1:22

II. Examples of intimate relationships: Write your observations:

A. Isaac and Rebekah: Genesis 24:67

B. Jacob and Rachel: Genesis 29:18-20

C. David and Jonathan: 1 Samuel 18:1-4, 20:16-17, 41-42 and 2 Samuel

1:25-26

D. David and a friend who later betrayed him: Psalm 55:13-14

E. Why do you think the Bible uses the word “know” to describe the sexual
act between spouses? Genesis 4:1,25, Luke 1:34 and Matthew 1:25.

III. Practical Meditations on Developing a Friendship

TO. Write down the positive things that a deep relationship produces:

1. Psalm 133:1
2. Proverbs 18:24
3. Proverbs 15:17
4. Proverbs 27:9-10
5. Proverbs 27-17
6. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

B. Explain the importance of loyalty in a relationship: Proverbs 17:9,17

C. What can friends share and what do they get from this sharing?

1. Song of Solomon 5:1 and Acts 2:46 (See also Revelation 3:20)
2. Song of Solomon 1:15, 2:2, 4:1 and 6:4
3. Song of Solomon 2:10-14
4. John 15:15
5. James 5:16

d. How do the following verses demonstrate that developing a deep

relationship takes time, knowledge, and practice?

1. Hebrews 13:1
2. Titus 2:4
3. Hosea 6:3

11
Christian Marriage – The Christian and the Work

I. The biblical reality of work

A. The Bible teaches that God gave work to man before the fall (Genesis
2:15).

What does this imply regarding the value of work?

Compare your answer with Proverbs 14:23.

B. According to Genesis 3:17-19, what was the effect of sin on work?

C. What is the reason for working today according to Proverbs 16:26 and
Ecclesiastes 6:7?

D. The book of Ecclesiastes mentions God, but it was primarily written to

show the vanity of a life without God. The phrase “under the sun” appears
29 times in the book and means “a merely human perspective that does not
include God.” Summarize the content of the following verses about work if
we do not include God in the matter:

Ecclesiastes 1:3,14, 2:11.18-23, 4:7-8 and 5:15-16

Now describe the biblical perspective on work, including God, using
Ecclesiastes 2:24, 3:12-13, 22, 5:18-19, and 9:7.

II. The need to work

A. In 1 Corinthians 4:12 and 1 Thessalonians 2:9, Paul says that his work
is with much “labor and fatigue.” According to 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12, why
does Paul say he works so hard?

What does Paul add to this in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12?

B. What are other reasons why we should work?

Acts 20:34-35
Ephesians 4:28

III. God and our work

A. Knowing God and the desire of fallen man regarding work, he placed
one among the ten commandments to govern work: Exodus 20:8-11.

What is the commandment, and why do you think it is so important to God?

This commandment is repeated in several places in the Bible. According to

Exodus 34:21, is it legitimate to neglect this commandment because “right
now we have a lot of work”? Why do you think God insists on this?

What does Ecclesiastes 4:6 add about work and rest?

B. The need to give more importance to God than to work:

1. Despite the pressure to first seek to meet our physical needs, what advice
does God give about this in Matthew 6:31-34?

2. According to Haggai 1:4-11, what are the consequences of neglecting

the things of God to attend to our own needs first?

3. What is the result of seeking God first? Deuteronomy 30:9-10

4. Describe the relationship between God and work according to Psalm

127:1-2 and 128:1-2

5. There is a lot of pressure from this world for us to act like everyone else
when it comes to work. What does God command us in Romans 12:1-2 so
that we are not slaves to what the world promotes and what is the result in
our lives of obeying this?
6. What does Christ say about the priority of God and physical chores?
Luke 10:38-42

7. What is Christ's advice when we have many pressures of things to do?

Matthew 11:28-30.

c. What does God command regarding the employee (“servant”) and the
boss (“master”)?

Ephesians 6:5-9
Colossians 3:22-4:1
1 Timothy 6:2
Titus 2:9-10
1 Peter 2:18-19

IV. Application: How can you improve your attitude and behavior at work
(or in your studies if you are a student)?

12
Christian Marriages – God and Money
Money is a broad and very important topic in the Bible. In the gospels of
Saint Matthew, Saint Mark and Saint Luke, one in six verses talks about
money or possessions, and 12 of their 38 parables have the same theme.
Jesus talked more about money than about heaven, hell and eternal life.

YO. God is the origin of everything

A. Summarize the following verses regarding God's relationship to the

things in this world: Psalm 24:1, 50:10-12, 89:11, and Haggai 2:8.

B. What do the following verses say about our possessions?

1. Deuteronomy 8:18 and 1 Samuel 2:7

2. 1 Chronicles 29:12-14
3. Proverbs 10:22
4. Proverbs 22:4
5. Job 1:21

c. We must put God first regarding our goods:

1. After talking about the concerns we may have about the needs of this
life, what is Jesus' advice in Matthew 6:33-34:

2. It is said that every man has his price. If, leaving God aside, you could
own Latin America, would you do it or not? So why sell yourself for
smaller amounts in your everyday life?

a. What was Moses' perspective when choosing between being the king of
the most powerful and richest empire in the world, or being mistreated?
Hebrews 11:24-27

b. What is the value of our soul compared to everything this world offers?
Mark 8:35-37

c. What was Christ's response when the devil offered him the whole world?
Luke 4:5-8

3. What does God promise in Psalm 112:1-3 to those who put him first?

4. According to Proverbs 15:6, 21:20, and 24:3-4, what are the benefits to
the family that follows God's ways?

5. What subtle dangers does Deuteronomy 6:10-12 and 8:12-14 mention

about being blessed by God in material things?

