2. God’s Plan for Marriage The Origin of Marriage – “And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:3-6, ESV)

3. God’s Plan for Marriage The Purpose of Marriage – “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him…Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:18,24 - ESV)

4. God’s Plan for Marriage The Place of Marriage – “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him…Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:18,24 - ESV)

5. God’s Plan for Marriage The Plan For Marriage – Although now one, they don’t serve the same role. – Role of the Husband Head of the household (Ephesians 5:22-24) Provide for the family (1 Timothy 5:8) Love their wives (Ephesians 5:25) Live in an understanding way with the wife (1 Peter 3:7) – Role of the Wife Submit to the husband (Ephesians 5:22-24, 1 Peter 3:1) Love their husbands (Titus 2:4) Love their children (Titus 2:4) Workers at home (Titus 2:5, Proverbs 31:27)

6. God’s Plan for Marriage The Permanence of Marriage – “Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage.” (Romans 7:1-2, ESV)

7. God’s Plan for Marriage The Origin of Marriage The Purpose of Marriage The Place of Marriage The Plan for Marriage The Permanence of Marriage

8. After the Wedding Day Church of Christ at Medina January 16 th, 2015

9. After the Wedding Day “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self- controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:7-11 ESV)

10. After the Wedding Day Be Self-Controlled – To be self-controlled is to be reasonable and sensible; it includes the idea of being disciplined in one’s life. – Discipline is a must in the marriage relationship. It affects many areas, but it is especially true with respect to being committed to one person physically. Proverbs 5:15-23 – Discipline with respect to financial decisions.

11. After the Wedding Day Be Sober Minded – “…in the New Testament… it means to be calm and collected in spirit; to be temperate, circumspect.” (Thayer) – A person who is calm and circumspect will be calm in “words”, as well as action.

12. After the Wedding Day Keep loving each other – Love is the active good will toward another person. – Love is not an option in a marriage. It is required. – How can we show love in our marriage? Fulfill our responsibilities Encourage our spouse in spiritual things Show love in our words toward one another Show love in our words about each other

13. After the Wedding Day Serve one another – Showing hospitality is part of service. – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 ESV) – This verse shows us the attitude we should have toward other Christians, but especially to our spouse.

14. After the Wedding Day Conclusion – How can we build and maintain our marriage after the wedding day? Show self-control and discipline Be sober, circumspect and calm. Keep loving one another Serve one another