Echo Church
Discussion Guide

A Different Marriage

Pastor Paul Feuerstein
|
April 6, 2025

Main Idea

Pastor Paul's main idea in 'A Different Marriage' was that our marriages as believers should be distinctly different, not just in pursuit of happiness but aligned with a mission that reflects God's purpose. He stressed that the goal isn't a perfect marriage but one that leads both partners closer to God. Through the eight elements he shared, Pastor Paul encouraged us to focus on spiritual growth and mission within our marriages, highlighting the importance of internal qualities and mutual respect, and the impact these have on our relationship with God and each other.

Scripture References

1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:2, 1 Peter 3:3-4, 1 Peter 3:5-6, 1 Peter 3:7

How can we lead our spouses toward Jesus without using words, as suggested by 1 Peter 3:1?

Winning your spouse over to Jesus isn't about grand gestures or arguments, but through a life of genuine cooperation and respect.

What does it mean to focus on internal beauty over external adornments in the context of marriage?

Discussion Questions:

How can we live with purity and reverence in our marriages, and why is this important?

In what ways can we show consideration and respect for our spouse's value, as instructed in 1 Peter 3:7?

What steps can we take to ensure our marriage stays on mission with God's purpose for us?

Your external beauty will fade, but the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God's sight.

Summary

In his sermon 'A Different Marriage' at Echo Church, Pastor Paul took us through 1 Peter, emphasizing how as Christ followers, our marriages should be set apart and mission-focused, rather than just striving for happiness. He explained that while we face the same struggles as others, the purpose of our marriages is to stay on mission with God. Pastor Paul outlined eight elements of living on mission in marriage, starting with leading our spouses toward Jesus and including living with purity, focusing on internal beauty, trusting God, being considerate, respecting our partner's value, honoring our spouse, and recognizing that our relationship matters to God.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

Reflect on one aspect of your marriage that God is prompting you to work on this week, focusing on your own growth rather than your spouse's.

If you've been sidetracked, ask God to help you realign with His mission in your marriage, whether it's at work, home, or in parenting.

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