God’s Pattern & Purpose ( Gen 2:15-24 ) For The Marriage Covenant

“Man’s Ideal Spouse” Strong physical appeal Great physical abilities Impressive accomplishments Multiple streams of income Connections in society High intelligence Charismatic charm Sense of humor

“God’s Ideal Spouse” Eager to fulfill his or her duties to God in marriage Duty implies service A love-based service will fulfill the marriage covenant

Before Marriage (fitting into God’s pattern) There was active labor  Genesis 2:15-17; 2 Thess 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8 There was loneliness & a desire for companionship  Genesis 2:18-22; 1 Cor 11:8-9 There was the home of father & mother  Genesis 2:23-24; 1 Tim 5:3-4, 8

After Marriage (respecting God’s purpose) To make 1 of 2  Genesis 2:24b-25; 2 Thess 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8 To prevent sexual sins  1 Corinthians 7:1-5; Matt 5:32; 19:9; Heb 13:4

Adultery, Fornication: Second marriages where one party was guilty of adultery in the first marriage. Second marriages where one’s previous spouse was not guilty of adultery. People who are not married but live together as though they are married. People who give themselves over to “one flesh” encounters (casual sex).

After Marriage (respecting God’s purpose) To make 1 of 2  Genesis 2:24b-25; 2 Thess 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8 To prevent sexual sins  1 Corinthians 7:1-5; Matt 5:32; 19:9; Heb 13:4 To last a lifetime  Romans 7:1-3; 1 Cor 7:39-40 (7:29-31)

The Lord Will Build A House Of Beauty ( Psalm 127 ) If we follow the pattern & purpose of the marriage covenant