Introduction

Good morning, beloved family. I am thrilled to share a message today that is dear to my heart and central to our lives as Christians. Our topic today is about God's design for marriage, God's love for us, and living out God's love in marriage. As we unravel these truths, we will look at Genesis 2:18, Matthew 19:4-5, and Ephesians 5:22-27.

Dave Willis said, "Great marriages don’t happen by luck or by accident. They are the result of a consistent investment of time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection, prayer, mutual respect, and a rock-solid commitment between a husband and a wife."

With that in mind, let's look at the scriptures together.

God's Design for Marriage

God's design for marriage is a profound mystery that reflects His love and unity. It is a divine institution, a covenant relationship, not merely a human contract. It is a sacred bond between a man and a woman, instituted by and publicly entered into before God.

Companionship: God, in His infinite wisdom, declared, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." This scripture shows us that marriage was designed to meet the human need for companionship and to provide an intimate context for mutual fulfillment and expression of love.

A partnership of equal beings: The term "helper" used in Genesis 2:18 is often misunderstood. It does not imply that the woman is inferior or subordinate to the man. In fact, the Hebrew word for "helper" (ezer) used here is the same word used in the Psalms to describe God as our helper. This shows that a wife, in God's design, is a powerful and vital companion to her husband, not a subordinate.

The concept of unity: In Matthew 19:4-5, Jesus reiterates the Genesis account, stating that a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This speaks of a profound unity and deep intimacy that should exist within a marriage. The "one flesh" concept illustrates the ideal unity that should exist in all aspects of the married life - emotional, spiritual, and physical.

A reflection of His covenant with us: It is a living symbol, a visible sign that reflects the union between Christ and His church. Ephesians 5:22-27 draws a parallel between the relationship of a husband and wife to that of Christ and the church. Just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so husbands are to love their wives. This sacrificial love is a powerful testament to God's design for marriage.

Procreation: In Genesis 1:28, God blessed the man and woman and commanded them to be fruitful and multiply. This shows that one of the purposes of marriage is to ensure the continuation of the human race, to fill the earth with godly offspring.

A means of sanctification: It is a context in which two individuals can grow more in conformity to Christ. The intimacy of marriage exposes our selfishness, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities, providing an opportunity for us to become more loving, patient, humble, and forgiving.

Mutual support: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 speaks of the benefits of companionship and mutual support, stating that two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor, can help each other up, keep warm together, and stand against opposition. This shows that marriage is a context for mutual support in all areas of life.

God's Love for Us

God's love for us is a love that is unconditional, sacrificial, and everlasting ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO