WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.280 helps you. We're going to read Genesis chapter 2 verses 18 through to 25. 00:00:13.480 --> 00:00:20.280 The Lord God said, it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. 00:00:21.160 --> 00:00:26.140 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. 00:00:26.140 --> 00:00:32.259 He brought them to the man to see what he would name them. And whatever the man called each living 00:00:32.259 --> 00:00:39.380 creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky, and all 00:00:39.380 --> 00:00:47.840 the wild animals. But for Adam, no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall 00:00:47.840 --> 00:00:55.620 into a deep sleep. And while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs, then closed up the place 00:00:55.619 --> 00:01:04.140 with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought 00:01:04.140 --> 00:01:14.340 her to the man. The man said, this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called 00:01:14.340 --> 00:01:24.300 woman, for she was taken out of man. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united 00:01:24.300 --> 00:01:33.719 to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. 00:01:33.719 --> 00:01:48.780 So let's pray. Father, thank you that we are not left to figure out your design and your plan for life. 00:01:50.519 --> 00:01:58.200 And so we pray that as we read your word, these foundations, these beginnings of what it is to be a 00:01:58.200 --> 00:02:08.259 man, what it is to be a woman, that you would instruct us and help us to see our purpose as a man and as a woman 00:02:08.259 --> 00:02:21.219 today in this world, in our home, in our workplace. Teach us and instruct us. And we pray, Father, 00:02:21.219 --> 00:02:32.139 that what we learn today would enable us to live for your glory, so that your glory is spread, 00:02:33.139 --> 00:02:42.240 not just through Karagoline, but throughout this earth. Teach us, Father, we pray. Amen. 00:02:42.240 --> 00:02:58.200 Well, it's a wonderful picture, isn't it, Genesis chapter 2. God and man dwelling together in the garden, 00:02:59.180 --> 00:03:07.379 enjoying the beauty of God's creation and delighting in their fellowship with one another. But there's no 00:03:07.379 --> 00:03:15.479 lounging by the pool here, because there's great work to be done. The borders are to be expanded, 00:03:16.340 --> 00:03:24.979 because it's God's desire that the whole earth be his dwelling place. Look back with me to chapter 2, 00:03:25.039 --> 00:03:34.280 verse 15. We saw this last week. The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden in Eden to work it 00:03:34.280 --> 00:03:44.259 and to take care of it. We saw there that the garden was like a temple, a dwelling place for God, 00:03:44.939 --> 00:03:54.000 a dwelling place that was to grow as man worked and cared for it. It was to expand from the garden 00:03:54.000 --> 00:04:02.099 out into Eden and from Eden to the ends of the earth, because the whole earth is to be a dwelling 00:04:02.099 --> 00:04:08.199 place for God. A place where God's place where God's place where God extends his rule and where man enjoys 00:04:08.199 --> 00:04:17.600 his relationship with God. There's work to be done in this garden to expand the borders. 00:04:19.800 --> 00:04:28.600 And our question this morning is, how will this work get done? How is it going to expand beyond the 00:04:28.600 --> 00:04:34.879 borders of the garden to Eden to the ends of the earth? Well, three things we're going to look at 00:04:34.879 --> 00:04:42.600 from this text. A suitable helper, a covenant marriage, and a greater relationship. 00:04:44.840 --> 00:04:54.100 So first, a suitable helper. Up to this point in the creation account, everything has been good. 00:04:54.100 --> 00:05:04.439 All the way through Genesis chapter 1, God declares, and it was good. But there's something that is not good. 00:05:05.180 --> 00:05:12.780 Verse 18, the Lord God said, it is not good for the man to be alone. 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:20.359 Now when you read that, I wonder what your thought is. Our immediate thoughts are perhaps, poor Adam. 00:05:21.099 --> 00:05:28.279 He's all on his own, isn't he? In this great big garden. He's got no friends. Maybe he would have 00:05:28.279 --> 00:05:37.899 been better called Norman. Norman no mates, nobody to talk to. He's lonely. Well, I don't think that's 00:05:37.899 --> 00:05:44.699 Adam's main concern. After all, the creator God of the universe is present with him. 00:05:46.699 --> 00:05:52.219 Let's look again at verse 18. The Lord God said, it is not good for the man to be alone. 