The Sanctity of Marriage

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Malachi 2:10-16
Series: Malachi: God's Unchanging Love

Sermon Notes

1. The Problem of Marrying Unbelievers (vv. 10-12)
2. The Problem of Divorce (vv. 13-16)

Discussion Questions

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

• Did you listen to the sermon?
• Describe a marriage that you admire.

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Genesis 2:19-25. Discuss what you learn about marriage from these verses. Who is it for?
2. Read Ephesians 5:22-23. What do we learn here about marriage? Be specific.
3. Discuss the Bible’s description of marriage: one man and one woman for life. Any exceptions in the Bible?
4. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14. What does it mean to be “unequally yoked”? Does this apply to marriage? Business relationships? Other relationships? Why? Why not?
5. Read Deuteronomy 7:1-4. Why does God forbid His people to marry unbelievers? Discuss.
6. Read Matthew 19:1-11. What does Jesus say about marriage in these verses?
• Discuss how He clarifies Moses’ command in Deuteronomy 24.
• What are the implications of what Jesus says here for gay marriage?
• What are the implications for divorce?
• When is divorce permitted according to Jesus? Not permitted?
7. Read Malachi 2:10-16. Why does the Bible use such strong language about divorce? Why does the Bible call marriage a “covenant”? What does this mean?
8. Look through 1 Corinthians 7. Under what circumstances, biblically, is someone free to remarry? Be specific.

APPLICATION

Spend time praying for marriages and singles.