Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
2. One theory why this happens - the inertia hypothesis
a. Many cohabitating couples get married, but without an explicit decision to commit
b. The marriage is seen simply as the next step in a relationship, not much different than the
decision to live together
3. Men who cohabit are especially less likely to commit in a marriage relationship
a. The hesitancy to commit led them to choose cohabitation in the first place
b. The uncertainty about the relationship often continues after marriage
c. Wartik referenced a 2004 study by psychologist Scott Stanley that found “that men
who had lived with their spouse premaritally were on average less committed to their
marriages than those who hadn’t.”
B. COHABITATION WEAKENS THE MARITAL BOND...
1. The experience of cohabitation itself is detrimental to the marriage bond
2. “A couple of studies show that when couples cohabit, they tend to adopt less conventional
beliefs about marriage and divorce, and it tends to make them less religious.” - Paul
Amato, professor at Penn State University
3. Those who cohabit do not have the same moral imperative to remain faithful after marriage
a. If we are willing to sin with each other before we marry...
b. How do we know we won’t sin against each other after we marry?
4. A successful marriage is one built on trust; such trust is stronger among those who fear the
Lord more than they fear their spouse!
C. COHABITATION INJURIOUS TO CHILDREN...
1. To children whose parents remain in cohabitation
a. “...cohabitation is not an ideal living arrangement for children.” - Wartik
b. “Emotionally or academically, the children of cohabiters just don’t do as well, on
average, as those with two married parents...” - ibid.
2. To children whose parents cohabitate and then marry
a. If born out of wedlock, the stigma of illegitimacy looms
b. Even if born after the marriage, the parents’ example of cohabitation will likely
encourage the children to follow in their steps
CONCLUSION
1. Cohabitation is certainly no indication that one is serious about getting married...
a. Many persons “...have different standards for living partners than for life partners.” - Wartik
b. “People are much fussier about whom they marry than whom they cohabitate with.” - Amato
2. The Biblical concept of marriage is that life partners and living partners are to be the same...
a. That people do not live together until they are willing to commit their lives to one another
b. Such commitment strengthens the marriage bond and provides security for the children
If you desire the best for yourself and your children, then follow the Biblical concept of marriage...!
Topical Sermons 77