8/15/10 Genesis 2:18-25

August 15, 2010 Speaker: Matt Reed Series: Protoevangelium

Passage: Genesis 2:18–25

Context
1. First time something mentioned as ‘not good’
2. God’s assessment, not man’s; God intentionally created man with this need
3. Vs. 27—already mentioned woman to clarify that she’s made in God’s image

Helper (ezer)
1. Word is usually used of God (as Israel’s Helper)
  1. In no way suggests inferiority

The “Side” Surgery
1. Often translated ‘rib’, but more generally means side
2. Verb made more literally is built.
  1. Verb implies beauty, stability, durability
  2. Image of potter making a clay vessel

The Covenant
1. Vs. 23: ESV- This at last… reveals Adam’s excitement for what he sees
2. Flesh may indicate intimacy or weakness (bone indicates strength)
3. This is a covenant formula speaking of reciprocal loyalty
  1. Comparable to modern day marriage vows
4. forsake and cling—terms used in man’s covenant with God
5. One flesh—brings a sense of completeness
  1. Man and woman are of the same substance, yet distinctly different; together they create harmony

New Testament Commentary
1. Matthew 19:1-9—Jesus clearly associates this passage with marriage
2. Shows God’s plan for marriage goes to the very core of our being

Implications
1. God’s design for marriage is between one man and one woman
2. God’s design for marriage is meant to be lifelong
3. Sexuality is designed for marriage
  1. Vs. 25—shows the goodness and purity of sex when done God’s way
  2. Sex and marriage done God’s way brings the most pleasure and least pain
  3. Abstinence is possible for teens and young adults; let’s encourage it
4. Note: God’s grace is bigger than our sin; consider the woman at the well in John 4, or the adulterous woman in John 8; repent of any past sin, accept God’s grace, and seek to live within his design

August 29, 2010

8/29/10 Genesis 3:14-24

August 8, 2010

8/8/10 Genesis 2:4-17

July 25, 2010

7/25/10 Genesis 2:1-3