The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
Week 5: Chapter 4 — The Mission of Marriage
Read Chapter 4 of The Meaning of Marriage. Key Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12; Genesis 2:18.
Keller argues that marriage has a mission beyond the couple themselves — and that losing sight of that mission is one of the primary ways marriages slowly hollow out.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Keller uses the word 'mission' to describe a dimension of marriage that goes beyond personal happiness. What does he mean by this, and what are some of the forms that mission can take?
2.Keller argues that a marriage turned entirely inward — focused only on the couple's own happiness and needs — actually fails to thrive. Why would serving others outside the marriage be important to the health of the marriage itself?
3.The chapter develops the idea that husband and wife are meant to be a 'ministry team' — that God brings two people together not just for mutual comfort but for a shared work in the world. How does this idea resonate with or challenge your vision of what a marriage should look like day-to-day?
a.What might it look like for a married couple in your context to function as a ministry team?
b.What obstacles — busyness, selfishness, differing gifts — tend to prevent this?
Closing Prayer
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