2012 JULY WEEK THREE LESSON

Lesson 10: The Disciple’s Marriage 2

                   (Leaving & Cleaving)

Main Text: Genesis 2:18-25

Memory verse: Genesis 2:24

Introduction

When God instituted marriage, He said that the two of them would become one flesh. The act of becoming one flesh involves leaving and cleaving. What does these mean?

·         Leaving your parents means recognizing that your marriage created a new family and that this new family must be a higher priority than your previous family.  Leaving your parents does not mean ignoring them or not spending any time with them. If spouses refuse to truly leave their parents, conflict and stress result

·         To “cleave” means “to adhere to, stick to, or join with.” It is a unique joining of two people into one entity. It means recognizing that you are joined, essentially “glued,” to your spouse. It is key in building a marriage that will endure hard times and be the beautiful relationship that God intends it to be. It means we do not quit when things are not going right. It includes talking things out, praying things through, being patient as you trust God to work in both of your hearts, being willing to admit when you are wrong and asking forgiveness, and seeking God's counsel regularly in His Word. . If spouses neglect to cleave to each other, the result is a lack of intimacy and unity

Points for Discussion

1.     In what ways can you leave your parents?

2.    What can couples do to enhance cleaving?