Developing a Biblical Worldview:
Nourishing the Marriage Relationship
1. What do you think are the keys to making a marriage thrive, rather than just survive?
2. Read the following questions and the verses that accompany them. Under each question, write a specific application of the principle under consideration.
a.
Is
There Still Excitement and Romance in Your Relationship?
Song of Solomon 4:9-11; 5:10-16; 7:1-9a, 10-13; 8:6-7; 1Corinthians 7:33-34
b.
Are
You a Source of Strife and Tension in the Home?
Proverbs 19:13b; 21:9, 19; 27:15-16; Ephesians 5:25-29, 33
c.
Do
You Practice the Golden Rule?
Matthew 7:12
d.
Would
You Still Be Married If God Allowed Divorce For Any Reason?
Matthew 19:3-9 (cf. Matthew 5:31-32; Luke 16:18; 1Corinthians 7:10-11)
¨ What Would You Do? Your best friend comes to you and says that his/her marriage is falling apart. There has been no adultery, but neither spouse loves the other anymore. Your friend knows what Jesus says about divorce but wonders, “How can God expect me to stay in a difficult situation? Wouldn’t God want me to be happy?” How do you respond?
e.
Have
You Left Your Parents and Been Bonded To Your Spouse?
Genesis 2:23-24 (cf. Matthew 19:3-6)
f.
Do
You Enjoy A Biblically Guided Sexual Relationship?
Hebrews 13:4; Malachi 2:15; Proverbs 5:15-19; 1Corinthians 7:3-5
g.
Do
You Demonstrate Biblical Love For Your Spouse?
1Corinthians 13:4-7; 1John 3:18
h.
Do
You Respect Your Spouse?
1Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:33
i.
Do
You Gladly Accept Your God Given Roles?
Ephesians 5:22-24; Titus 2:3-5; Ephesians 5:25-29; 6:4; 1Timothy 5:8
j.
Do
You Communicate Well With Your Spouse?
Proverbs 16:32; James 1:19
k.
Do
You Communicate Too Much About Your Spouse?
James 3:5-6, 8-10; Proverbs 10:19; 12:23
l.
Do
You Know What Makes Your Spouse Tick?
1Peter 3:7; Titus 2:4
3. Think of a married couple you know who have a wonderful relationship and work hard to take care of it. What are some of the ways they nurture each other? Give some examples of the things they do to make their marriage special.