Bible study lessons on marriage offer invaluable guidance for couples striving to build strong, loving relationships rooted in biblical principles. Here are three key biblical lessons to consider:
- Embrace Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical Closeness: Ground your marriage in Genesis 2:24, which calls for unity at every level.
- Learn from Famous Biblical Couples: Study stories like Abraham and Sarah or Joseph and Mary to understand trust and divine purpose in marriage.
- Integrate Faith into Daily Life: Ephesians 5:25 emphasizes love and sacrifice, reminding couples to follow Christ’s example.
Marriage, as described in the Bible, is more than a social contract; it is a covenant before God that emphasizes unity and love. Genesis 2:24 speaks about becoming “one flesh,” highlighting the deep connection that marriage entails. Similarly, Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, setting a high standard of sacrificial love and commitment.
Marriage lessons from the Bible are practical and timeless, aiming to strengthen bonds and enrich spiritual and emotional well-being. From learning the essence of patience with Abraham and Sarah to understanding divine purpose through Joseph and Mary, these stories provide rich insights for every couple.
I’m Mike Worley, dedicated to helping couples build thriving marriages anchored in Jesus’ teachings. With over 15 years of experience, my wife Holly and I guide couples like you in discovering and implementing biblical wisdom in your marriage.
The Foundation of Biblical Marriage
A strong marriage is built on three key pillars: spiritual closeness, emotional closeness, and physical closeness. The Bible provides timeless wisdom on how to nurture these aspects, ensuring a marriage that not only survives but thrives.
Spiritual Closeness
Genesis 2:24 says, “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse sets the foundation for the spiritual unity that should exist in a marriage. When two people come together in marriage, they are not just joining their bodies but also their spirits. This spiritual closeness is essential for a strong, resilient marriage.
Ephesians 5:25 further emphasizes the importance of spiritual unity: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This kind of sacrificial love requires deep spiritual connection and commitment. Couples are encouraged to pray together, study the Bible together, and seek God’s guidance in all aspects of their marriage.
Emotional Closeness
Emotional closeness is about understanding and supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. Proverbs 31:10 celebrates the value of a virtuous wife, saying, “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” This verse highlights the importance of emotional support and mutual respect in a marriage.
To build emotional closeness, couples should communicate openly, listen actively, and show empathy. Simple acts like expressing gratitude, giving compliments, and spending quality time together can go a long way in strengthening emotional bonds.
Physical Closeness
Physical closeness is also an important aspect of marriage. It goes beyond mere physical attraction and involves a deep sense of intimacy and connection. The Bible encourages healthy physical relationships within the bounds of marriage. Genesis 2:24 mentions becoming “one flesh,” which underscores the importance of physical intimacy in a marital relationship.
Maintaining physical closeness can involve simple gestures like holding hands, hugging, and spending time together without distractions. It’s about making an effort to connect physically in ways that are meaningful and loving.
Putting It All Together
Combining these three pillars—spiritual, emotional, and physical closeness—creates a strong foundation for a biblical marriage. By following these principles, couples can build a relationship that is resilient, loving, and fulfilling.
For more insights into building a strong marriage foundation, check out our Marriage Foundations page.
Next, let’s explore five marriages in the Bible that offer valuable lessons for modern couples.
Five Marriages to Learn From
Abraham and Sarah
The marriage of Abraham and Sarah is one of the most recognized in the Old Testament. They were promised a child by God, a significant part of His covenant with them (Genesis 15:5). However, their journey was far from smooth.
Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife, calling her his sister to protect himself from Pharaoh (Genesis 12:10-20). They also doubted God’s promise of a child due to their old age, leading them to take matters into their own hands by having Abraham father a child with Sarah’s maid, Hagar (Genesis 18:12-14).
Lesson: Trust in God and have patience. Abraham and Sarah remind us that taking matters into our own hands can lead to unnecessary stress and complications. Trusting God, even when it seems impossible, is essential for a strong marriage.
Elizabeth and Zechariah
Elizabeth and Zechariah, the parents of John the Baptist, also experienced a miraculous child late in life. Zechariah, a priest, doubted the angel Gabriel’s message that his wife would conceive, which led to him being made mute until the birth of their son (Luke 1:18-25).
When it came time to name their son, Elizabeth declared his name would be John, despite tradition dictating otherwise. Zechariah confirmed this by writing it on a tablet, and his voice was immediately restored (Luke 1:59-64).
Lesson: Have faith and stand together. Elizabeth and Zechariah teach us the importance of faith in God’s plans and standing united as a couple, even when traditions or societal expectations challenge us.
Gomer and Hosea
Hosea’s marriage to Gomer, a promiscuous woman, was commanded by God to illustrate His unfailing love for Israel despite their unfaithfulness (Hosea 1:1-9). Gomer repeatedly left Hosea, but he always sought her out and brought her back, symbolizing God’s relentless love and forgiveness for His people (Hosea 14).
Lesson: Practice unfailing love and forgiveness. Hosea and Gomer’s story highlights the importance of forgiveness and enduring love in marriage, even when faced with betrayal and hardship.
