Locations & Times

Image Of God

Marriage and Singleness | Week 3

October 14, 2023 | By Jim Burgen

What does God say about marriage, gender, sexuality, and divorce? Today, Jim Burgen draws from Scripture to shed light on God's original plan for humanity and how we can strive to live in harmony with it. As we explore the biblical perspective on marriage and singleness, this message emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with God's design for us.

SETLIST

House Of The Lord Available on the "House of the Lord" from Phil Wickham

Jehovah by Elevation Worship Available on Can You Imagine? from Elevation Worship Records

More Than Able by Elevation Worship Available on Can You Imagine? from Elevation Worship Records

Firm Foundation (He Wont) by Maverick City Music Available on "Firm Foundation (He Won't) Single" from Tribl Records

Group Questions

Marriage

Jim Burgen

Oct 15th, 2023

// Bible References
Genesis 2:18, 21-25; Matt 19:3-12   

// Community Question: What are some common beliefs about how to act in romantic relationships and marriage?

// Discussion Questions

  1. Read Genesis 2:18 Pastor Jim Burgen discussed that humans are created to live in relationship with others and not alone. In what ways can we develop godly relationships and our marriage? How can we demonstrate our love for others through godly relationships and our marriage?
  2. Read Genesis 2:21-25. The sermon explains that the image of the rib being taken from the man to create the woman represents unity and exclusivity. Why is the concept of 'two becoming one' important in the context of marriage? How can you work towards unity in your own marriage or future marriage, and what obstacles might you encounter?
  3. Jim Burgen emphasized the importance of sacrificial love, forgiveness, and choosing to love and uphold the dignity of one's spouse. What role does marriage vows, sacrificial love, and forgiveness play in a successful marriage? Can you recall a time when your marriage vow, sacrificial love, or forgiveness was vital in your relationships? How did that impact the relationship?
  4. Read Matt 19:3-10 The sermon references Jesus' teachings on divorce and stresses that God's plan for marriage remains the same despite the chaos in the world. How can we apply Jesus' teachings on divorce to our own lives? What are some practical ways to uphold the sanctity of marriage and avoid divorce in your own marriage or future marriage?
  5. Read Matt 19:11-12. Burgen communicates a hard teaching from Jesus and addresses the struggles faced by single individuals, reminding them to trust in God's faithfulness. How can single individuals follow this hard teaching and honor God’s plan for relationships? If you are single, how can you stay focused on God's design for relationships and maintain your faith during periods of singleness?

// Challenge: What hard teaching is God asking you to follow in your relationships or marriage from now on?

Other Messages in this Series