Opening Prayer
Ice Breaker
Resting in the Text: Ephesians 5:18-33 (p. 19 of The Meaning of Marriage)
Discussion Questions:
- Early in this chapter, Timothy Keller writes, “…single people cannot live their lives well as singles without a balanced, informed view of marriage” (192). What results if a single person does not have a “balanced informed view of marriage”?
- Explain the meaning of the concept “overlap of the ages” (193). What are the implications of the “overlap of the ages” for our lives in general and marriage in particular?
- How does “[t]he Christian gospel and hope of the future kingdom… [de-idolize] marriage” (195)?
- What are some ways that the western church communicates the misguided view that single adults are somehow less than married adults (196-7)?
- How is human marriage a foreshadowing of the “…Real Marriage that our souls need and the Real Family our hearts were made for” (197-8)?
- How can “Gospel beliefs and experience” help us to have a deeper bond with the brothers and sisters in Christ in our faith community than with our family of origin (199-201)?
- Why do Christians see singleness as good (201)? Why do we also consider seeking marriage to also be good?
- What practical advice does Timothy Keller give to those who are seeking marriage (207- 217)?
As the discussion time comes to a close, read aloud the last two paragraphs on the chapter, beginning in the middle of page 217 with, “In fact, I would suggest something further….”
Closing Prayer Time
Farewell to Shadowlands 