6. Examine the following verses and summarize how riches can deceive us
by putting our trust in them and not trusting God:

Proverbs 18:11-12, 11:28, 28:11. Revelation 3:17 and Luke 18:24-25

7. What solution does Agur propose in Proverbs 30:7-9?

II. Giving back to God part of what He gives us: Christian giving

A. God is a generous giver: We must be like him (Ephesians 5:1)

1. What does John 3:16 say about God as a giver?

2. What does Romans 8:32 add regarding the person of God?
3. How does 2 Corinthians 8:9 describe Jesus Christ?

B. God promises blessings to those who give their money to him. (Acts
20:35)

1. According to Proverbs 3:9-10, what should we give to God and what is

the result?
2. What paradoxes do you find in giving according to Proverbs 11:24–25?
3. What things does God emphasize respect by giving to him in Malachi
3:8-10?
4. What does Luke 6:38 promise to those who give as they should?
5. In Philippians 4:14-19, Paul gives thanks for a contribution they sent
him. What positive results does Paul mention from that donation?
6. What benefits of giving do you find in 2 Corinthians 9:8-15?

C. With whom we should share the money that God gives us and how:

1. What do the following verses say about giving to other Christians?

2 Corinthians 8:4, Galatians 6:10 and 1 John 3:16-18

2. What should be our response to those who work in God's work?

Galatians 6:6, 1 Corinthians 9:11-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18

3. What is our responsibility regarding the poor? Deuteronomy 15:7-8,10;

Proverbs 19:17; 22:9; 28:27 and Galatians 2:10

4. If we have little, how should this affect our giving?

2 Corinthians 8:1-3, Luke 21:1-4 and 2 Corinthians 8:10-12

5. What should be our attitude in contributing? Exodus 25:1-2 and 2

Corinthians 9:5-7

6. According to 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, when should we carry out our

giving?

D. Application: After praying, fill out the following information regarding

your giving to God:

1. How much and how often?

2. To whom? (Be specific):
3. How are you going to carry it out?

13
Christian Marriage – Principles of Verbal Communication
YO. The bases of our speech

A. The tremendous power of the language.

1. In Proverbs 18:21, why is verbal communication so important?
2. What information does James 3:2-10 provide regarding the tongue?
3. In Proverbs 12:18 and 15:4, for what purposes can we use the tongue?

B. What is the source of everything we say? Matthew 15:18-20 and Luke

6:45.
What is the importance of this for us?

According to Job 19:2 and Proverbs 26:28, what bad uses of the tongue do
you see?

Write down the positive things that good use of language can achieve:

1. Proverbs 15:23
2. Proverbs 16:23-24
3. Proverbs 25:11
4. Isaiah 50:4
5. Isaiah 61:1-2
6. Proverbs 16:21

II. The art of speaking wisely

TO. What do the following verses say about how we should respond?

1. Proverbs 15:28
2. Proverbs 29:20
3. Colossians 4:6
4. Proverbs 18:13

B. Summarize the following verses about the value of not talking much:

1. James 1:19
2. Proverbs 10:19
3. Proverbs 11:12
4. Proverbs 17:27
5. Proverbs 21:23
6. Proverbs 13:3

C. What does Proverbs 26:18-19 say about heavy joking? See Ephesians
4:29

D. How should we respond to verbal abuse? Proverbs 26:4, 1 Peter 2:19-

12, 3:10
III. Using our words to make change

TO. “Exhort” means “to speak alongside” and has the idea of advising. Note
how this word is used in each verse and how we can apply it in our
communications:

1. Acts 15:32
2. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
3. 1 Thessalonians 2:11
4. 1 Thessalonians 4:18

5. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
6. Hebrews 3:13
7. The ministry of Tychicus in Ephesians 6:22 and Colossians 4:8

8. “Admonish” means “to warn” or “to put in mind.” Analyze the

following verses and write how you should admonish other Christians:

1. Romans 15:14
2. Acts 20:31
3. 1 Corinthians 4:14
4. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

c. The role of rebuke in our relationships with Christians:

1. What does Christ do with those he loves and to what end? Revelation
3:19

2. What is the process we should use with a brother who is sinning?

Matthew 18:15-17

3. According to Proverbs 25:15, do we need harshness to rebuke?

4. What are some other tips on Christian rebuking? Galatians 6:1-3

IV. Application: How can you use the teachings in this study to improve
your communication?
14
Christian Marriage – Honest and Open Communication
YO. The need to be open people in our communication

A. How did Jesus show his emotions?

Mark 3:5
John 12:27
John 13:21
Hebrews 5:7

B. What does Paul ask of the Corinthians? 2 Corinthians 6:11-13

C. What was Paul like in his relationship with the Corinthians? 2

Corinthians 7:2-4, 11:28-29

II. The importance of telling the truth and not lying

A. What does God think of lies?

Proverbs 6:16,19
Numbers 23:19
Titus 1:2

B. Despite his sufferings, what was Job's attitude toward lying? Job 27:2-4

C. How is lying related to the Word of God?

Psalm 119:29
Psalm 119:104
Psalm 119:128
Psalm 119:163

D. What do Proverbs 12:19,22, 13:5, 20:17 and 21:6 teach about lying?

E. What do Exodus 20:16 and Proverbs 14:5 and 19:5 say about lying to
others?F. In Ephesians 4:15, how should we speak and why? (Some
translations put the word “follow” as “speak,” but it is “speaking the truth in
love.”)

G. What do the following verses teach about speaking the truth?

Matthew 5:37
2 Corinthians 7:14
Galatians 4:16
Ephesians 4:25
Colossians 3:9

H. How can we use words of truth to help others?

1 Corinthians 14:3, 31
Titus 2:1

III. The misuse of language and its remedy

TO. Examine Proverbs 11:13, 16:28, 17:9. 18:8, 20:19 and 26:20,22.

What problems does gossip cause?

What can I do to avoid gossiping?

B. Study Ecclesiastes 3:7, Proverbs 3:30, 17:1, 14, 20:3, 25:9-10 and
26:17.

What advice does the Bible offer regarding arguments?

