LESSON TWENTY FIVE (25)
DATE: SUNDAY
TOPIC: MARRIAGE HAS A PRICE
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
BIBLE PASSAGE: : EPHESIANS 5:22-33.
[22]Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
[23]For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
[24]Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
[25]Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
[26]that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
[27]that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
[28]So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
[29]For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.
[30]For we are members of His body, of His
flesh and of His bones.
[31]“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
[32]This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
[33]Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
MEMORY VERSE: ‘And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him’’ Genesis 2:18 (NKJV).
INTRODUCTION: Marriage is a wonderful institution ordained by God for the good of humanity. However, just as every item of purchase has a price tag on it, marriage is not different. There are sacrifices and commitments to be put in place for a successful marriage.
OUTLINES:
1. FEATURES OF A GOOD MARRIAGE
2. PRICES TO PAY
1. FEATURES OF A GOOD MARRIAGE
A good marriage is peaceful. This is not the absence of storms (Lk.8:23) but because Jesus, the Prince of peace, dwells in the couple; the peace of God that passes all understanding is evident in the marriage (Eph.2:14; Phil.4:7). Joy is also apparent; this joy is however not dependent on ephemeral things of life alone (Rom. 15:13; Gal.5:22).
The free flow of forgiveness between a couple signifies a good union (Matt.6:14). Honouring God and His word is a sign of a healthy union (Job 23:11-12, Ps.119:2-3) as such couples are relieved of unnecessary tensions and confusion. Having a high opinion and being courteous to each other is a characteristic of a good marriage relationship (1Pet.3:6-7).
A high level of respect exhibited by couples for each other depicts a noble marriage (Gen.21:10-12). Always doting on each other is a good sign of a good marriage (Gen.26:8). Thorough knowledge of each other in all areas is important; that means, ‘there is nothing to hide’ (Prov.13:16). Sustaining the friendship started in courtship shows a good marriage thus the couple enjoys the company of each other (Prov.5:18-19).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should mention other features of good marriage known to them.
2. PRICES TO PAY
A good marriage comes with a high cost which is beyond the cost of an exotic wedding garment or ring. This cost would be paid with a lot of determination, hard work, and prayers. Some of the prices to pay include:
1. Giving up on individualism in order to achieve unity of purpose, especially in the areas of finance and work balance. (1Cor.3:3; Ps.133:1-3).
2. Discarding all selfish behaviours.
3. Being open to each other: stop hiding necessary information that should be made available to your spouse (Prov.27:5, Amos 3:3). Openness relieves the home of speculations and suspicions.
4. The sole belief and use of ‘my’ should be consciously changed to ‘our’ for instance; it should be ‘our car’ ‘our children’ ‘our responsibilities’ etc. (1 Cor.4:6-7).
5. Couples should develop a strong link and stick together in their drives and accomplishments in order to have each other’s back (SOS.1:14; 2:16).
6. Couples must always yield to God through obedience to His word and saying ‘yes’ to His will (Ps.119:11). The flesh must give way to the Spirit (Gal.2:20; Gal.5:19, 22).
7. Be intentional to make sure your marriage works because a successful marriage requires a lot of commitments (Eccl.9:9).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Are there prices ‘too high’ to pay for a successful marriage? Discuss them.
CONCLUSION: It will take a daily life of sacrifice and commitment to have a good marriage. Are you ready to pay the price?
QUESTIONS:
* Mention four features of a good marriage
* Mention five prices to pay to have a good marriage
ASSIGNMENT: Mention four practical things you will do to make your marriage a godly model for others. (No Mark).
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