Study Buddies: How Marriage Points to God
April 26, 2026
The most intimate of all human relationships is the bond between a husband and wife. That makes marriage the most fulfilling, and potentially the most damaging, of all relationships. When God created man in His image, He said it was not good for him to be alone. So God instituted the marriage relationship. From Adam and Eve to the couple who just said, “I do,” marriage continues to be a source of fulfillment and pain for many people. Join us for Part Three of Home Work, as we explore what the Bible says about marriage, divorce, and singleness.
Passage
Ephesians 5:21-33
Principle
The Myth: ##Marriage## is about ##finding## the ##right## ##person##.
The Truth: Marriage is not about ##finding## the ##right## ##person##; it is about becoming the ##right## ##person##.
The Mission: Every Marriage is intended to ##reflect## ##Christ’s## ##love## for His people.
Practice
Commit to one ##intentional## ##conversation## using the Marriage Conversation guide. Personal Devotions
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple, or with your family or small group.
HANGOUT
What is one of the best examples of faithfulness or loyalty you have seen in someone’s marriage or friendship?
HEAR
Read Hosea 1:1-3
God tells Hosea to marry Gomer as a living picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness.
- Why would God use a broken marriage as a picture of His relationship with His people?
- What does this story reveal about the seriousness of Israel’s unfaithfulness?
- Have you ever experienced a relationship where trust was broken? What made restoration difficult?
Read Hosea 3:1-3
Hosea redeems Gomer and brings her home again.
- What does Hosea’s decision to redeem Gomer reveal about covenant love?
- How does this story help us understand God’s love for His people?
- When have you experienced forgiveness that you did not deserve?
Read Hosea 11:1-4
God describes His love like a parent teaching a child to walk.
- What images does God use to describe His love here?
- How is God’s love different from the way humans often love?
- How might remembering God’s faithful love change the way we treat our spouse, family, or friends?
HUDDLE
Covenant love means choosing faithfulness even when feelings fade.
Is there a relationship where God is calling you to show greater covenant love? What is one practical step you can take this week to reflect Christ’s faithful love in your home? Pray together and ask God to make your homes living reflections of His covenant love.
Daily Reading
As you read the book of Hosea, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you about God’s unconditional faithfulness to you.
- Day 1: Hosea 1 & 2
- Day 2: Hosea 3 & 4
- Day 3: Hosea 5 & 6
- Day 4: Hosea 7 & 8
- Day 5: Hosea 9 & 10
- Day 6: Hosea 11 & 12
- Day 7: Hosea 13 & 14
Passage to Memorize: Ephesians 5:21
Think Deeper
- What marriage have you seen that best reflects Christ’s love for His people?
- What is the difference between marriage as a contract and marriage as a covenant?
- How might understanding the purpose of marriage as a sign pointing to Jesus’ love for His people change marriages in our church?
Suggested Resources
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter Scazzero
The Meaning of Marriage, by Tim Keller
Habits of the Household, by Justin Whitmel Earley
Loveology, by John Mark Comer
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.