C. What are some correctives for bad mouth?

Galatians 5:14-15
1 Peter 3:10
Ephesians 5:4

D. What are some positive fruits that we can achieve with good words?

1 Corinthians 16:18, 2 Corinthians 7:13, 2 Timothy 1:16, and Philemon 1:7,

20
Proverbs 10:32
Proverbs 12:25
Proverbs 10:11
Proverbs 24:26
Philippians 4:8

IV. Edification: The goal of our communication

A. What do Romans 14:19 and 15:1-3 say about building?

B. Why is it important to speak with love? Ephesians 4:15 and 1
Corinthians 8:1
C. According to the following verses, how can we build with our words?
1 Corinthians 14:3, 31
2 Corinthians 12:19
Ephesians 4:29

V. Write your personal application regarding improving your

communication with others:

15
Christian Marriage – Righteousness in Our Work
1. Honesty at work

A. Psalm 15 is a broad statement about how we should behave at work.

Write down the ways in which we must demonstrate righteousness:

What does Isaiah 33:14-16 add to the idea of righteousness?

B. What principles are in the following verses to govern the decisions we

make?

Romans 12:17
1 Thessalonians 5:22
2 Corinthians 1:12
2 Corinthians 8:21

C. According to Proverbs 28:6, is it better to have money or integrity?

D. Summarize the following verses about the results of honesty:

1. Our family:
Proverbs 20:7
Psalm 112:1-2

2. Our well-being:
Proverbs 2:6-8
Proverbs 13:6
Proverbs 28:16
Proverbs 11:3-6

3. Blessings:
Deuteronomy 6:18
Psalm 40:4
Psalm 84:11
Proverbs 2:21
Proverbs 11:6
Proverbs 14:11
Proverbs 28:10

II. Sins we should avoid

A. Cheat and steal

1. What does God command regarding these sins in the following verses?
Leviticus 19:11-13
1 Peter 2:1

2. What is God's attitude toward people who are not righteous? (Proverbs
6:16-19)
Psalm 5:4-6
Psalm 101:7
Zechariah 5:3-4

B. Lie

1. What is God like when it comes to lying? Numbers 23:19

Titus 1:2

2. How do these Psalms relate lying to the Word of God? 119:29 119:104
119:128
119:163

What do the following Proverbs teach about lying?

12:19
13:5
19:5
21:6

C. What does Deuteronomy 24:14-15 say about the justice we should

display if we have employees?

D. How can we use Luke 6:31 in our work circumstances?

III. Application: What are two areas of your behavior at work that you need
to conform more to the image of Christ?

How and when are you going to change them?

16
Christian Marriage – Working in the Real World
YO. Practical aspects of the job:

A. Earning a fair wage

1. What do the following verses say about the need to work?

2 Timothy 2:6
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

2. In Romans 4:4, what is the difference between wages and grace?

3. What does 1 Timothy 5:18 say about wages?

4. What does God think of people who withhold or defraud salaries? James
5:4

B. The problem of laziness and its consequences

1. How does Proverbs 18:9 describe the person who does not put effort into
his or her
responsibilities?

2. What problems is the lazy person going to have?

Proverbs 19:15
Proverbs 21:5
Proverbs 24:10
Proverbs 28:19

C. Diligence in our work: The dictionary defines diligent as “careful and

active, prompt, agile in working.” Summarize the teachings of the following
verses about diligence in our work:

Proverbs 13:4
Proverbs 10:4
Proverbs 12:24
Proverbs 12:27
Proverbs 22:29

II. Correcting dishonesty with restitution

The dictionary defines “restitute” as “returning what has been taken or

improperly possessed; to put a thing back in the state in which it already
was.” What do the following verses teach about the responsibility to make
restitution for wrongdoing?

Exodus 22:1-15
Leviticus 6:1-5
Leviticus 24:17-22
Genesis 9:6
Luke 19:8-9

III. Obedience to laws and civil authorities

Summarize the following passages about the responsibilities of the

Christian:

Luke 20:22-25
Romans 13:1-7 1 Peter 2:12-17 Titus 3:1

IV. Conscience, faith and the Christian

The word “conscience” means “Knowledge (moral) that we carry

internally.” The conscience is the part of our being that approves or
condemns our behavior (Romans 2:15, 9:1, 2 Corinthians 1:12 and John
8:9). If it is based on God and His Word, it can be good (Acts 23:1, 1
Timothy 1:5, 19, Hebrews 13:18 and 1 Peter 3:16, 21) and clean (1 Timothy
3:9, 2 Timothy 1 :3, Hebrews 9:14 and 10:22). Otherwise, it can be weak (1
Corinthians 8:7,10,12) or even corrupt (Titus 1:15) and insensitive (1
Timothy 4:2).

What do the following verses say about the importance of developing a

Christian conscience and respecting it in our decisions?

Acts 23:1
Hebrews 13:18
1 Timothy 1:19
Romans 14:22-23

V. Study these verses about false weights and write a summary:

Leviticus 19:36, Proverbs 11:1, 16:11, 20:10, 23 and Micah 6:10-11

How would you apply that to the following situations:

Being a pattern
Being an employee
In buying and selling
In marketing

VI. Application

A. Reviewing this study, what is the most needy area of your life in terms
of your work or your studies?

B. What can you do in the Lord to improve it?

17
Christian Marriage – Christian Attitudes in Our Relationships
Love is the first Christian duty and the “perfect bond” and must be
manifested in our relationships. In this study we will delve into five
attitudes that we must have in our relationship with the other person: edify,
be considerate, serve, exhort and pray. Since this study has many
commandments, we must remember that we can only live the Christian life
through the Holy Spirit, because if we do not remain in Christ, “we can do
nothing.”

YO. Building in the Bible means “building in a positive way.” The

dictionary adds that to edify is “to incite piety or virtue by good example.”
Building should be paramount in the relationship.

A. What does Romans 14:19 say about building?

B. According to 1 Corinthians 8:1, what guarantees building and what does

not?

Using Ephesians 4:15-16, explain some practical ways that the love of
Christ can edify others through us:

C. According to 2 Corinthians 12:19 and Ephesians 4:29, how can we build

with our words?

D. How should we carry out Christian edification? Romans 15:1-3

II. Being considerate has to do with sensitivity and acceptance of the

other:

TO. What characteristics of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 have to

do with this consideration and why?

