OPENING PRAYER: Father, let every husband love his wife and let every wife reverence her husband in the name of Jesus. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 7 April 2024 HYMN)

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the Assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.

MEMORY VERSE: “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” – Ephesians 5:33 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 5:22-29 (KJV)

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Marriage is a state of being united as man and woman in a consensual and contractual relationship recognised by law. According to the Bible, marriage is a honourable institution (Hebrews 13:4) and a lifetime commitment (Matthew 19:6). However, it is generally observed that some marriages are in a state of coma or completely dead, while some merely exist. What is the status of your marriage as a believer? It is interesting to know that God desires that we all have living marriages.

LESSON AIM: To study the status of some marriages and the characteristics of a living marriage.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through the lesson, students should be able to:

a. Understand the state of some marriages.
b. Discover the characteristics of a living marriage.

TEXT REVIEW: Ephesians 5:22-29.

The teacher should identify five desirable natures of a godly husband according to Ephesians 5:22-29.
i. …………………………………………………
ii. ………………………………………………..
iii. ……………………………………………….
iv. ……………………………………………….
v. …………………………………………………

LESSON OUTLINES:

MARRIAGE STATUS
CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIVING MARRIAGE
1. MARRIAGE STATUS

The teacher should highlight the characteristics of the following marriage status as indicated below:
I. ‘Marriage In Coma’: This is a marriage in which neither of the spouses feels the presence of the other nor spends quality time together.
This marriage has the following characteristics:
i. Bitterness and resentment (Hebrews 12:15).
ii. The couple refuses to keep communication lines open.
iii. They dwell more on each other’s weaknesses or offenses (1 Samuel 25:25-26).
iv. There is selfishness
v. Partners may be inconsiderate (Philippians 2:3).
II. Dead Marriage: In this kind of marriage, there are no traces of true love
i. Even if they are living under the same roof, there may not be emotional attachment/attraction or genuine concern for each other’s wellbeing.
ii. They are more like familiar strangers or two people just cohabiting (1 Corinthians 3:3).
III. Living Marriage: This is a kind of marriage in which the couple dwells together in understanding
i. There is genuine love.
ii. There is sacrifice and patience.
iii. Couple enjoys the company of each other (Genesis 26:8).
iv. Over time they have learned to manage their weaknesses or excesses.

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIVING MARRIAGE

A living marriage is a function of mutual fulfilment derived from a selfless commitment to the marital union. This can only be achieved by the grace of God, determination, and deliberate efforts of both partners. Below are some characteristics of a living marriage:
i. The fear of God: The couple subjects their decisions to the standard of God’s word and operates their home based on the fear and love of God. (Genesis 18:19; Isaiah 8:13).
ii. Love: The love between such a couple transcends “eros’’ (sexual intimacy) or phileo (friendship). It is God’s kind of Love that is unconditional and sacrificial (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Ephesians 5:24-25). A couple in a living marriage is prepared to ‘weather the storm’ throughout their lifetime.
iii. Mutual support: This couple makes the decision to stay and support each other through thick and thin (Galatians 6:2).
iv. Forgiveness: Conflicts are inevitable and sometimes healthy because it promotes a better understanding. The couple is quick to ask for forgiveness as well as to grant it (Ephesians 4:32).
v. Kindness: they maintain a great habit of being kind and understanding of each other (Romans 12:10).
vi. Commitment: they show a keen interest in the progress of each other’s career, ministry, business, extended families, etc. They share each other’s views and visions (Philippians 2:4).
vii. Appreciation: They develop the attitude of gratitude and celebrate each other (Philippians 2:3).
viii. Acceptance: They do not dwell on the weakness of each other but prayerfully work on each other and trust God for positive changes (Ephesians 4:2).
ix. Time: They spend quality time together in understanding and knowing each other (Genesis 26:8, Ecclesiastes 9:9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The class should discuss the enemies of a living marriage.

CONCLUSION: In a living marriage, the human ego is reduced to the barest minimum to enjoy marital bliss.

QUESTIONS:

Describe at least three states of some marriages.
Mention four characteristics of a living marriage.
EVALUATION: Mention what you have learned under the three states of marriages i.e. “Coma’’, “Dead’’ and “Living’’ marriage.

CLOSING PRAYER: O God, please revive any marriage in “coma” or a ‘dead’ marriage in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention any five (5) factors that can make a “living marriage” status difficult to attain. (2X5=10 Marks).