Instructions on Marriage
We are constantly bombarded by the world’s distorted portrayal of sex and marriage, which focuses on selfish romantic fulfillment and physical pleasure. This week, Rev. Genesis Tan reminds us that marriage is God’s gracious gift and provision to help us fight sexual temptation and avoid sexual immorality.
Read Today’s Scripture Passage
1 Corinthians 7:1-9
1. Start with a prayer
2. Engage one another (15-30 mins)
– Share a time you did not treat your body the way it deserves/was dishonorable to God (e.g. vices, unhealthy sleeping or eating patterns). What did you learn from that experience? What helped you change your behavior?
3. Engage the mind (15-20 mins)
– Read the passage. What can we learn about the boundaries of sex? (vv.1-2)
– It’s becoming a norm for people to engage in pre-marital sex and/or live together to experience “trial marriages” and see if they are compatible. Using today’s passage and other Bible verses and principles, articulate what our stand as Christians should be.
4. Engage the heart (15-20 mins)
– Explain the benefits and responsibilities of being single and being married. Are you intentional to live these out in your current season?
– Examine yourself: Are you content in your current state (single or married)? How do you handle feelings of lust or temptation, and what support do you have in place to help you?
5. Engage the hands (15-20 mins)
– What specific steps can you take to ensure that you maintain purity in your relationships?
– If married: How can you ensure that mutual consent and communication are prioritized in your marriage, especially regarding physical affection and sexual intimacy?
– How can you and your circle (Life Group, family, friends) encourage and support one another in upholding the sanctity of marriage and avoiding sexual immorality?
6. Engage with God in prayer (20-30 mins)
– Thank God for the gift of marriage and the beautiful design He has created for our relationships. Praise Him for the wisdom and guidance He provided in His Word, teaching us about purity, duty, and the unique gifts He has given to each one of us. Thank Him for the joy and fulfillment that comes from following His principles and for the strength to maintain purity in our lives.
– Approach the Heavenly Father with repentance for the times you have failed to uphold the sanctity of marriage and purity in your relationships. Ask for forgiveness for any indulgence or neglect of your duties to your spouse/future spouse. Ask God to help you turn away from temptation and seek His righteousness. Pray for the grace to restore and strengthen your relationships according to His will, and to be cleansed from the guilt and shame of past shortcomings.
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