3. What does the adjective sovereign mean? Why is “partial sovereignty” a nonsensical term? Read aloud Acts 17:26 , which Tripp references, and also Proverbs 16:1,9,33 for good measure. How far does God’s control extend over the timing, location and events of an individual’s life? Over that individual’s choices? (A deeper investigation of the sovereignty of God is recommended below in this session’s Want to Know More? ) 4. “You don’t just marry the present person. You really married everything that makes up the story of that person.” Briefly discuss what this means. 5. Now put the previous two questions together: who ultimately is responsible for making your marriage partner the person they are today? So, are “the differences in interests, taste and ways of doing things” between you and your spouse standing in the way of God’s plan for your marriage? Why has God emplaced those differences in your marriage—what is his goal for both of you in your marriage? (Hint: read aloud Romans 8:28-30 .) 6. The passage just read asserts that the process of salvation does not stop with forgiveness of sin but, as we learned previously, God carries on the work of sanctification all the way to glory. In the meantime, we all struggle with sin, and “that sin will be revealed; it will be exposed in your marriage.” In the light of God’s ongoing saving work in your spouse, what must be your response when such sin is exposed in them? What must you not do? (Recall the three most common “apple- nailing” strategies.) 7. Tripp said in the first session that “a marriage of unity, and understanding, and love is rooted in the worship of God.” In this session he explains what that looks like: “It’s only when I’m worshiping God as Creator, celebrating your hardwiring, it’s only when I’m worshiping God as Sovereign, embracing all the differences of your story to mine, it’s only when I worship God as Savior, trusting that He cares more about our sin, weaknesses, and failures than we ever will, that I can treat you with respect and esteem.” Discuss the implication of this statement—that the practice of worshiping God properly and serving your loved one accordingly must be founded on a sound theology , a correct understanding of who God is. What are some practical ways to develop a sound theology ?
Session 9
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?
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