Honorable Marriage in God's Sight — Talk Outline (S-11) (1988)

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HONOURABLE MARRIAGE IN GOD'S SIGHT

MARRIAGE—PROVIDED BY GOD FOR LASTING LOVE AND HAPPINESS (.4 min)

Wedlock is one of Jehovah's provisions for the lasting benefit and happiness of his earthly children (Ge1:26) Perfect human Adam had need for helper and complement to fulfill God's commission to 'fill the eartli and subdue it' (Gen. 1:28; 2:18)

God brought first human together, marrying them (Read Genesis 2:21, 22.)

Provision was to be permanent union (Read Genesis 2:24.)

Since Jehovah is a "God of love" and a "happy God," honourable marriage reflects these qualities (2 Cor. 13:11; 1 'l'im 1:11)

HOW CAN YOU MAKE MARRIAGE LAST—IN LOVE AND HAPPINESS? (4min)

For Christian marriage to last, God must be put first in life and his advice followed by both mates (Matt. 22:33-40; Rom.13:8-10) Marriage is a twofold cord—with mates and mutually supportive—but love for God can strengthen marriage, as if he were party to it (EccI.4:9-12) Can trust God's advice, for he knows our physical and emotional makeup better than any human marriage counsellor Ps 103:14 Studying Bible, praying, and worshipping together will draw you closer to each other and to Jehovah

A HUSBAND WHO GAINS DEEP RESPECT (fl pp.40-53) (17 min)

Man appointed by God as loving head of family (1Cor 11:3)

Headship involves using sound judgment based on Bible, taking lead in loving, kind way

Includes supplying material, spiritual, emotional, and recreational needs of family

Taking lead in worship is overlooked by many in world but is vital in balancing Christian family life

Christian leadership does not permit a man to be a tyrant

Husband is to follow Christ's example (Read Ephesians 5:25, 28, 29.)

Jesus willing to give his life for congregation, or bride

He unselfishly put others first (Rom. 15:1-3)

Was mild-temptered and source of refreshment (Matt. 11:29)

Christian husband to love his wife as his own body

No sane man hates or is brutal to own body but fills its needs

Husband not to violently angry with wife in word or action; should not downgrade her (Col. 3:19)

A WIFE WHO IS DEARLY LOVED (fl pp. 54-69) (6 min.)

Bilile shows wife's role in niarriage is an honourable, dignified one

Christian husband told to assign her:"honor"

As "complement," wife is not a slave or inferior as a person

Her recognition of headship principle promotes marital success and happiness (Read Ephesians 5:22-24)

Relative subjectionis divine commandment, so is for human good

Without leadership, the result is discord, confusion, and unhappiness

Wife’s “deep respect” for husband shown cooperation with him, not competition ( Read Ephesians 5:33 )

When he errs, she will not belittle him but be understanding

Christian wife is "helper," to work with husband (Prov. 31:10-31)

She can contribute much to make home pleasant and happy CULTIVATE DEEP LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE (f1 pp.70-80) (4 min.)

Both mates should clothe themselves with love (Col. 3:12-14)

As clothing protects the body, so love safeguards marital unity

Clothing can also enhance the beauty of the wearer, even as love can add lustre to God's marvellous provision of marriage

Show love for each other daily, even in little things _{1} such as by tender words aud acts of affection

Doing so will strengthen marriage, for "love never fails" (1 Cor. 13:4-8)

WEDDING PROCEDURE BEFORE VOWS (w52 p.363) (2 min.)

Bride,and bridegroom, and the legal witnesses stand before minister

Groom is asked "Do you---- in the presence of Jehovah God and these witnesses, take----to be your wedded wife, to love and to cherish, in accordance with the divine law as outlined in the Holy Scriptures for Christian husbands, for as long as you both may live?" (Man then answers: "I do.")

Bride is asked: "Do you,——- , in the presence of Jehovah God and these wituesses, take——to be your wedded husband, to love and to cherish and deeply respect, in accordance with the divine law as outlined in the Holy Scriptures for Christian wives for as long as you both may live?" (Woman then answers: "I do.")

(If arrangement is for woman to be given in marriage, minister will say: "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" The father or other person says: "I do." If there are no arrangements to give woman in marriage, this can be dispensed with.

MARRIAGE VOWS (w84 4/15 p.14) (3 min.)

(Administered by one legally authorized as marrying agent)

Groom is to repeat:

"I—— take you —— to be my wedded wife, to love and to cherish in accordance with the divine law as set forth in the Holy Scriptures for Christian husbands, for as long as we both shall live together on earth according to God's marital arrangement."

Bride is to repeat:

"I——take you to be my wedded husband, to love and to cherish and deeply respect in accordance with the divine law as set forth in the Holy Scriptures for Christiaii wives, for as long as we both shall live together on earth according to God's marital arrangement."

[If rings are to be exchanged at this point groom may be invited to place ring on bride's finger, and then she on his. If he desires, the minister may remark: "This ring (or rings) Is an outward and visible sign signifying unto all the uniting of this man and this woman in the bonds of matrimony."]

Minister may then say:

"For as much as { man's name} and [wonian's name] have covenanted.before Jehovah God and thede witnesses to aaccept each other in wedlock, I, as an ordained minister and by the authority conferred upon me by the Holy Scriptures and the Commonwealth of Australia pronounce that they are husband and wife together.What God has yoked together, let no man put apart.

Followed by prayer of blessing upon the newly married couple.

All necessary legal papers should be signed by the newly married couple, witnesses, and the marriage celebrant.

Then the speaker may say:

"It is my happy pleasure to introduce to this marriage gathering Brother and Sister___.

[Note: the above is a suggested outline for a marriage talk. In some countries adjustments may be necessary to meet legal requirements.]