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