MARRIAGE CLASS 01 + Married With Purpose

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1

Marriage Preparation vs. Wedding Preparation

  • People invest heavily in weddings but often neglect preparing for marriage.

  • A successful marriage requires intentional preparation, vision, and God’s wisdom.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What preparations have you made for your marriage beyond the wedding day?

  2. How do you define a successful marriage?

God’s Design For Marriage

Key Scriptures:

  • Genesis 1:26-28 – God created man and woman in His image, gave them dominion, and commanded them to be fruitful and multiply.

  • Genesis 2:23-25 – Marriage involves leaving, holding fast, and becoming one flesh.

  • Ephesians 5:31-33 – Marriage reflects Christ’s love for the Church.

Key Biblical Principles:

  • Leave past attachments and prioritize your spouse.

  • Hold Fast (cling) to your spouse, demonstrating commitment.

  • Become One Flesh – unity in all aspects: spiritual, emotional, and physical.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “leaving” and “holding fast” mean practically in marriage?

  2. How do you understand the concept of “one flesh” in your relationship?

  3. How does your marriage reflect Christ’s relationship with the Church?

Vision Statement For Marriage

Key Scriptures:

  • Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

  • Jeremiah 29:11 – God has a plan for your future, including your marriage.

Why Have a Vision?

  • Provides direction and purpose.

  • Ensures clarity, growth, and alignment with God’s will.

How to Develop One?

  • Be specific (clear goals = clear results).

  • Be positive (focus on what you desire, not what you want to avoid).

  • Seek God’s wisdom (Psalm 94:11).

Discussion Questions:

  1. What vision do you have for your marriage in the next 5-10 years?

  2. How do you seek God’s guidance in setting your marriage vision?

  3. What values and principles do you want to build your marriage upon?

Example Marriage Goals

Key Scriptures:

  • Amos 3:3 – “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

  • Philippians 2:2-3 – Be of one mind, in humility, considering each other.

Marriage Goals:

  1. Show respect and appreciation daily (1 Peter 3:7).

  2. Listen attentively, even in disagreements (James 1:19).

  3. Improve intimacy and communication (1 Corinthians 7:3-5).

  4. Express love through words and actions (Colossians 3:14).

  5. Support and serve each other daily (Galatians 5:13).

  6. Strengthen flexibility and adaptability (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

  7. Admit mistakes and be less defensive (Ephesians 4:2-3).

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of these goals resonate most with you?

  2. How can you intentionally implement these in your marriage?

  3. What challenges do you anticipate in achieving these goals, and how can you overcome them?

Why Marriage Goals Matter

Key Scriptures:

  • Ecclesiastes 4:12 – A cord of three strands (husband, wife, and God) is not easily broken.

  • Matthew 6:33 – Seek God first, and all things will be added to you.

  • Goals provide direction, purpose, and unity in marriage.

  • They help couples grow in love, faith, and mutual support.

  • Marriage is a lifelong journey—planning strengthens the relationship.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM MARRIAGE?

Key Scriptures:

  • Proverbs 13:12 – Unmet expectations cause disappointment, but fulfilled hopes bring joy.

  • Romans 5:5 – Hope in God sustains us in marriage.

  • Ephesians 4:2-3 – Marriage thrives when expectations are handled with patience and love.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What expectations do you have for your spouse in marriage?

  2. How will unmet expectations affect your marriage?

Roles, Responsibilities, And Decision-Making

Key Scriptures:

  • Ephesians 5:22-25 – Husbands lead with love; wives support with respect.

  • Genesis 2:18 – Marriage is a partnership, not competition.

  • Romans 12:2 – Marriage roles should be shaped by God’s Word, not culture or tradition.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Where did your beliefs about marriage roles come from?

  2. How can you support each other in fulfilling these roles?

  3. Where might you differ in your views on roles, responsibilities, and decision-making?

FINAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

  1. What is one key takeaway from this study that you will apply in your marriage?

  2. What specific step will you take today to strengthen your relationship?

HOMEWORK: SETTING MARRIAGE GOALS

Key Scriptures:

  • Proverbs 16:3 – Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

  • Luke 14:28 – Count the cost before beginning a task.

Assignment:

  1. List eight marriage goals.

  2. Define short-term (3-6 months) and long-term (3-5 years) goals.

  3. Discuss goals with your fiancé and create a plan to achieve them.

  4. Reevaluate goals periodically as marriage evolves.

  5. Recognize Jesus Christ’s presence as key to setting and achieving meaningful goals.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are two short-term and two long-term goals for your marriage?

  2. How will you ensure accountability in reaching these goals?

  3. How does inviting Jesus into your marriage help achieve these goals?