Hebrews 13:4

1. Read Hebrews 13:4. Make some observations about the content and context of this verse. How might this instruction relate to the previous instructions given in Hebrews 13?
2. What do you think it looks like to let marriage be held in honor? Why is the covenant of marriage a precious thing to God? Conversely, what would it look like to dishonor the preciousness of marriage?
3. To rightly honor the preciousness of marriage, we must rightly understand the purpose God gave to marriage when He created it. Our culture prescribes all sorts of reasons for marriage to exist: security, pleasure, money, etc. But what purpose does God give to marriage? How can married people live out that purpose in their marriages?
4. Did you notice that Hebrews 13:4 specifically says to let marriage be held in honor by all? These are instructions given to a body of faith—to a community of Christians. Therefore, it is not enough for only the married among us to care about the sanctity of our marriages. What could it look like for both the married and unmarried among us to contend for the holy flourishing of marriages in our church?
5. If holy marriages in our church possess the power to vividly display the divine mystery of Christ’s uncompromising union with His people, what does unholiness in marriage display?
6. What do you think it means to “let the marriage bed be undefiled”? Consider your relationships, attention, habits, and lifestyle. Is there anything you need to bring into the light today? After spending a few moments sharing, spend some time confessing these things to God in prayer, and pray for one another.