B. What are the tips from Galatians 6:1-3 about how to manage our
relationship with the other person well, even if they fail?

How does love help in this? (Colossians 3:14)

C. What are some of the Christ-like attitudes we should show toward the
other person? Philippians 2:3-8

D. What ideas do the following verses give for promoting unity and good
relationships?

Romans 12:15
Romans 15:5-7
Ephesians 4:1-3
Colossians 3:12-13
1 Peter 3:8-9

E. What should we do according to Romans 12:10? What are some

practical ways we can apply this to our relationships?

III. Serving others: an important way to develop a relationship.

A. How should we use our freedom in Christ with others? Galatians 5:13

B. What does the Bible say in Ephesians 5:21?

C. What should be our attitudes towards the other person's weaknesses?

1 Corinthians 12:25

D. What was the example of Jesus that we should imitate in our

relationships?
John 13:14-15

IV. To exhort, according to the dictionary, is “to advise strongly, to

incite with reasons.” In the New Testament, the Greek word for exhort is
also translated “to console, entreat, admonish, encourage, and comfort,” and
has the idea of someone we would like to have at our side in a situation of
personal need.

TO. In Romans 15:14, what are some requirements to be able to admonish

in a Christian way?

B. How can we apply Paul's attitude in Romans 1:11-12 in our relationship

with others?

C. According to Hebrews 10:24-25, what are some other very important

factors in exhorting?

V. Pray for each other:

A. According to 1 Samuel 12:23, what happens if we do not pray for the

other person?

B. Why do you think it is important to pray not to have obstacles in the

relationship?

1 Peter 3:7
Malachi 2:13-14

C. What can happen if we pray honestly with each other? James 5:16

D. If we don't know what to pray for the other person, Paul's prayers for his
dear friends can provide ideas. Examine the following prayers and write
down the requests you can pray for the other:

Ephesians 1:15-19
Philippians 1:9-11
Colossians 1:9-12

E. With someone, make a list of written requests for each other, and pray
about them together.

18
Christian Marriage – The Christian Handling of Our Conflicts
in Christian Marriages
YO. Disagreements and the Christian

Disagreements are a necessary part of life and cannot be avoided.

They can produce both positive and negative results. Sometimes its
management is more important than the issue itself. Thus, in intimate
relationships we need to learn how to avoid negative disagreements and
direct legitimate differences to positive ends.
A. Negative responses to conflicts that we should avoid:

1. In 2 Corinthians 12:20 and Galatians 5:20 there is a list of attitudes and

activities that cause disputes. In the following list, put your definition for
each of these things that we should avoid:

Enmity:
Dispute (lawsuit):
Envy (jealousy):
Gonna:
Divisions:
Slander:
Murmurations:
Dissension:
Disorders:

2. What do the following verses say about the causes of these things?

1 Corinthians 3:3
Philippians 2:3-4
1 Timothy 6:4
James 4:1-2

3. According to 2 Timothy 2:23-26, how should we handle negative

conflicts?

4. Why do you think lawsuits hurt our prayers?

B. Positive (and sometimes necessary) confrontations

1. The Bible allows us to be angry, and even Christ did (Mark 3:5). But
what are the restrictions and dangers in raising our anger?

Proverbs 14:29 and 16:32

Ephesians 4:26-27
James 1:19-20

2. What does the word of God enable us to do? Colossians 3:16 and 2
Timothy 3:16-17. How do you apply this to disagreements?

3. Paul says that he “warns every man” (Colossians 1:28) and that we are
to “warn one another” (Romans 15:14). According to 1

Thessalonians 5:14, in what way should we confront other Christians? How

would you apply this with another person?
4. Telling the truth, even in love, can produce conflict (Galatians 4:16), but
in his love even God himself rebukes us (Hebrews 12:5-6 and Revelation
3:18-19). What do the following passages teach about rebuke?

Proverbs 27:5-6
Matthew 18:15
Luke 17:3-4

II. What we should not do in our relationships

A. Although we can judge behavior (1 Corinthians 2:15 and 5:3, 12 13),

what does the New Testament say about judging other people?

Matthew 7:1-2
Romans 2:1-3
Romans 14:4,10,13
James 4:11-12

B. What activities does Galatians 5:15 and 26 prohibit?

C. What do the following verses teach about lying?

Colossians 3:9
Ephesians 4:25

III. Christian solutions to conflicts:

A. The need to seek peace.

The Scriptures command us to have peace with one another (Mark 9:50 and
1 Thessalonians 5:13). What specific instructions do Romans 12:18 and 2
Corinthians 13:11 give?

What advice do Proverbs 17:14 and 18:19 give about avoiding quarrels?

What does 1 Peter 2:1-3 say and how can we carry it out?

How does the use of our words come into this matter?
Proverbs 15:1
Ecclesiastes 3:7

B. According to Matthew 5:38-44, how should we respond to a

quarrelmaker?

C. Christ never took revenge for bad treatment (1 Peter 2:20-23), and
neither did Paul (1 Corinthians 4:11-12). According to Romans 12:17-21,
how should we act in the face of bad treatment and why?

D. God always seeks reconciliation (Romans 10:20-21 and Ephesians 2:13-

16). What does Matthew 5:23-26 say about the urgency of reconciling when
the other has something against us?

E. What are the teachings in the following verses about forgiveness?

Proverbs 28:13
Proverbs 10:12
Matthew 18:21-22
Ephesians 4:31-32
Colossians 3:12-13

IV. Application: How can you direct your conflicts to improve your
relationships?

19
Christian Marriages – Christian Administration in Christian
Marriage
I. Managing what God lends us (Luke 16:9-15)

To manage is to take care of something that belongs to another person and

give them an account of our administration. According to 1 Corinthians 4:7,
God gives us everything we possess. For him, material goods have their
greatest importance not in themselves, but in their use as preparation for
handling more important matters. Managing the things of this world enables
us to manage things of eternal value.

