Glue Week 2 “Covenant is the Glue”

God is a God of covenant. The covenant between a husband and a wife is important to God and that is why He gives instruction in His word for marriage. In today’s lesson we will look at what the Bible has to say about marriage. If you are already married, let this lesson strengthen you. If you are single, let it prepare you for marriage.

Read: Genesis 2:24 –

God’s plan has always s been for a monogamous, heterosexual marriage. He has a plan for us to be fruitful and multiply. This can only take place in a heterosexual relationship. When we allow same sex marriage, we are going against 6,000 years of Biblical history.

“Hold fast” (cleave) is the Hebrew word for “Glue”. God intended marriage to be an indissoluble “glue”. What are some things we should consider to strengthen the “glue” of our marriages?

Women –

God is more concerned about your attributes than He is about your roles. Here are some attributes to consider.

1. Surrender: Don’t be controlling. Get rid of control by relinquishing the externals. The desire to control is born out of insecurity. Voluntarily yield your will, rights, preferences, independence (Eph. 5:22,33; Col. 3:18; IPet. 3:1,5)

2. Serenity: Get rid of drama. You do this by controlling the internals. There will always be situations you cannot control but you can always control yourself. It takes strength to be meek. The pillars of serenity are simplicity and order.

Question: What are some of the things that ignite drama in your life? How do you stay in peace when drama tries to arise?

3. Service: Get rid of selfishness by serving others. (I Cor. 7:3-4, 34; ITim. 5:16; Titus 2:4-5) God made women with a great capacity to serve and a natural desire to nurture.

Men -

Read: Ps. 128:3

Pitfalls to avoid to have a happy wife:

1. Financial insecurity –

A woman has been “re-programmed” after the fall to be dependant upon her husband to provide for her. In finances, she wants to know where the money is coming from for next month’s needs. The best way to keep her secure is to have three months salary in the bank.

2. Loneliness – A woman longs for intimacy. As a husband you should focus on time with your wife. Proximity is not intimacy.

3. Lack of routine – A woman craves routine but our lives are far from it. You should develop routines; morning walks, breakfast at the same time, reading the Bible, bedtimes, etc.

Questions: What are some of your daily routines? Do you have any?

4. Communication issues: You should give your wife a chance to “adjust” you. If she points out a flaw, admit it and commit to change.

5. Dishonor – IPeter 3:7 says husbands should give honor to wives a the weaker vessel. Open doors for her, walk beside her, notice her needs.

6. Mistrust - Your wife should never see you as shady, deceptive and manipulative. Never break the law, even in small things. Never lie to her Never flirt with, go to lunch with, or even ride alone in a car with another woman. Be accountable.

7. Unprotected – Ruth said to Boaz “cover me”. A wife needs to feel that she is protected, that she has a man that will step in between her and anything that makes her feel uncomfortable or afraid.

Take the last few minutes and pray for marriages in the group. Pray for healing where there have been wounds and the blessing of togetherness.