This document provides an introduction and overview for a study on preventing divorce by avoiding common pitfalls in marriage. It will cover positive actions and principles over multiple Sundays. The introduction discusses marriage, divorce and remarriage statistics. It also invites input from participants. Key topics that will be covered include choosing the right mate, understanding roles, unrealistic expectations, compatibility, maturity, finances, and communication. Statistics on marriage trends like higher divorce rates for second and third marriages will also be presented. Common pitfalls like infidelity, finances, lack of intimacy, abuse and lack of commitment that can ruin marriages will be listed and discussed. Scriptures guiding Christian marriages will also be outlined.

3. Pitfalls in Marriage
Finances, Addictions, Selfishness, Immaturity, Irresponsible, Lack of
Commitment, Lack of Communication, Lack of Intimacy

4. Introduction to this Study
• Marriage , Divorce & Remarriage. Wednesdays on
Donnie Rader’s material.
• Thought it would be better to counter balance that
study with scripture, strategies and time proven
principles that would prevent divorce from happening
in the first place.
• Sunday’s will be positive actions and avoidance of
pitfalls that can destroy a marriage.
• We welcome ideas and input about this study.
• We want you to be involved with and engaged the
subjects and material covered.
• We will be as flexible as we can be.
• Thought questions will be given to you a week ahead
of time at least.

5. Most Important Issues
before Marrying?
• Choosing the right mate?
• A Christian, who displays spiritual
strength!
• Understanding the roles you will play.
• Time! Get to know each other.
• Unrealistic Expectations.
• Compatibility.
• Idea of changing someone.
• Maturity-responsible-financially
stable

6. Marriage Trends in America
• A short shelf-life for marriage today. Throw away
society.
• 50% Today. 25% during the 70’s.
• 2ND marriages(60%) 3rd (73%).
• Statue of limitations in some states is 7 (Alabama).
• Average Age to marry 1960’s was 20-22…90’s 23-26…
Today 27-29.
• Today….. 28-32???????
• Baptist’s 29% end in divorce. Atheist’s…21%.
• Statistics concerning red/blue states, college/ non
college education etc.

7. A terrible trend in America is the damage done by laws
and ideas that perverts God’s law and teaching on holy
matrimony and the family.(lack of Godly response)
• Same sex marriage.
• Unclear laws pertaining to legal definitions of
marriage.
• No fault divorce.(1969) *55% have 2nd
thoughts after divorce. 21% get married again.
• Gender roles attacked.
• Feminism.
• Sexual &physical Abuse.
• Marriage to Technology, Animals etc.
• Lack of scriptural teaching in churches!

8. Marriage Truths
• “If you don’t have any problems, you ain’t married.”
• Each marriage is unique. All marriages takes work.
• What works for one may not work for someone else.(scriptures are in a different
category from human therapies and strategies.)
• Being loving, patient, unselfish, humble, forgiving, respectful, wise, kind and
considerate will work to resolve almost all problems, especially if…..
• These traits are all enhanced and supported by your Christian faith.
• Being hateful, impatient, selfish, prideful, unforgiving, disrespectful, foolish,
unkind, and inconsiderate will doom a marriage.
• Guys, don’t be a jerk. Ladies, forgive him when he acts like a jerk.
• One of the best skills you can learn for marriage is conflict resolution. A
heartfelt, I’m sorry can go a long way!

9. List scriptures that dictate and guide the
kind of marriage a Christian should seek.
Men
• Love (Ephesians 5:25) as Christ…as you…..
• Leave & Cleave (Genesis 3:24)
• Blessed/Happy is the man…. rejoice with the
wife of thy youth.
Faithful to his wife. ( Proverbs 15:15)
• Not abusive (treacherously) Malachi 2:14
• Rule over(1 Cor. 11:3) Lead…..
• Dwell with knowledge(Understanding)
1 Pet. 3:17
• Protect(as a weaker vessel) (1Peter 3:7)
• Nourish and cherisheth ( Ephesians 5:28)
• Provide for.(1 Tim. 5:8) not bitter(Col. 3:19)
• One flesh/Render due benevolence/ defraud
not 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 ( wife also)
Women
• Love
• Leave & Cleave
• Blessed
• Submit (be ruled over) Eph. 5:22
• Reverence/honor Esther 1:20
• Be virtuous (Proverbs 31)worker-trusted-
strong-kind-honorable.
• Husband is known/praised by her
children and husband(called blessed)
• Be the glory of the man(1 Cor. 11:7/
adorn herself (1Tim. 2:9)
• Obedient. Help meet-Keepers at home,
discreet, chaste) Titus 2:5

10. List the Pitfalls that can Ruin a Marriage &
Cause Divorce.
• Lack of Spiritual Faith.
• Infidelity.(Fornication and Adultery)
• Finances. Materialism.
• Lack of Communication
• Addictions.
• Lack of Intimacy
• Unrealistic Expectations
• Lack of Quality Time Together
• Controlling.
• Abuse. Verbal &
Physical
• Lack of Commitment.
• Lack of Respect.
• Division of Labor at
home.
• Children.
• Selfishness ,Pride ,Lust,
Jealousy,