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Introduction

  • Proverbs 23:23
  • John 17:17
  • Expectations about marriage are critically important.

Pessimistic – “Marriage is horrible.”

  • Genesis 1:26-31 – God’s creation is very good, including marriage!
  • Genesis 29:20 – How good it feels to be in love!
  • Proverbs 18:22; 19:14
  • Ephesians 5:28, 33

Idealistic – “This will solve everything.”

  • You may still face money problems or depression.
  • Your spouse is not your purpose in life.
  • Acts 17:26-28 – God is our purpose in life.
  • Luke 18:28-30
  • Luke 20:34-36 – We can be happy in heaven without marriage.
  • I Corinthians 7:1-9 – Being marriage won’t instantly cure lust and temptation.
  • Romans 7:3 – Why is this verse here if marriage is the end of temptation?
  • Ecclesiastes 5:10 – Getting a great job won’t necessarily solve your money problems.
  • I Thessalonians 4:3

Materialistic – “Everything’s gotta look good.”

  • II Kings 9:30; I Kings 21:25 – Everything is not what it appears to be!
  • Proverbs 31:30 – Fearing the Lord is what makes a good marriage.
  • Proverbs 21:19
  • John 2:1 – It’s about more than just the wedding.
  • I Peter 3:3, 7-8
  • Ephesians 5:25

Not a marriage myth: Optimistic – “Marriage takes work, but it’s a great relationship.”

  • Proverbs 31:10

For further study, see also:

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Notice your green grass

  • Hebrews 13:5
  • Luke 12:15-31
  • Philippians 4:11-13 – Be content in whatever situation you find yourself in.
  • Philippians 3:7-11
  • What does contentment have to do with humility?
  • I Timothy 6:6-11
  • Exodus 20:17
  • Colossians 3:5-6
  • Hebrews 11:24-25
  • Philippians 3:14
  • Social media can be a breeding ground for discontentment.
  • II Corinthians 12:9-10

Hold your tongue

  • James 3:2-12
  • James 1:26

For further study, see also:

Questions or comments? Join our Discord server for further study.


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What is a church?

  • A spiritual team working together in the things of Christ.
  • Matthew 18:15-17
  • Acts 4:32; 5:4

What about church membership?

  • I Corinthians 1:2; 5:1, 10, 12-13
  • III John 1:9-10
  • Acts 9:18, 26-28
  • Acts 11:25-26
  • Acts 13:1
  • Acts 15:22
  • What about college students? Join the church where you are while you’re there.
Benefits Obligations
Edification – Romans 1:11-12; 15:1-2; I Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11 Teamwork – Ephesians 5:18-19
Accountability – Titus 1:5, 9; I Peter 5:2; Hebrews 13:17 Initiative – Romans 12:10; 15:14

For further study, see also:

Questions or comments? Join our Discord server for further study.


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© 2026, Mark Watson

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