Introduction

Friends and family, today we gather to celebrate the wonderful gift of marriage, which God has designed, blessed, and promised to help us succeed in. As we dive into Genesis 2:20-25, let's remember the words of Timothy Keller, who wrote, "In sharp contrast with our culture, the Bible teaches that the essence of marriage is a sacrificial commitment to the good of the other. That means that love is more fundamentally action than emotion."

"In sharp contrast with our culture, the Bible teaches that the essence of marriage is a sacrificial commitment to the good of the other. That means that love is more fundamentally action than emotion." —Timothy Keller

God's Design for Marriage

God's design for marriage is a beautiful and intricate tapestry, woven together with threads of love, commitment, and purpose. From the very beginning, when God created Adam and Eve, He had a plan for marriage to be an essential part of human life. As we explore the various aspects of God's design for marriage, we will discover the depth of His love and the wisdom of His plan for our lives.

First and foremost, God's design for marriage is rooted in companionship. In Genesis 2:18, God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." This statement reveals God's intention for marriage to be a partnership between two people who support and complement one another.

The term "helper" does not imply inferiority or subservience, but rather a partner who brings unique strengths and abilities to the relationship. In this way, God designed marriage to be a source of companionship and support for both husband and wife.

In Genesis 2:24, we read, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." This highlights the importance of a husband and wife becoming one in every aspect of their lives – emotionally, spiritually, and physically. God's design for marriage is not merely a contractual agreement between two individuals but a sacred union that reflects the unity and oneness of the Godhead. This unity is meant to be a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and the transformative power of His grace.

Furthermore, God's design for marriage includes the concept of covenant. In the Bible, a covenant is a solemn, binding agreement between two parties, often involving promises and obligations. Marriage, as a covenant relationship, involves a lifelong commitment between a husband and wife to love, honor, and cherish one another.

This commitment is not based on fleeting emotions or circumstances but on the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. In Malachi 2:14, the Lord refers to marriage as "the covenant you made with the wife of your youth." By entering into a covenant relationship, a married couple reflects the unbreakable bond between God and His people, demonstrating His unwavering love and faithfulness.

God's design for marriage encompasses the idea of partnership in fulfilling His purposes. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed Adam and Eve and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." This command reveals that God intended for married couples to work together in carrying out His divine plan for humanity.

Whether through raising godly children, serving in ministry, or simply living out their faith in their daily lives, husbands and wives are called to partner together in advancing God's kingdom on earth. This partnership not only brings purpose and meaning to their marriage but also glorifies God as they fulfill His purposes together.

In Ephesians 5:25-27, the Apostle Paul writes, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." This passage reveals that marriage is a means by which God refines and sanctifies both husbands and wives, drawing them closer to Himself and conforming them to the image of Christ.

Through the joys and challenges of married life, God uses the relationship between husband and wife to reveal areas in need of growth and transformation, ultimately leading to greater spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.

In Ephesians 5:31-32, Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 and then adds, "This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church." Marriage is not only a human institution but also a divine symbol of the relationship between Christ and His church.

Just as a husband and wife are called to love, honor, and cherish one another, so Christ loves, honors, and cherishes His church, ultimately laying down His life for her. By living out God's design for marriage, a husband and wife provide a tangible picture of the gospel, pointing others to the sacrificial love of Christ and the transforming power of His grace.

Through companionship, unity, covenant, partnership, sanctification, and divine symbolism, marriage serves as a powerful testimony to the world of God's goodness and grace. As we embrace and live out God's design for marriage, we not only experience the blessing and joy He intended for our lives but also bring glory and honor to His name.

The Blessing of Marriage

As we see in Genesis 2:20, God recognized that it was not good for man to be alone, and so He created a suitable helper for him ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO