Sunday School Lesson Outlines

A Successful And Fulfilling Marriage

Don't for a minute think this doesn't apply to you because you're not married yet, or you're widowed, or you've been married for 60 years, etc. This applies to all of us in many relationships. A lot of people can stay married because that's what we are supposed to do. But they're not happy. They're just staying together for the kids, or the finances, or that's the way they've been brought up. We don't want to upset our parents. But what God wants us to have is a happy and abundant life.

John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." NASB

The first thing we need is stability. What marriage is stable? Well it's not the one with the most money, or the big jobs, or the nicest houses, etc. It's the marriages built on God's Word.

Matthew 7:24-25 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock." NASB

A lot of things are thrown at a marriage or a friendship, etc. We must protect our sacred vow. We can do things by trying to do things God's way.

Psalm 127:1 "Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain." NASB

Every day we should be praying for a hedge of protection around our marriage, spouse, and children. If we build our house on his principles, we need to rely on him to keep it safe!

Success is based on these things - direct and personal relationship with your spouse. Including honest and sacrificial love while building your forever relationship with your spouse.

Ephesians 4:25 "Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another." NASB

1 Peter 3:7 "You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." NASB

You will now need to work as team, with different responsibilities at times, but always the same goal.

Matthew 19:4-6 And He answered and said, "Have you not read, that He who created them from the beginning made them male and feamle, and said, 'For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh'? Consequently they are no longer two, but on flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." NASB

Both need to be submissive, voluntarily love while showing love, and respect each other. You are now partners (two have become one). The two of you are going to have to hit things thrown at your marriage (including sin) head on, because you are now one. No man (person) should be able to separate that, unless it is by our own weakness. If we continue to do things God's way and not become complacent; He will not let us fail at the abundant life He promised.

We used to use the 4 A's years ago when we taught young married couple's at church:

1. Accept your mate
2. Affirmation - Encourage your mate
3. Affection - Hug your mate - Let them know you're there for them
4. Apology - Don't ever forget the words "I'm sorry" sincerely said. It means a lot

Simply put: We must go into this with our:

1. Body
   
   • Set apart for His glory
     

     1 Corinthians 6:20 "For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." NASB

2. Soul
   
   • Should be saturated with the Word
     

     Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." NASB

3. Spirit
   
   • Filled with the Holy Spirit of God
     

     Ephesians 5:18 "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit" NASB

     2 Timothy 1:14 "Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you." NASB

The whole point is; if we don't love God with all we have and in every situation, how can we love our spouse? Jesus was our example for so many things, and though he wasn't married, His lifestyle emulates how we are to live our lives.

By keeping our mind and body pure (eyes and ears) we have the stability, success, and the secret to a long and HAPPY, marriage. In order to do this we need to remember to pray to God daily and stay in His word. If you want it broken down even easier: use the golden rule - treat other as you would like to be treated.

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