Why Get Married? Genesis 2

Genesis 2:7, 15, 18-25, 1:27-28

Introduction

In today’s society over 50% of marriages fail. Often prenuptial agreements are signed in advance to simplify things when couples break up. Today, the question is so often asked, Why get married? Sadly, most people have the wrong view of marriage. In Genesis 1 & 2 God gives us 3 good reasons why marriage is so important for society. Marriage provides, A Companion, A Completion, A Commission.

1. A Companion – For Life

Genesis 2:7, 15: And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.

Adam lived in a perfect world yet there was one thing that wasn’t good. God knew this and allowed Adam to see it to before changing the situation. After naming all the animals Adam recognized that he was alone. Genesis 2:18, 21-22: And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

In Genesis 1 and 2 we find that God had work for man to do. Yet, Adam couldn’t do this work on his own. Tending the Garden Paradise, being fruitful and filling the earth was too much for one man. So God made Adam a companion, a soul mate to share his life journey with.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Work: Someone who shares in your labor. Two people can accomplish their goals.

Weakness or Sorrow: A companion lifts us up when we fall. They are on our side.

Warmth: A true companion always loves us. They warm our spirits, souls and bodies.

Warfare: A companion stands with you in adversity. God is the 3rd cord that binds us.

Application

Ryan and Beth, God made you for each other and has led you to be married. Can I counsel you to share your journey through life together with the Lord. Learn to trust each other completely. Together you must seek God’s grace to withstand the storms of life. Learn to work together to accomplish your goals in life. Share your joys and sorrows, your laughter and tears. Tell each other your fears, your hopes, your dreams. God has given you a life companion. Take the time to become each others best friend.

2. A Completion – From Love

Genesis 2:23-25: And Adam said: this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Some things are made to go with something else. Bacon and eggs are a good example; fish and chips go together well, as do strawberries and cream. These foods complement each other. On our own men and women are incomplete. Therefore God made Eve for Adam. She was the only girl in the world for him. Then God married them in paradise. The two became one flesh. In fact the word consummation means completion. They complemented each other perfectly. Notice that Eve is called Adam’s wife in verse 25. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.

Men and women have different strengths and weaknesses. We need each other. Men are stronger, Women are softer, Men are more logical, Women are more loving, Men are providers, Women are preparers. Together a husband and wife can bring a greater variety to a marriage and a family.

Charles Swindoll On Marraige

Charles Swindoll tells of being married 10 years before he became aware of the value of being grateful for the differences between his wife and himself. He was often irritated that she didn’t view things exactly as he did. She wasn’t argumentative, only expressive of her honest feelings. But he took this as a lack of submission and told her so. Time and time again they locked horns until finally God showed him from the Genesis 2:18-25 passage that his wife was different because God had made her different, and she was more valuable to him because of those differences. She was not designed to be his echo but to be his counterpart, a necessary and needed individual to help him become all God wanted him to be.

Have you ever noticed how a North pole magnet is mysteriously attracted to a South pole magnet? When joined together it takes a great deal of force to separate them. God has determined that opposites attract. The natural affection that God has placed within man and woman attracts the one to the other. One Man married to One Woman becomes One Flesh. 1 + 1 = 1. This may be bad math but it makes a great marriage. Marriage completes the love of a man and woman.

Application

Beth and Ryan, together you have become complete. Draw on the Lord for strength. Learn to understand your differences and draw on them. Listen to each other and serve one another. Recognize that only together you bring a wonderful blend of qualities to your marriage. God has joined you together to make you complete, so become one flesh.

3. A Commission - Future Legacy

Genesis 1:27-28: So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.

Adam was now complete with Eve and ready to fulfill the Lord’s work for them. God told them to tend the Garden of Eden. He commanded them to rule over the earth and subdue it. Being created in God’s image they were His representatives on earth. They ruled for God and His glory. God has given believers the privilege of sharing the Gospel, of making disciples for Christ. A Christian family can have an incredible influence in this lost world we live in. We can point people to Christ.

The Lord blessed them both and commanded them to be fruitful. Often the Lord’s best blessings are little ones. Psalm 127:3: Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. I am so thankful to the Lord for our 4 beautiful children. They are a legacy that we can pass on to future generations. It has been such a privilege for me to introduce my Children to Jesus Christ. A truly Christian home is the best thing that you can give your kids. Pray for them before they are born. Ask the Lord to save them while they are young and use them for His glory. Can I encourage you to be fruitful in the best possible way. Make sure your children have a second birth and become God’s children too.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Application

Beth and Ryan the Lord has a commission for you as a couple. There are needy people all around you. Will you ensure that your marriage brings glory to God? Show your children how to become God’s children too. Will you teach your kids while they are young about the Lord?

Numbers 6:24-26: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.