Week 2: The Role of the Family and Marriage

Introduction Objective: To understand the biblical foundation of marriage and the family unit, and their importance in society.

Overview:Review of the previous week's discussion on male and female roles.Focus on the sanctity of marriage and the family as a core societal unit.The Sanctity of Marriage

Biblical Foundation

Scripture Reference: Genesis 2:24 - "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."

Discussion Points:The divine origin of marriage as a union between man and woman.The significance of leaving one's parents and forming a new family unit.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 19:4-6 - "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."Discuss the permanence of marriage as ordained by God.

Commitment and Covenant

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 5:31-33 - "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

Discussion Points:Marriage as a covenant reflecting the relationship between Christ and the church.The roles of love and respect in maintaining a strong marital bond.

Scripture Reference: Malachi 2:14-16 - "You ask, 'Why?' It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth."Emphasize the importance of faithfulness and the purpose of raising godly offspring within marriage.The Family as a Unit

Core of Society Scripture Reference: Proverbs 22:6 - "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

Discussion Points:The family as the foundational unit of society.The role of parents in guiding and nurturing their children.

Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."Discuss the daily responsibility of parents to teach their children God’s commandments.

Support System Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Discussion Points:The importance of mutual support within the family.The strength that comes from unity and working together.

Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:18-21 - "Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."Emphasize harmonious relationships within the family based on love, respect, and obedience.Pew Research Data and Current Challenges

Pew Research Findings: A 2020 Pew Research Center study found that only 29% of Americans believe that their church is very effective at addressing issues related to marriage and family.Many respondents indicated that they feel more supported by secular counseling services than by their church community.

Current Challenges Faced by the Church:

Inadequate Marriage Preparation and Support: Many churches lack comprehensive premarital counseling programs, leaving couples unprepared for the challenges of marriage.Ongoing support and counseling for married couples are often insufficient, leading to higher rates of marital dissatisfaction and divorce among churchgoers.

Scripture Reference: Hosea 4:6 - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."Emphasize the need for education and support within the church.

Neglect of Single and Blended Families: Single parents and blended families often feel marginalized within church communities, as much of the teaching and support is geared towards traditional nuclear families.There is a need for more inclusive programs that address the unique challenges faced by these family structures.

Scripture Reference: James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."Highlight the importance of supporting all family types within the church.

Cultural Pressures: Modern cultural narratives often conflict with biblical teachings on marriage and family, creating confusion and tension within church communities.The rise of individualism and the devaluation of marriage as a lifelong commitment pose significant challenges to upholding biblical family values.

Scripture Reference: Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."Discuss the need to resist cultural pressures and remain faithful to biblical teachings.

Current Events Impacting Families:

Divorce Rates: The high prevalence of divorce continues to challenge the stability of families and the church's ability to support marital unity.

Shifts in Family Structure: The increasing number of single-parent households and blended families requires the church to adapt its teachings and support systems.

Mental Health: The growing mental health crisis, particularly among children and adolescents, calls for greater focus on family support and resilience.Interactive Activity

Couples Sharing Their Marriage Journey: Invite couples from the congregation to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in marriage.Encourage open and honest discussions about the realities of married life and how faith has played a role in their journey.

Scripture Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."Emphasize the importance of sharing and encouraging each other.

Group Discussion on Maintaining a Strong Marriage: Facilitate small group discussions on practical ways to strengthen marital bonds.Topics may include communication, conflict resolution, financial management, and maintaining intimacy.

Scripture

Reference: Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."Encourage constructive dialogue and mutual growth.

Interactive Workshop: Conduct a workshop on effective communication in marriage, led by a marriage counselor or experienced couple.Provide practical tools and strategies for couples to improve their communication and strengthen their relationship.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."Focus on building up each other through positive and supportive communication.

Conclusion: Reaffirm the sanctity of marriage and the family unit as foundational to society.Encourage couples and families to seek support from the church community and to actively participate in church programs designed to strengthen family bonds.

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."Stress the importance of community and mutual support in maintaining strong families.

Additional Resources Pew Research Center: Religion and Public LifeFamily Research Council:

Family and SocietyFocus on the Family: Marriage ResourcesThis detailed study guide will help attendees understand the biblical role of the family and marriage, addressing current challenges and encouraging interactive participation to strengthen family units.