Luke 16:10-12: What is God looking for in our handling of money?

Because? 1 Corinthians 4:2
Luke 16:13-15: What do God and the world think about this?
Luke 16:9: For what purpose should we use our possessions in this world
and why? (Matthew 5:16)

II. Important attitudes in the management of our resources

A. Not having riches as a goal:

1. According to 1 Timothy 6:9, what are the dangers of wanting to get rich?
2. What are the problems with rushing to get rich?
Proverbs 20:21
Proverbs 21:5
Proverbs 28:20

3. According to the following Proverbs, what things are worth more than
being rich?

15:16
16:16, 16:19
21:6, 22:1
28:6

B. Not loving money (it's not how much you have, but your attitude)

1. What are some consequences of loving money?

1 Timothy 6:10
Colossians 3:5
Proverbs 28:22

2. What does Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 add regarding covetousness (“wanting

more”)?

3. What did Jesus say to the one who asked him for help to increase his
assets? Luke 12:13-15

4. According to 1 Timothy 3:3,8 and Titus 1:7, what should a Christian be

like regarding covetousness?

C. What is our duty regarding seeking and receiving advice?

Proverbs 11:14
Proverbs 12:15
Proverbs 13:18

D. Possessions don't last

1. The Bible does not prohibit being rich, but what does it advise the rich?
1 Timothy 6:17-19
James 1:9-11

2. Examine Psalm 49 and comment on those who trust in their possessions:

3. What general advice do these verses give?

Proverbs 23:4-5
James 4:13-15

4. Why does Christ say we should not accumulate things?

Luke 12:16-21
Matthew 6:19-21

E. Describe our contentment in the Lord from the following verses:

Hebrews 13:5
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Philippians 4:11-13

III. The importance of our inner life

TO. We should not get entangled with our economic decisions:

1. What do Matthew 13:22 and Luke 8:14 warn about the effects of
materialism on our relationship with the Word of God?

2. Using 2 Timothy 2:3-4, write a statement about why we should not

become financially entangled:

b. Explains how a dissipated life, without discipline, damages us

economically:

Proverbs 13:11
Proverbs 21:17
Proverbs 21:20
Proverbs 23:31
Proverbs 29:3

IV. Application: What does God want you to do based on this study?

20
Christian Marriages – The Christian and His Finances
1. Practical principles for Christian finances:

A. Summarize the following verses about the priority of providing (not

hoarding) for the needs of our families:

Mark 7:10-13
Proverbs 13:22
2 Corinthians 12:14
1 Timothy 5:4,8

B. How do you define “debt”?

What do the Scriptures say about going into debt?

Proverbs 22:7
Romans 13:8

Why do we act “presumptively” about our economic future by getting into

debt?

How do debts affect our freedom in this world?

c. Investments:

1. Jesus gave two parables about how we should steward what he has given
us. How can we apply these principles to investments?
Matthew 25:14-29
Luke 19:11-26

2. According to Matthew 25:27 and Luke 19:23, is it okay to put our

money in the bank to earn interest?

3. Who should we not charge interest on personal loans? Deuteronomy

23:19-20 and Leviticus 25:36-37

d. We should not put our future in someone else's hands:

1. According to 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, why should we not be partners with

non-Christians?
What are some economic and legal ways a bad partner can harm us?

2. Summarize the following Proverbs on why we should not be responsible

for the financial commitment of a non-Christian (not being a guarantor):
Proverbs 6:1-5, 11:15, 17:18, 20:16, 22:26-27 and 27 :13

11. Making a budget:

A. Write down the advantages of having a budget and controlling your

expenses:

B. What do the following passages say about the need to pay taxes?
Mark 12:14-17
Romans 13:4-7
C. What are some reasons to give to God from the money he gives us?
Proverbs 3:9-10
Proverbs 11:24-25
2 Corinthians 9:6-15

D. Carrying out your budget:

1. Calculate how much you receive each month.

2. Subtract from this amount your legal taxes and your giving to God. Your
monthly use of the money that God gives you works on the result.

3. Divide the result from step two (your net money) between the categories
in the budget guide found on the next page. This line is called “Budget 1.”
Then, keep track of your actual expenses for a month and put the results by
category under the “Actual Expenses” line. The sum of your current
expenses must equal your net income. Compare the two results and make
adjustments between your “Budget 2.” Repeat this monthly cycle of budgets
compared to current expenses until there is a good agreement between what
you want (budget) and the reality of your expenses.

Budget guide
Some basic categories of expenses:

Housing: Rent, monthly payments, services (gas, water, electricity,

cleaning, etc.) Food: Kitchen expenses, eating on the street, inviting people
to eat, etc. Transportation: Public transportation, car, car insurance, etc.
Clothing: Buying, making, personal belongings (shampoo, perfume, etc.)
Medicine: Doctors, dentists, pharmacies, health insurance, etc.
Fun: Outings, vacations, social gatherings, etc. (includes transportation)
Future: Things you want to buy, baby, annuities, etc.
Debts: They should not exist (if you have them, pay them off as soon as
possible) Others: They depend on you (help relatives, books, school, etc.)

Extra: To invest or save, but not to accumulate, but for future needs or to
give in the future.
21
Christian Marriage – The Couple and Their Family
Relationships
YO. The link that exists between us and our parents

A. God chose the family into which I was born.

1. According to Psalm 127:3, who gives children to parents? How do

Genesis 33:5 and Joshua 24:3-4 affirm this perspective?

2. What does Psalm 139:1-16 say about our origin? How can I apply this to
things that are difficult to accept about my parents and my childhood? (See
John 9:1-3)

B. I have a spiritual inheritance that can benefit me

1. Examine the following verses about the life of Abraham: Genesis 12:1-
3, 7; 13:14-17 and 17:3-8. What were the blessings that Abraham's
descendants received through their faith?

2. Study Genesis 17:19 and 26:2-6, 23-24 about Abraham's son Isaac and
Genesis 28:3-4, 13-14 and 35:9-12 about his grandson Jacob. What things
did they inherit from their father and grandfather?

