The Purpose of Marriage | Questions and Answers

Duane Sheriff Ministries

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The Purpose of Marriage | Questions and Answers

Marriage & Family Conference

November 13, 2024 • Duane Sheriff, Sue Sheriff

Marriage is a great mystery. Duane and Sue Sheriff share their experiences of being married for over 40 years and respond to questions presented by the audience.

The Purpose Of Marriage | Designed By God

November 10, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Mark 10:5–9, Ecclesiastes 3:1–17, Proverbs 15:22, Genesis 2:18, Genesis 2:24–25

Marriage is not a human-made institution but a divine creation. Duane Sheriff teaches why God created marriage and the purpose of marriage from a biblical perspective. Genesis 2:18 God declares, "It is not good that the man should be alone" and creates a helper suitable for him - a woman. In Mark 10:6-9, Jesus affirms that "from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female" and establishes that a man shall leave his parents and be joined to his wife, becoming one flesh. The culture has strayed from God's original purpose for marriage, resulting in the abuse, misuse, and frustration of this sacred institution. At times, the church has remained silent on these issues, allowing society to redefine marriage according to its own standards rather than God's design. By understanding God's original intent for marriage, the church can speak truth and reclaim our role as stewards of this divine mystery.

The Purpose of Marriage | Part 2 | Why Not Get Married

November 10, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Psalm 127:3–5, Proverbs 3:13, 1 Peter 1:18–19, Colossians 2:9–10, 1 Corinthians 7:28

Today, many people misunderstand the purpose of marriage. Duane Sheriff teaches why it is important to understand God's design for marriage rather than listening to the culture's misconceptions. Marriage does not exist to make us happy, complete, or to escape troubles. Instead, it should be a relationship centered around God's principles. According to Colossians 2:9-10, we are already complete in Christ and shouldn't look to another person to make us whole. This scripture teaches that in Jesus "dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" and "you are complete in him." Marriage will not fix our personal issues or make us whole. Proverbs 3:13 says, "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding." True happiness comes from wisdom and understanding, not from a spouse. Create a home centered around God, where both partners seek to follow God's guidance. Understanding and living God's purpose for marriage leads to blessings and fulfillment.

The Purpose of Marriage | Part 3 | Why Get Married - A

November 10, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Ephesians 5:30–33, Hebrews 13:4, Genesis 2:18–25, 1 Corinthians 7:1–3, Deuteronomy 22:15–19

There are reasons to get married and reasons not to get married. In part 3 of this marriage series, Duane Sheriff teaches the reasons to consider before marriage. Genesis 2:18, God created marriage for companionship and partnership, saying, “It is not good that the man should be alone.” Marriage is a covenant and not merely a contract. Malachi 2:14 highlights the seriousness of this commitment, stating, “The Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.” Believers who misuse or misunderstand this covenant can cause harm and damage not only to themselves but to others as well. If individuals are not ready to fully commit, it is better not to marry. Seek marital counseling and understand marriage before committing. It is essential to marry for the right reasons, as divorce can result in emotional and spiritual consequences.