LOVE, ACTUALLY | MAY 25, 2025

A simpler way to access small group discussion guides

We’ve updated how we share small group discussion guides. Instead of downloading a PDF, you’ll now find the full guide directly below on this webpage. This change makes it easier to access and navigate the content across devices. Same content, just a more convenient format.

Questions About Marriage – Chip Henderson

Sermon Highlights

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, 39-40

Marriage is a covenant between two imperfect people, and it’s meant to be permanent. But what happens when that covenant is broken or ends? Paul addresses three key situations in 1 Corinthians 7:

  1. What if I don’t want to be married anymore?
    God’s design is for marriage to last. If there’s no ongoing unfaithfulness, Scripture calls couples to either stay together or remain unmarried and pursue reconciliation (1 Corinthians 7:10–11; Matthew 5:31–32; 19:3–9). Divorce rooted in selfishness or immaturity falls outside of God’s intent.
  2. What if I’m married to an unbeliever?
    If the unbelieving spouse wants to stay married, Paul encourages the believer to remain. Their presence brings blessing and influence over the home (1 Corinthians 7:12–14). But if the unbeliever chooses to leave, the believer is no longer bound to maintain the marriage (vv. 15–16).
  3. What if my spouse dies?
    If your spouse dies, you are free to remarry, but Paul advises doing so only in the Lord (v. 39–40). He presents singleness as a commendable option for undivided devotion to Christ.

This isn’t about legalism. It’s about aligning your heart with God’s ways. If your past includes sin or regret, there’s always grace. Repentance means realigning both your mind and heart under Christ’s rule. Whether single again or remarried, let your relationship with Jesus be your foundation. A surrendered life leads to a redeemed future.

INTRO

Icebreaker Question

If you had to give someone one piece of completely useless marriage advice, what would it be?

Transition to Group Discussion Questions

That was fun, and probably not advice we’d want to follow. The truth is, marriage and relationships come with real questions, real challenges, and real consequences. Today’s conversation will focus on what the Bible says when marriage doesn’t go as planned and how God meets us with both truth and grace. Let’s look at Scripture together.

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, 39-40; Matthew 5:31-32; and Matthew 19:3-6.

  • God created marriage to reflect His faithful and lasting love. How do these passages challenge common attitudes about marriage today? How have you personally wrestled with those challenges?
  • How would you respond to a friend who says, “I just don’t want to be married anymore”? What truth from Scripture would you gently point them to?
  • Staying in a marriage where your spouse doesn’t share your faith isn’t easy, but Paul calls it purposeful. What does this teach us about God’s patience and how marriage can become a place of influence and grace?
  • Paul points to the importance of seeking God’s direction in any future relationship. What does it look like to let God lead your future decisions and relationships?
  • Read Galatians 5:22–23. Relationships grow when the Spirit shapes our character. Which of these qualities would bring the most change to how you relate to your spouse or others?
  • Read Romans 8:1. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. How does this truth help you release guilt and receive grace—even when you’ve made decisions you regret?
  • Read James 4:7–8. Turning to God means surrendering every part of your life. What area of your past or present relationships do you need to bring under His authority?
  • Read Colossians 3:12–14. God calls us to love with humility, patience, and forgiveness. How do these verses speak to the kind of person you’re becoming, and what does it look like to love others in a Christ-centered way?

NEXT STEP

God doesn’t just want to forgive your past. He wants to lead your present. The next step is full surrender, trusting that His way is best in every season. Here’s one way you can act on that this week:

  • If you’re single: Spend intentional time in prayer this week asking God to grow your contentment and focus. Choose one area where you will live with purpose rather than waiting for your next relationship to bring meaning.
  • If you’re married: Ask your spouse this week, “How can I serve you better?” and really listen. Then take one action that puts their needs ahead of your own.
  • If you’re divorced: Write out a prayer to God confessing anything you’re still carrying like guilt, anger, regret, or shame. End it by asking Him to restore your hope and lead your next steps.

Whatever your story, the action is the same: respond to God. Don’t wait. Take a specific step that re-centers your life on Him.

PRAYER

Let’s take a few moments to pray silently. I’ll guide us through a few prompts. After each one, take time to talk with God honestly and personally.

  • God, I surrender this season of my life to You, whether I’m single, married, or divorced. Lead me in Your way, not mine.
  • God, show me where I’ve been holding back or choosing what feels easy over what you are calling me to do.
  • God, give me clarity about what You’re asking me to do next—and the courage to take that step this week.
  • God, help me trust Your grace to cover my past and Your Spirit to lead my future.

Thank God for being faithful in every season and for meeting you with both truth and mercy.