GOD’S ORIGINAL PLAN FOR MARRIAGE

GOD’S ORIGINAL PLAN FOR MARRIAGE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 19:3-6

Key Verse: “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matthew 19:6)

Supporting Texts: Genesis 2:18-24, Ephesians 5:22-33, Malachi 2:14-16, Hebrews 13:4, Colossians 3:18-19

Description: This study teaches believers God’s divine purpose and original design for marriage, revealing the importance of covenant, unity, love, faithfulness, and lifelong commitment.

INTRODUCTION

Marriage is one of God’s oldest and most sacred institutions. In Matthew chapter 19, the Pharisees questioned Jesus concerning divorce and marriage. In His response, Jesus pointed them back to the beginning, revealing God’s original intention for marriage before human sin and hardness of heart corrupted it.

Jesus declared that from the beginning, God created male and female and joined them together as one flesh. Marriage was designed to be a covenant relationship marked by love, unity, faithfulness, companionship, and spiritual partnership.

In today’s world, many wrong ideas about marriage have emerged through culture, selfishness, immorality, and worldly thinking. However, believers must understand that marriage is not merely a social contract or emotional arrangement; it is a divine covenant established by God Himself.

God’s original plan for marriage remains the standard for Christian homes and relationships. When marriages are built according to God’s design, they become places of peace, growth, fruitfulness, stability, and godly influence.

1. MARRIAGE WAS ORDAINED BY GOD

Marriage originated from God’s divine wisdom and purpose.

a) God created marriage from the beginning (Matthew 19:4)
Marriage is not a human invention but a divine institution established by God.

b) God created male and female with complementary roles (Genesis 1:27)
Husband and wife were designed to support, strengthen, and complete one another.

c) Marriage provides companionship and partnership (Genesis 2:18)
God declared that it was not good for man to be alone.

d) Marriage reflects God’s order, purpose, and covenant relationship (Ephesians 5:31-32)
Christian marriage symbolizes Christ’s relationship with His church.

Biblical Example:
God personally brought Eve to Adam, demonstrating divine involvement in marriage from the beginning (Genesis 2:21-22).

2. GOD DESIGNED MARRIAGE FOR UNITY AND ONENESS

Marriage is a covenant of deep spiritual and emotional union.

a) Husband and wife become one flesh (Matthew 19:5)
Marriage joins two individuals together in covenantal unity and intimacy.

b) Unity requires love, understanding, and sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25)
Successful marriage demands selflessness and mutual care.

c) Peace and agreement strengthen the marriage relationship (Amos 3:3)
Couples must walk together spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

d) Communication and forgiveness preserve unity (Colossians 3:13-14)
Love and patience help marriages survive difficulties and misunderstandings.

Biblical Example:
Priscilla and Aquila worked together in ministry and demonstrated spiritual partnership within marriage (Acts 18:24-26).

3. GOD EXPECTS FAITHFULNESS AND LIFELONG COMMITMENT

Marriage is a sacred covenant that should be honoured faithfully.

a) Jesus said what God joins together should not be separated (Matthew 19:6)
Marriage is intended to be permanent and protected.

b) Faithfulness preserves trust and stability within marriage (Hebrews 13:4)
Purity and commitment honour God and strengthen relationships.

c) Hardness of heart damages marriages (Matthew 19:8)
Pride, selfishness, and unforgiveness weaken covenant relationships.

d) God hates treachery and unfaithfulness in marriage (Malachi 2:14-16)
Marriage requires loyalty, sincerity, and integrity.

Biblical Example:
Hosea remained committed despite great emotional pain, reflecting covenant faithfulness and redeeming love (Hosea 3:1-3).

4. GODLY MARRIAGES BECOME INSTRUMENTS OF KINGDOM IMPACT

Healthy marriages influence families, churches, and future generations.

a) Godly homes raise godly children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Parents are called to nurture children in truth and righteousness.

b) Strong marriages provide spiritual stability and encouragement (Joshua 24:15)
Families become stronger when centred upon God.

c) Marriage can become a testimony of God’s grace and love (John 13:35)
Loving relationships reflect Christ to the world.

d) God blesses marriages that honour His principles (Psalm 128:1-4)
Obedience to God produces peace, fruitfulness, and lasting legacy.

Biblical Example:
Zacharias and Elisabeth walked faithfully before God together and became part of God’s redemptive plan through the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-6).

CONCLUSION

God’s original plan for marriage is built upon covenant, unity, faithfulness, love, and spiritual partnership. Jesus reminded His listeners that marriage was designed by God from the beginning and should be honoured and protected.

Christian marriages should reflect the love, commitment, grace, and faithfulness of Christ. Believers must reject worldly distortions of marriage and embrace God’s divine principles for healthy and lasting relationships.

When marriages are surrendered to God and built upon His Word, they become places of joy, peace, growth, strength, and kingdom influence.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help marriages to reflect Your original design and purpose in Jesus name

2. Father, strengthen love, unity, and peace within Christian homes in Jesus name

3. Lord, heal every broken relationship and wounded marriage in Jesus name

4. Father, remove every spirit of division, pride, and unfaithfulness from marriages in Jesus name

5. Lord, help husbands and wives to walk in wisdom, patience, and understanding in Jesus name

6. Father, let Your presence and peace reign within families in Jesus name

7. Lord, restore communication, trust, and forgiveness within troubled homes in Jesus name

8. Father, help believers to honour marriage according to Your Word in Jesus name

9. Lord, raise godly families that will influence future generations positively in Jesus name

10. Father, let every marriage fulfil Your divine purpose and bring glory to Your name in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every marriage under attack shall receive divine healing and restoration!

2. The peace and presence of God shall reign within your home!

3. Every spirit of division, conflict, and misunderstanding shall be broken!

4. God shall strengthen love, faithfulness, and unity within marriages!

5. Troubled relationships shall experience reconciliation and healing!

6. Christian homes shall become centres of joy, peace, and spiritual growth!

7. The Lord shall grant wisdom and understanding to husbands and wives!

8. Every family connected to you shall experience divine stability and favour!

9. Your home shall reflect the love and character of Jesus Christ!

10. God shall use marriages and families for kingdom impact and generational blessing in Jesus’ name!