Marriage: a Primer August 16, 2015

When Jesus was asked about the lawfulness of divorce 1.His answer began in the Garden of Eden. 2.Matthew So, understanding God’s original intent for marriage is vital, even in a sin broken world. 4.Let’s look at God’s “process.” A.Genesis 1 is a “big picture” account of creation B.Genesis 2 focuses on man

Genesis 2 1.Gen ; Adam was created and placed in Eden. 2.Gen ; Adam’s placement in Eden is explained and regulated. 3.Let’s stop a verse 17 and take stock of what we know.

We know… 1.The creation is good: Gen. 1.4; 1.10, 1.12, 1.18; 1.21; 1.25; Adam already exists in the image of God. 3.Adam has all the mental and physical attributes he will need to live on earth. 4.Adam has his purpose on earth—he is responsible for God’s creation 5.Adam has the company and fellowship of God Himself.

With that in mind…. 1.What could possibly be “not good?” Gen Adam certainly knew love: God loved him. Anyone who demands of their spouse what can be provided only by God will never understand their marriage. 3.Adam had purpose. Getting married will not create purpose for living. 4.Adam had companionship: God and the animal creation were his companions

What was “not good” was this: 1.Adam was lacking his complement. Genesis 18.4 A.“Helpmeet” is not the word. There are 2 words. B.One is “help.” C.The other is “meet.” The word literally refers to “in front of,” and carries the idea of “corresponding to him,” or “complementary to him.” D.This is why there is no such things as “gay marriage:” you don’t have complements

2.Adam needed a “help(er)” A.God is a Helper—Exodus 18.4 B.People can be helpers. Isaiah 30.5 C.Eve was a help—specially suited 3.God could—and did—help Adam. But not totally in the way he needed. 4.The animal creation could help Adam, as living tools. 5.Adam needed a helper who would, like he, bear the image of God.

God’s answer to Adam’s need: 1.Was to make another human being for him: equality of worth and value 2.Who’s purpose of existence was to facilitate Adam’s service to God: inequality of function. 3.Which means that a man’s greatest chance for marital happiness comes from finding a woman who will help him be a better servant of God. 4.And a woman’s greatest chance of finding happiness in marriage is by embracing the role for which she was created.