If you are anything like me, last weekend can seem like a life-time ago, and yet only 7 days ago we gathered together to consider “Family Matters” and the topic of Marriage and When Snners Say ‘I Do’.

The weeks can fly by and we can so easily forget what we learnt (which is why it’s great that we can download the notes and audio and go back over the material).

But we also wanted to make some application questions available so we can actually work through and apply the material to our lives, so we might see increasing and lasting fruit in our marriages – for the glory of God.

I’ve intentionally only included a few questions. This is designed to give you time to be more thorough in your thinking and discussion, and for the application to be more focussed and realistic.

David Powlison of CCEF and a good friend to Sovereign Grace once said: “Just as we don’t change all at once, so we don’t swallow all of truth in one gulp. Why? Because we are simple people. You can’t remember 10 things at once. Invariably, if you could remember just one thing in the moment of trial you would be different. When you actually remember, you actually change. In fact, remembering is the first change.”

Application Questions
(Thanks to Gary & Betsy Riccuci for these questions, drawn from the study guide in their book, Love That Lasts)

1. How does the gospel influence your thinking about your own sin and any sin committed against you? How can considering and applying the gospel make a difference in a conflict?

2. What are the greatest challenges you face in pursuing consistent and fruitful communication with one another? What needs to change internally and externally in order for this to happen?

3. What subjects do you talk about most consistently? Most enthusiastically? Most confidently? What do these topics, and the way you talk about them, reveal about your passions and priorities?

4. Are there areas of your lives and relationship that you find difficult to talk about? What steps will you take to bring these into the light of fellowship and communication?

5. Do any conflicts remain unresolved between you? Do you need to go to a couple for counsel and care on this or any other matter?