3. What were the effects of those promises on Abraham and his

descendants 500 years later? Exodus 33:1, Deuteronomy 1:8, 21 and 4:31,
37-38.

4. What is the effect on us of the promises made to Abraham? Romans

4:11, Galatians 3:29 and 4:28

5. According to the following verses, what can our children inherit?

Psalm 25:12-13
Psalm 37:25-26
Psalm 102:27-28

Psalm 112:1-2
Isaiah 59:21

C. The sins of my ancestors harm me too:

1. In Numbers 14:18 there is a striking statement (repeated in Exodus 20:5-
6, 34:7 and Deuteronomy 5:9-10). Which is it? Is it fair that I suffer for the
sins of my relatives?

2. According to Psalm 79:8, 2 Kings 17:41 and 23:31-32,37, what bad

things can we learn from our parents?

3. How can I respond to the bad things I have received from my parents?
Leviticus 26:39-42, Nehemiah 9:1-3 and Jeremiah 14:20-21

4. We don't have to be totally determined by our family background.

According to the following verses, what options do we have?

Zechariah 1:4
Ezekiel 20:18
Joshua 24:14-15

II. My responsibilities towards my parents and in-laws

A. If our parents or in-laws have not surrendered to Jesus, what should we

do according to Romans 10:1 and 1 Timothy 2:1-4?

B. What do you think about getting their permission to get married?

C. If we are single and have not left our parents, what is our responsibility
towards them? Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20

How did the Son of God demonstrate this attitude in Luke 2:51-52?

D. One of the ten commandments is “you shall honor your father and
mother.” How would you apply it in your life? (See also Leviticus 19:3)

In the Old Testament, the punishment for not respecting parents was death
(Exodus 21:15,17 and Leviticus 20:9). What else does the Old Testament
say about those who dishonor their parents?

Deuteronomy 27:16
Proverbs 20:20
Proverbs 30:17

According to Ephesians 6:1-3, what blessings are there for honoring our
parents?

E. Can there be family conflicts for Christians? Luke 12:51-53?

What should be more important than your own family according to Matthew
10:37?

What does Christ say to people who want to wait until their parents die to
follow him? Luke 9:59-62

F. When we get married, we get a second set of parents, the in-laws. The
Hebrew word for “kin” is also translated “father-in-law.” So because of the
wedding we are related and the in-laws are already members of our family.
Therefore, we have the same responsibilities towards them as towards our
own parents. Examine Moses' treatment of his father-in-law Jethro and note
the principles we can apply in honoring our in-laws:

Exodus 3:1
Exodus 4:18
Exodus 18:5-27

G. What else can we learn from Ruth's treatment of her mother-in-law in

Ruth 1:14? 17?

H. What does Proverbs 15:5 say about listening to parents' advice? What
does this mean for you? (See Proverbs 4:1, 13:1, 19:20 and 23:22)

I. Even separated from our parents, what duty does Jesus say we should
have toward our parents? Mark 7:10-13

What does Paul add to the matter in 1 Timothy 5:4 and 8?

III. Application: How would you apply these truths to your family
relationships?

22
Christian Marriages – Healing Troubled Relationships with
Our Family Members
The link that exists between us and our parents

YO. The reality of conflict in this world

A. What circumstances bring conflicts to our relationships?

Matthew 5:10
John 15:19

B. What causes of suffering does 1 Peter 2:20 expose?

C. According to Luke 12:51-53, who can bring conflict into the family?

II. Our example: God takes the initiative to fix broken relationships

A. What is God's attitude toward those who reject Him? Romans 10:20
twenty-one

B. See the following verses. What did God do when we were his enemies?
Romans 5:10
Colossians 1:20-22

C. Write what God did to promote peace and reconciliation. Ephesians

2:13-16

D. How can we apply these principles in the relationships we have?

E. According to 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, how should reconciliation with

God affect our relationships with others?

III. The priority of loving your neighbor

A. In the Bible, loving is the primary duty towards others. According to

Luke 10:29-37, who is our neighbor?

B. How should we love our neighbor? Romans 13:8-10

C. How do we want people to treat us? So how should we treat it?

Matthew 7:12

IV. Forgiveness sets us free (Following the example of Christ: Luke

23:24)

A. How are our spiritual life and forgiving linked? Matthew 6:12 fifteen

B. How should we treat other Christians who sin against us? Luke 17:3-4
1 Peter 4:8

C. Study the following verses and write down the principles about
forgiveness: Ephesians 4:31-32
1 Peter 3:8-9
D. Describe the Christian response to bad treatment:
Romans 12:17-21
1 Corinthians 4:12-13

V. Principles of reconciliation

A. Why is it important to resolve our conflicts? Matthew 5:22-26

B. Using Matthew 5:38-48 and Luke 6:27-36, list the principles we must
take into account in relationships with people who do not treat us well:

C. What are the dangers of not promoting reconciliation?

2 Corinthians 2:5-11

VI. Resolving past offenses and misunderstandings

A. Joseph's brothers sold him out of envy (Genesis 37). How did Joseph
respond years later when he had a lot of power over them?
Genesis 45:9-11 and 50:19-20

B. What happened between Jacob and Esau even after years of enmity
between them? Genesis 33:1-11

C. What is God's desire for relationships between parents and children?

Malachi 4:6

D. If we make peace with our parents, how does this affect our testimony
toward them according to Matthew 5:9?

E. Sometimes we offend our parents, like the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-
32. What should be our response as children (Luke 15:18)?

VII. Application: Write one or two applications that you can put into
practice this month:

23
Christian Marriages – The Christian and the Use of the Home
YO. Hospitality: We usually think that hospitality is inviting people to eat
at our house. But the biblical idea is to fill the needs of foreigners or
strangers. It is opening our house to people who are not from our city and
have no place to stay.
A. Treat the foreigner well: A commandment of God

1. In Deuteronomy 10:17-19, what should our attitude toward the foreigner

be and why?

