GODLY HOMES

In an ungodly world (8)

An ongoing study of the Home as God’s Word teaches.

The Marriage Covenant

Contract vs. CovenantWhat is a contract?

An agreement between parties that agree in writing to specific terms to do somethingOften based upon a lack of complete trustIt is legal and can be enforced in court.

Contract vs. CovenantWhat is a contract?

Many marriages today treated only as a contractCf. “Prenuptial agreements” – Such are sinful! (materialistic, a lack of trust, temporary marriage)

Contract vs. CovenantWhat is a covenant?

A solemn agreement… by which two or more parties commit themselves to the rights and responsibilities demanded by their relationship and accept the consequences of breaking faith.

Contract vs. CovenantWhat is a covenant?

From Hebrew, berith – meaning “to fetter”Found some 318 times in NKJV (292 – KJV, 321 – NASU)

Contract vs. Covenant Primarily deals with the

agreement between God and His people

Gen. 15:18 – Abraham Gen. 6:18 – Noah,

Deut. 29:9-14 – Israel New Testament - Heb.

8:6, 13, etc.

Contract vs. Covenant Differences Covenant based upon trust –

contract distrust Covenant unlimited

responsibility – contract limited

Covenant life long – contract can be voided by mutual consent

Contract vs. Covenant Marriage is a covenant Mal. 2:14 Prov. 2:17 Ezekiel 16:8 Eph. 5:22-33 –

relationship compared to that of Christ & His church

Contract vs. Covenant Marriage is a covenant that

is binding for life (cf. Rom. 7:1-3)

The Marriage Ceremony Many traditions associated

with the wedding ceremony are based upon the reverence of the occasion in God’s eyes and towards one another

The Marriage Ceremony Groom enters first – He

initiated the covenant White runner – the purity

and sacredness of the union the wife is about to enter into

White dress – presenting herself pure to her husband

The Marriage Ceremony The veil – a sign of

submission and modesty “IF there be any cause” –

demonstrates seriousness of the occasion

Rings – symbol of unending love & devotion; a declaration to the world that you entered this covenant relationship

The Marriage Ceremony Pronouncing husband and

wife – before witnesses announces the marriage has begun

Guest book – a list of witnesses

Marriage certificate – the legal “contract”, signed by witnesses.

The Marriage Vows The vows exchanged need

to contain substance that demonstrates an understanding of the covenant they are entering into.

The Marriage Vows Vows are serious – Eccl. 5:1-5 Mal. 2:14 Deut. 23:21-23 What God has joined

together – Matt. 19:6

The Marriage Vows “I __________ take you

________ to be my lawfully wedded (husband/wife)”A declaration that you can and are willing to be joined to this person. You understand what you are entering into.

The Marriage Vows “To have and to hold

from this day forward”to take your spouse to be your friend and companion BEFORE others (Eccl. 4:9-12)

The Marriage Vows “For richer or poorer”

prosperity (or lack there of) can cause marital problems (1 Tim. 6:6-10)We will be there for one another regardless of material circumstances

The Marriage Vows “In sickness and in

health”will we grow old together and take care of one another when our health fails?

The Marriage Vows Wives “To love, honor

and obey”A promise to obey God by submitting to your husband (Eph. 2:22-24, 1 Pet. 3:5-6). NOTE: Is he worthy of submitting to?

The Marriage Vows Husbands “To love,

honor and cherish”A promise to take care of and provide for her and your family (1 Peter 3:7, Eph. 5:25-33). NO selfishness

The Marriage Vows “Till death do us part”

Marriage is for life! (Rom. 7:1-3, Matt. 19:6)

The Marriage Vows IF one were unwilling to

say these things, I would be hesitant to perform the ceremony! And you should be hesitant to marry one who refuses to exchange these vows!

May God influence

our decisions in our homes