The Problem with Playing House

God’s Gift of Sex

INTRODUCTION 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

1.  THE COHABITATION MYTHS 

   1. MYTH ONE: “Living together is a good way to find out if we are compatible. 

Real Truth …divorce rates are substantially higher for those who cohabitate than those who don’t

2. MYTH TWO: “We can be just as satisfied living together as we can if we were married”

Real truth … Cohabiting women are more likely to be depressed than married women 

3. MYTH THREE: “Cohabitation allows us to enjoy the satisfaction of a monogamous physical relationship.”

Real truth … Cohabiting couples are more likely to be sexually unfaithful

4. MYTH FOUR: “Cohabitation leads to a secure, successful and stable union.”

Real truth …Live-in boyfriends account for 64% of the non-parental child abuse.

5. MYTH FIVE: “We cohabitate because of economics.” 

Real truth … most men and women who cohabit do so because they want to belong

6. MYTH SIX: “The reason we cohabitate is because our society has proven that the institution of marriage is a failure.”

Real truth … Marriages never fail.

2. THE COVENANT MARRIAGE (Gen. 2:18; 20-24)
   The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 (NIV) 

3. THE COVENANT FOUNDATION:  That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 NIV

4. b. THE COVENANT FOCUS: v.24 

   1. “LEAVE”

5. BE “UNITED” Prov 2:17; Ezek 16:8; Mal 2:14) 

The Characteristics Of A "Covenant" In The Bible:

1. A Covenant Is Stated And Specific. 

2. A Covenant Is Sealed Or Permanent.

3. A Covenant Uses A Sign Or Symbol To Illustrate The Pledge. 

4. A Covenant Has Signatures Or Witnesses Who Confirm The Content And Intent Of The Commitment. 

3. “BECOME ONE FLESH.” 

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. (Hebrews 13:4)