*SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN*

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

O how I love Thee well,

I am happy, it makes me glad

To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Thy friend friendship suits me well,

Both young and will sing Thy song,

We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Christ was Thy first teacher,

The Holy Spirit, great teacher,

Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

This testimony is sure,

That God, the Father Almighty,

Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Though the sun be so bright,

Or if the clouds be black with rain,

I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day

I rejoice to see Thee,

Will thou pass over me today?

Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 5:22-29.

[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:

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.

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.

OUTLINES:

1.MARRIAGE STATUS

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIVING MARRIAGE

1. MARRIAGE STATUS

‘Marriage in coma’:This is a marriage in which neither of the spouses feels the presence of the other nor spends quality time together thereby, allowing bitterness and resentment to spring up in their hearts (Hebrews 12:15). The couple refuses to keep communication lines open. They dwell more on each other’s weaknesses or offenses (1Samuel 25:25-26). In this kind of marriage, there is selfishness and the partners may be inconsiderate (Philippians 2:3).

‘Dead marriage’: In this kind of marriage, there are no traces of true love. Even if they are living under the same roof, there may not be emotional attachment/attraction or genuine concern for each other’s wellbeing. They are more like familiar strangers or two people just cohabiting (1 Corinthians 3:3).

‘Living marriage’: This is a kind of marriage in which the couple dwells together in understanding, patience, sacrifices, love, and enjoys the company of each other (Genesis 26:8). Over time they have learned to manage their weaknesses or excesses.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should contrast between the “Coma’’ marriage and “Dead’’ marriage.

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIVING MARRIAGE

LESSON 32

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. Here 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). 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 decides to 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 each other (Romans 12:10).

vi. Commitment: They show a keen interest in the progress of each other’s careers, 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.

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

Ephesians 5:22-29.