1. Marriage and Sex Gen.2:18-25

2. 1. God’s wonderful gift of marriage & sex - Gen.2:18-25 a. It’s purpose – to carry out the creation mandate – Gen.1:28 a. It’s purpose – to carry out the creation mandate – Gen.1:28 b. It’s heart -woman from man –v.21,22 b. It’s heart -woman from man –v.21,22 - brought to the man – v.23 - brought to the man – v.23 - the 2 become 1 – v.24 - the 2 become 1 – v.24 A signpost/display of God’s relationship with his people AND of God’s character

3. c. Key elements of marriage –v.24 1. Leaving – public & internal 1. Leaving – public & internal 2. Union – “glued” together – commitment 1Cor.13:4-7 2. Union – “glued” together – commitment 1Cor.13:4-7 3. One flesh – physical expression of union Pr.5:18,19; Song of Songs 3. One flesh – physical expression of union Pr.5:18,19; Song of Songs

4. 2. The disturbed picture – Gen. - Sexual perversion – Gen.6:1-4 - Sexual perversion – Gen.6:1-4 - Incest – 9:22; 19:30-38 - Incest – 9:22; 19:30-38 - Homosexuality – 19 - Homosexuality – 19 - Adultery – 16:1f ; 39:7 - Adultery – 16:1f ; 39:7 - Divorce – 21:14 - Divorce – 21:14 - Love-triangle – 29,30 - Love-triangle – 29,30 - Rape – 34 - Rape – 34 - Lust – 35 - Lust – 35 - Prostitution – 38 etc - Prostitution – 38 etc

5. 3. Paradise restored & enhanced Vital truths to recognize:- a. The gift given of marriage & sex a. The gift given of marriage & sex b. A signpost to intimate union with Christ – Eph.5:31,32 b. A signpost to intimate union with Christ – Eph.5:31,32 c. A temporary gift – Mt.22:23f c. A temporary gift – Mt.22:23f d. God’s gift disrupted & abused d. God’s gift disrupted & abused e. God’s plan of restoration through Christ e. God’s plan of restoration through Christ

6. Christ gaining his bride 1. Leaving – he left Heaven/Father 1. Leaving – he left Heaven/Father 2. Union – made it possible through the cross & resurrection 2. Union – made it possible through the cross & resurrection - becomes a reality as we respond in repentance & faith - becomes a reality as we respond in repentance & faith 3. One with him forever – Rev.19:7,8; 21:2,9-11 3. One with him forever – Rev.19:7,8; 21:2,9-11

7. God’s call to you a. Respond to Christ’s invitation a. Respond to Christ’s invitation b. Live faithfully – united to Jesus - 2Cor.11:2,3 b. Live faithfully – united to Jesus - 2Cor.11:2,3 c. Look forward eagerly to the wedding c. Look forward eagerly to the wedding