God’s Design for Marriage: A Study Guide
Focus: Love, Commitment, and Faith in Marriage
Purpose: To understand and apply biblical principles for a Christ centered marriage
Week 1: Marriage as a Covenant, Not a Contract
Scripture Readings:
• Genesis 2:18-24 – God’s creation of marriage
• Malachi 2:13-16 – The sacredness of marriage
• Ephesians 5:31-33 – The mystery of Christ and the Church
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Genesis 2:24 define the foundation of marriage?
2. What does it mean for marriage to be a covenant rather than a contract?
3. How does Paul compare marriage to Christ’s relationship with the Church?
Practical Application:
• Discuss with your spouse (or reflect if single) on how to view marriage as a lifelong commitment rather than a temporary agreement.
Recommended: God’s Design For Marriage: Love, Commitment and Faith
Week 2: Love – More Than a Feeling
Scripture Readings:
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – The nature of biblical love
• Ephesians 5:25-28 – Husbands’ and wives’ roles in love
• Colossians 3:12-14 – Putting on love as God’s chosen people
Reflection Questions:
1. How does biblical love differ from worldly love?
2. In what ways can I show patient, kind, and selfless love in my marriage (or future marriage)?
3. How does Christ’s love for the Church set an example for love in marriage?
Practical Application:
• Write down one way you can intentionally love your spouse (or prepare your heart for marriage) this week through action rather than just emotion.
Week 3: Commitment – Reflecting God’s Faithfulness
Scripture Readings:
• Matthew 19:3-6 – Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce
• Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 – Honoring commitments before God
• Hosea 2:19-20 – God’s unwavering commitment to His people
Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean for marriage to be “what God has joined together”?
2. How does God’s faithfulness to us set an example for commitment in marriage?
3. What challenges can weaken commitment, and how can we guard against them?
Practical Application:
• Set a specific goal to strengthen commitment in your marriage (e.g., improving communication, resolving conflicts biblically, renewing vows in small ways).
See Also: What Spiritual Disciplines Should Every Christian Practice?
Week 4: Faith – Keeping God at the Center
Scripture Readings:
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – The strength of a marriage with God at the center
• Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting God in all areas, including marriage
• Philippians 4:6-7 – Praying together for peace and unity
Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean for God to be the “third strand” in a marriage?
2. How does trusting God impact the way we handle challenges in marriage?
3. What are practical ways to keep faith at the center of your relationship?
Practical Application:
• Set aside time to pray with your spouse (or for your future marriage), asking God to be the foundation of your relationship.
Is Christianity Still Relevant In Today’s World?
Memory Verses for the Study
• Genesis 2:24 – “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
• Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
– Prayer Focus Throughout the Study
• Ask God to strengthen your marriage (or prepare you for a godly marriage).
• Pray for wisdom to love, commit, and keep God at the center.
• Seek guidance for handling challenges through bible principles.
Recommended: The Power Of Prayer: Strengthening Your Relationship With God
Last modified: February 18, 2025
