Memory Verse
"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD."-Proverbs 19:14
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 24:1-19

INTRODUCTION
Marriage is the legal relationship between a husband and wife that lasts for a life time. The step taken before going into this journey is very important to prevent pitfall- Genesis 2:21-22. In knowing God's will, therefore, you do not have to rely on vague hunches and weird rituals. As a child of God, you have' His word, it is spirit within you, and His men to guide and counsel you.

OUTLINES
1. THE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD FIRST
2. GODLY COUNSEL FOR MARRIAGE

THE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD FIRST
Marriage is a creation of God. It all started from Him - Gen.2:18. God will only guide His own - Jer.1 0:23. He will not play a guessing game with His people. He wants us to know and do His will and He is actively involved in revealing it. Therefore, before seeking God's will in marriage, first have relationships with Him - Ps.119:130; Ps.119:105. Develop your God's gift and master how God guides your steps - Ps.85:8. This will reduce stress, give your life meaning and prepare you for eternity 2 Pet. 1:3-4. You must be found working - Gen.2: 15-18. Marriage is not for lazy people. Marriage is for adults.

GODLY COUNSEL FOR MARRIAGE
God does not want His people to be joined with unbelievers 2 Cor.6: 14-16; 1Cor.6:15-17. How do we recognise His will in marriage?
a. Through the word of God - Prov.3:5-7. God has placed His word in our hands so we can have a much more objective set of guidelines to follow than dreams, feelings and impulses. Despite your dreams and conviction, pray to have scriptural backing - Prov.18:22; Gen.2:22; Prov.19:14.
b. God will work in you to do His will. He will use circumstances and situations to perfect His will for your life - Rom. 8.28;.Phil.2:12-13. You must therefore remain sensitive; paying attention to doors He opens and closes to direct your path.
c. Through the counsel of elders or spiritual heads in the church - Psalm 1:1; Pro.19:21; 11:14; 15:22; 20:5; Rom.15:14; Acts 1:24; Titus 2:3-5. Passion for sex may influence your hasty decision for self-pleasures, therefore, at that sensitive moment, do not despise Godly counsel from spiritual heads- Judges 14:1-3, Prov.14:29; Isa.52:12.
d. The environment you are and your peers will also influence your choice. Therefore, keep company with believers and not unbelievers - 1 Cor.15:33; 1 Samuel 8:5-6.

CONCLUSION
Prayer, pure word of God, worship, fellowship and service for God and right environment of good spiritual nourishment are factors that aid our spiritual sensitivity. Pray for our singles today.

QUESTIONS
1. What is marriage?
2. What is the first thing to do in knowing God's will in marriage?
3. Can you rely on impulses, feelings and dreams in knowing God's will?
4. Why is it dangerous to rely on our own knowledge and power to choose a partner?
5. Mention three things you can rely on in knowing God's will.

BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: 1 Cor. 7:32 - Learn to please God first before seeking His will in marriage.
TUESDAY: Psalm 85:8 - God is still leading His people today.
WEDNESDAY: Proverbs 20: 18 - Confirm your choice through Godly counsel.
THURSDAY: Acts 1:24 - Always pray and rely on God concerning your choice.
FRIDAY: Judges 14:1-3- Listen to your spiritual parents.
SATURDAY: Genesis 2:15 - Engage in something profitable.
SUNDAY: Psalm 25:9 - God will only guide the meek and the humble.