Bible Text: Genesis 1 & 2 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: Genesis, God’s Design for Marriage

Recap of 5/26/13 (Genesis 2:18-24):

1.  “The process of becoming acquainted with the birds and animals brought something to light.  Not one of them could be a suitable helper to man.  No animal had been made in God’s image, and therefore they lacked the qualities that would make them real companions.  Man was complete, yet incomplete.” (GWBI)

2.  Concerning Eve’s creation by God from material from Adam’s side, Henry M. Morris writes: “The thought evidently is to stress that woman was made neither from Adam’s head (suggesting superiority to him) nor from his feet (suggesting inferiority) but from his side, indicating equality and companionship.”

3.  In Genesis 2:24 God speaks and defines marriage as a monogamous, heterosexual, lifelong union.

-“The implication is that marriage involves one male and one female becoming ‘one flesh.’” (Dr. Allen Ross)

-“The passage tells us that God instituted marriage and that it is to be monogamous, heterosexual, and the complete union of two persons.” (Dr. Charles C. Ryrie)

-“…here, at the start of the human race, at the outset of [God’s Word], is ordained the divine origin and sanctity of marriage: One man, and One woman, One flesh.”  (Halley’s Bible Handbook).

4.  The four purposes of marriage:

-suitable face-to-face companionship for Adam

-marriage provides the God-given right to enjoy sex and to have children.  Gen. 1:28  Sexual love isn’t only for procreation, but the bearing of children is an important part of the marriage union.

-to encourage self-control, to control immorality and to promote morality.

-marriage is an illustration of the loving and intimate relationship between Christ and His church ( Ephesians 5:22-33)