Joseph and Mary
Joseph and Mary’s marriage had a divine purpose. When Mary was found to be with child, Joseph planned to end their engagement quietly. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream, revealing that Mary’s child was the Son of God (Matthew 1:20-25).
Joseph obeyed the angel’s message, married Mary, and supported her through the birth of Jesus, showing obedience to God’s plan.
Lesson: Embrace divine purpose and obedience. Joseph and Mary demonstrate that marriage can have a purpose beyond our understanding. Obedience to God’s will can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
King Xerxes and Esther
Esther’s marriage to King Xerxes began under unusual circumstances. Despite being an arranged marriage, they developed mutual respect and love. Esther showed great courage by approaching the king unannounced to save her people from Haman’s evil plot (Esther).
Through her respectful and strategic approach, Esther revealed Haman’s plan, saving her people and earning the king’s favor.
Lesson: Show respect and courage. Esther’s story teaches us the importance of respect and courage in marriage. By understanding and respecting each other’s positions, couples can navigate challenges and support one another effectively.
Next, we will explore three essential marriage lessons for young couples, focusing on letting God define ‘normal,’ staying in step with the Spirit, and sharing your new life with others.
Three Essential Marriage Lessons for Young Couples
Let God Define ‘Normal’
Every couple comes from unique backgrounds. These differences can either enrich your marriage or create friction.
Reprioritize Your Loyalties: Your childhood norms shouldn’t be the ultimate standard in your marriage. Let God’s word guide you as you create new practices for your marriage. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” This means Scripture should be your go-to for defining what’s normal in your marriage.
Biblical Roles: Ephesians 5:22-25 instructs wives to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ, and husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. This reprioritizing helps both partners align their expectations with God’s design, instead of their family traditions or cultural norms.
Stay in Step with the Spirit
Paul tells us in Galatians 5:25-26, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Even loving couples can fall into the trap of competition and envy.
Unity and Confession: Unity in marriage means you’re on the same team. When something good happens to one spouse, it’s a win for both. When challenges arise, you face them together. Regularly confess your sins and set your mind on the Spirit. Romans 8:5 says, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
By conforming to God’s design, you’ll stay united. Matthew 19:5-6 reminds us, “‘a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Share Your New Life with Others
Hospitality and community are crucial for a thriving marriage. When Holly and I got married, we quickly joined a local church and started hosting a small group. This wasn’t just about helping others; it shaped our marriage and set our priorities.
Practice Hospitality: Don’t wait for the perfect time. The hospitable people I know are generous with what they have, whether it’s little or much. Romans 15:7 says, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Build Community: Sharing your life with others fosters a strong community and enriches your marriage. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 beautifully captures this: “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”
Next, we will answer some frequently asked questions about Bible study lessons on marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bible Study Lessons on Marriage
What is the biblical lesson on marriage?
The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God. Genesis 2:24 states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse emphasizes the spiritual closeness and unity that marriage brings. It’s not just a physical union but also a spiritual and emotional one.
What does the Bible teach us about marriage?
Marriage is portrayed as a covenant, a solemn agreement, between a man and a woman, ordained by God. Malachi 2:14 describes it as such: “The Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
In Mark 10:8-9, Jesus reinforces this idea: “and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” This highlights the permanence and sanctity of the marriage bond.
What are God’s three purposes for marriage?
- Companionship: Marriage provides a lifelong companion to share life’s joys and challenges. Genesis 2:18 says, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
- Procreation: Marriage is the foundation for family life. Genesis 1:28 instructs, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.” This highlights the role of marriage in bringing new life into the world.
- Redemption: Marriage symbolizes the relationship between Christ and the Church, offering a glimpse into God’s redemptive plan. Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Understanding these purposes can help couples navigate their marriage with a sense of divine purpose and commitment.
Conclusion
At Spark Discipleship, we believe that Christian discipleship plays a crucial role in building thriving marriages. By following biblical principles, couples can experience deeper unity, love, and purpose in their relationships.
Marriage is more than just a union between two people; it is a covenant that mirrors our relationship with Christ. By embracing the lessons from the Bible, such as those highlighted in our Marriage Foundations Course, couples can build strong, Christ-centered marriages that withstand life’s inevitable storms.
Following Jesus in marriage means continually seeking to grow in spiritual, emotional, and physical closeness. It involves learning from biblical examples like Abraham and Sarah, who demonstrated trust and patience, or Joseph and Mary, who showed divine purpose and obedience. These stories remind us that every marriage has a unique journey, but with God at the center, it can thrive.
We encourage you to dive deeper into bible study lessons on marriage to uncover more wisdom and guidance. Whether you’re newly married, facing challenges, or simply looking to strengthen your bond, God’s Word offers timeless advice to help you navigate your marital journey.
In conclusion, a thriving marriage is not just about compatibility or shared interests; it’s about mutual commitment to following Jesus together. By integrating biblical wisdom into your daily life, you can build a marriage that not only lasts but flourishes.
For more resources and support, consider joining our Marriage Foundations Course. Let’s embark on this journey together, making Christ the cornerstone of our marriages.