2. According to Leviticus 19:10, 23:22, and Deuteronomy 24:19-22, what

should one do for a stranger? How can we apply this today?

3. What was Job's attitude toward hospitality? Job 31:32

B. In Matthew 25:34-40, what does Christ say is the correct attitude toward
the stranger?

According to verse 40, who should receive this treatment?

According to Galatians 6:9-10, to whom should we primarily do good?
According to Ephesians 2:19, what spiritual relationship do I have with the
Christian stranger?

C. Romans 12:13 says we are to practice hospitality. What impressive

reason does Hebrews 13:2 give for hosting strangers?

In Genesis 19:1-11, we find an instance of hosting angels. What principles

do you find in Lot's life regarding hospitality?

What similar aspects do you see in the account of Judges 19:15-25?

What do we learn from Abraham in his dealings with foreigners? Genesis

18:1 18

D. Hospitality in the New Testament: Write down your observations:

Simon hosting Paul (Acts 10:5-6,22-23)

Righteous (Acts 18:5-7)
Mnason (Acts 21:15-16)
Publius (Acts 28:7)
Philemon and Paul's visit (Philemon 22)
Gaius (Romans 16:23)

E. Instructions regarding showing hospitality

1. According to 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8, what is a requirement for

leadership?

2. In 1 Timothy 5:9-10, how does a widow prove worthy of support from

the church?
3. What should be our attitude when welcoming Christian strangers? 1
Peter 4:9

4. Using 3 John 5-10, make a list of instructions about hosting:

5. According to 2 John 7-11, who should we not receive and why?

II. The home as the center of our ministry: (Biblically, “ministry” is a

practical service of helping others to know Christ better.)

A. The need to maintain our home as a good example:

1. Why does a Christian home have to maintain its unity? Luke 11:17

2. What is the only firm foundation for a home and why? Luke 6:47-49

3. How are our ministry and family life related? 1 Timothy 3:4-5

B. What examples do the following verses give of the influence a Christian

head can have on his family?

1. Noah (Genesis 7:1 and Hebrews 11:7)

2. Lot (Genesis 19:15)
3. An official of the king (John 4:53)
4. A jailer (Acts 16:31-33)
5. A centurion (Acts 11:13-14)
6. A merchant (Acts 16:14-15)
7. A religious leader (Acts 18:8)

c. Practical uses of our home

1. How can we use our houses? Isaiah 58:6-7 and Luke 14:12-14
2. What else can we use our home for? Acts 1:12-14 and 12:12
3. According to Romans 16:3-5, Philemon 2, Colossians 4:15, and 1
Corinthians 16:19, what other use can we give to our home in ministry?

d. Had a ministry as a family

1. What was the decision of Estéfanas and her family? 1 Corinthians 16:15-
16

2. According to 1 Corinthians 9:5, were the apostles' wives involved in

their husbands' ministry?

3. How did a couple help the ministry of the prophet Elijah?

2 Kings 4:8-10
4. Examines the stories of Aquila and Priscilla and describes their ministry
as a couple:
Acts 18:1-4, 18-21, 24-28 and 1 Corinthians 16:19

111. Application: Write down the things from this study that are most
relevant to being able to minister as a couple:

24
Christian Marriages – Principles for Raising
Our children
I. Bases: What we need to know about our children:

A. How do Psalms 113:9 and 127:3-5 affirm that having children is good?

B. What does Matthew 10:37 say about putting our family before God?

What was the result for Abraham in following this? Genesis 22:15-18

What happened to Eli when he rejected this? 1 Samuel 2:29-30 and 3:13,14

II. The task of disciplining children. Disciplining is directing the will of

the child and is a combination of teaching, training and correcting.

TO. The wise son brings joy to his parents (Proverbs 10:1, 15:20, 23:15 and
27:11) and the foolish son causes them pain (Proverbs 10:1, 17:25 and
19:13). According to

Proverbs 13:1 and 15:5, what is the difference between a wise son and a
fool? (The word “advice” is “discipline” in the original language)

B. What do the following verses say about how God disciplines us?
Deuteronomy 8:5, Job 5:17 and Hebrews 12:5-8

C. Summarize each Proverb about parents' need to discipline:

13:24
19:18
22:15
23:13-14
29:15
29:17

III. Parents' wishes for their children:

A. Proverbs ask the child 16 times to listen to his parents (1:8, 2:1,
3:1,21,4:1,10,20, 5:1.7, 6:20, 7:1,24, 8 :32, 19:27 and 23:19,22)

Why do you think there is so much emphasis on this?

B. What does the father ask for in Proverbs 23:26, and what does this
imply?

C. According to Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20, God's primary

commandment for children is to obey their parents. What are the
responsibilities of parents in this? 1 Timothy 3:4,12 and Titus 1:6

D. What statement does God make in Proverbs 22:6? How would you
apply this to raising a child?

IV. Practical principles that we can apply:

A. According to Deuteronomy 6:5-7, what are the three priorities for the
Christian father? (These three commandments are also found in
Deuteronomy 4:9-10, 11:13-19, and Psalm 78:1-8)

B. Using 2 Timothy 3:15-17, explain why God's Word is a valuable

resource in raising children:

C. What do the following passages say about the duty of parents to be able
to explain the meaning of spiritual things to their children?

Exodus 12:26-27
Deuteronomy 6:20-25
Joshua 4:6-7,21-24

D. How can Christian parents carry out the following duties?

Ephesians 6:4
1 Thessalonians 2:11

E. What do you learn from Job by praying for his children? Job 1:5

What things can you pray for your children (even before they are born?
(See 1 Samuel 1:27, Isaiah 54:13, and prayers in the Bible.)

F. What do the following verses say about the attitudes parents should have
toward their children?

Psalm 103:13
Jeremiah 31:20
Isaiah 49:15
Matthew 7:9-11
Proverbs 3:27
1 Thessalonians 2:7
Colossians 3:21

25
Christian Marriages – The Permanence of Marriage
I. God's desire for us to avoid divorce

A. What principles in Genesis 2:20-25 have to do with marriage as a

lifelong commitment?

B. What does God say in Malachi 2:14-15 about why a marriage should be
loyal?
In Malachi 2:16, what is God's attitude toward divorce?

C. When the Pharisees tempted Jesus by asking if it was lawful for a man
to divorce (divorce) his wife for any reason, how did Jesus respond?
Matthew 19:3-6

The Pharisees continued to insist on divorce, citing Deuteronomy 24:1-4,

but what did Jesus say about God's attitude toward the practice of divorce?
Matthew 19:7-8

D. In Mark 10:2-10, we have another version of this discussion about

divorce. In verses 10-12, what conclusion does Christ give on the matter?

According to Christ, if there is a divorce, is there the right to remarry?

E. In Luke 16:18, what does Christ say is the situation of a divorced person
who remarries?

Adultery is having sexual relations outside of marriage. Christ says that,

despite divorce, having sexual relations with a second spouse is adultery.
What does this imply regarding the permanence of the marriage bond?
F. According to Romans 7:2-3, what gives one the right to remarry? What
does 1 Corinthians 7:39 say about the matter?

II. Conditions for a civil separation (divorce):

During the first 500 years of the Church, all of the Church Fathers (except
Ambrose: 366-383 AD) held that a divorced person had no right to remarry
while the spouse was still alive. This position was universal even in cases of
spousal abandonment and adultery.

TO. According to Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:9, what is the only condition
Christ gives for obtaining a divorce? There are several interpretations for
the definition of “fornication” here:

a) A sexual sin of a bachelor. For the Jews, a betrothed (engaged) person

needed a divorce to end the relationship before the wedding. According to
this interpretation, the couple is not married and divorce is something that is
processed before the wedding and mainly as a Jewish custom. Sometimes
the punishment for infidelity before the wedding was death, sometimes not
(Deuteronomy 22:22-29). Joseph was going to leave Mary because she was
pregnant, and did not seek the death penalty for her because the “guilty
man” could not be found (Matthew 1:18-25).

b) A sexual relationship between relatives , as given in Leviticus 18:16-

18 and 1 Corinthians 5:1. In Acts 15:20 and 29 “fornication” is along with
several prohibitions also found in Leviticus 17 and 18, so some conclude
that it refers to the case of incest.

c) Any sexual activity outside of marriage: adultery, incest, prostitution,

homosexuality, relations with animals, etc.

But apart from the possible definition of “fornication,” these two verses do
not give any permission to remarry because the phrase “except for the sake
of fornication” refers (in the original language) to repudiation and not
remarriage.

B. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, how does Paul summarize Christ's teaching

about a married person? What are the two options for a married person?
Which one is the best?

C. In 1 Corinthians 7:12-14, Paul adds instructions about the situation of a

non-Christian couple when one of them converts to Christ. Christ did not
comment on this because the church did not yet exist. What do the
Scriptures say about such a situation?
D. According to 1 Corinthians 7:15-16, what other situation in the church
can cause the separation of a Christian's marriage?

Taking into account that the context is separation and not remarriage, in
what sense is one “not subject to servitude in such a case”?

E. In 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20, and 24, what is the general principle that
governs our marital status? How do you apply this when remarrying?

F. All this seems to be a harsh and difficult teaching to accept. What was
the response of Jesus' disciples to his position? Matthew 19:9-10

How difficult is it to accept such a position? Matthew 19:11-12

G. In Deuteronomy 22:13-19, verse 19 says that a husband can never send

his wife away. What is the situation?

In what other case is it prohibited to dismiss one's wife (Deuteronomy

22:28 29)?

H. In the Old Testament the phrase “bill of divorce” appears only four
times, always in the context of “put away” (Deuteronomy 24:1,3, Isaiah
50:1 and Jeremiah 3:8). Why do you think this legal procedure is necessary
to obtain a divorce? Why ask for something so specific?

I. The word “bill of divorce” appears three times in the New Testament.
Christ recognizes that divorce can happen, but what is his stance toward a
couple taking concrete steps to achieve a separation? Matthew 5:31-32,
19:7-8 and Mark 10:4-12

III. Consequence of remarrying while your first spouse is alive:

TO. It damages the example of the relationship between Christ and his
Church. Ephesians 5:22-32 B. It is committing adultery. Mark 10:11-12,
Luke 16:18, Romans 7:2-3, etc.
1. It is breaking a public vote. Numbers 30:2, Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 and
Malachi 2:14
2. There is no longer any possibility of reconciliation. 1 Corinthians 7:10-
11 and Deuteronomy 24:3-4
3. It is a negative example for other marriages. 1 Thessalonians 1:7 and
Philippians 3:17
4. You can no longer have spiritual leadership. 1 Timothy 3:2,12 and Titus
1:6
5. As a widow, she can no longer be supported by the church. 1 Timothy
5:9
6. It negatively affects the future of the children. Exodus 34:7, Numbers
14:18, Malachi 2:15 and 1 Corinthians 7:12-14

If through ignorance one marries again or as a non-Christian, with God

there is forgiveness and grace. Even by consciously disobeying God it is
possible to repent, although the social effects remain. That is why we must
fight as long as we can for the love of our friends to prevent them from
making the mistake of marrying again and thus suffering such terrible
consequences.

Christian Marriages – Questions Every Couple Should

Answer
1. We want to get married (or we get married) because……

2. My definition of love is…..

3. Our plans regarding having children are…..

4. Will the wife work in our marriage? (before and after children)…..

5. To what degree should I know my spouse's schedule and activities?…..

6. We want to raise our children like this…

7. Our attitude towards buying on credit and/or taking on debt is…..

8. The material comforts that we would like to have are…..

9. Our attitude towards caring for parents and/or in-laws in their old age
is…..

10. I think the balance between doing everything together and each person
following their own interests is:

11. How can I help correct my spouse's weaknesses?

12. I can better know my partner's feelings by…..

13. You make me happy when...

14. You hurt me when...

15. The greatest things God has done in my life are…..

16. Our long-term goals (10 years) are….