00:05:53.079 --> 00:06:00.959 I will make a helper suitable for him. God doesn't provide a friend, first and foremost. 00:06:00.959 --> 00:06:12.039 God provides a helper. Adam isn't bored. He's working and caring for the garden. And he needs help in expanding 00:06:12.039 --> 00:06:18.579 the garden. If the whole earth is to be a dwelling place for God, he's never going to do it on his own. 00:06:18.919 --> 00:06:25.879 He needs help. And he needs a special kind of help. Look at verse 19. 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:33.060 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:40.339 Is he going to find help from the animals? Well, look at the end of verse 20. 00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:52.000 But for Adam, no suitable helper was found. Adam needs someone and something different to the animals, 00:06:52.000 --> 00:07:02.680 but like himself. There's work to be done. The borders need expanding. So God in his goodness provides a suitable helper. 00:07:03.980 --> 00:07:11.759 So what does this helper look like? What kind of help? Well, let's read verse 21 to 22. 00:07:12.019 --> 00:07:16.240 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. 00:07:16.240 --> 00:07:24.259 And while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. 00:07:25.079 --> 00:07:34.480 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib that he had taken out of the man and he brought her to the man. 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:41.439 There's four things I want us to notice about this man-woman relationship. 00:07:41.439 --> 00:07:44.300 The worker and the helper. 00:07:45.399 --> 00:07:51.719 First, woman was made for man. 00:07:52.439 --> 00:07:59.839 Did you notice in verse 21 and 22, the woman is formed from the man out of his rib? 00:08:00.279 --> 00:08:03.220 And she is given to the man. 00:08:04.159 --> 00:08:07.079 We say, Johnny, come on. This is 2021. 00:08:07.779 --> 00:08:09.620 You can't say things like that. 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:11.060 Woman made for man? 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:14.139 I mean, woman is independent from man. 00:08:14.399 --> 00:08:17.180 Woman has been liberated from man. 00:08:18.459 --> 00:08:21.540 You get yourself into trouble saying things like that. 00:08:23.019 --> 00:08:24.259 Well, let me be clear. 00:08:24.540 --> 00:08:26.060 Let's see what the text is saying. 00:08:26.840 --> 00:08:31.540 Woman is given to man not for his own wants and wishes, 00:08:32.100 --> 00:08:35.639 but to serve God's purposes. 00:08:36.580 --> 00:08:38.639 Woman is to be a helper. 00:08:39.620 --> 00:08:44.060 Not a servant or a mistress or a slave. 00:08:45.279 --> 00:08:51.980 In fact, woman and man are equal in value. 00:08:52.980 --> 00:08:56.960 Being a helper doesn't diminish worth or value or dignity. 00:08:57.620 --> 00:08:59.820 Look back at chapter 1, verse 27. 00:08:59.820 --> 00:09:06.140 Where God created mankind in his own image. 00:09:06.560 --> 00:09:09.340 In the image of God he created them. 00:09:10.020 --> 00:09:13.400 Male and female he created them. 00:09:13.399 --> 00:09:17.679 You see, man and woman are both image bearers. 00:09:18.240 --> 00:09:20.840 Man can't reflect God's image on his own, 00:09:21.259 --> 00:09:24.340 and woman can't reflect God's image on her own. 00:09:24.659 --> 00:09:27.379 Together they reflect the image of God. 00:09:27.659 --> 00:09:30.439 That's what gives us value and worth. 00:09:32.059 --> 00:09:36.179 Women don't need to prove their value in physical beauty, 00:09:36.179 --> 00:09:41.039 or men don't have to prove their worth by having a successful career. 00:09:41.739 --> 00:09:47.719 Men and women are valued because we are image bearers. 00:09:48.059 --> 00:09:51.319 This is what gives us value and worth. 00:09:51.320 --> 00:09:55.420 So, made for man, equal in value. 00:09:57.200 --> 00:10:00.920 But third, we are different in our roles. 00:10:01.680 --> 00:10:03.280 Woman isn't the same as man. 00:10:04.160 --> 00:10:05.500 We're different. 00:10:06.700 --> 00:10:08.460 We're different in lots of different ways. 00:10:08.800 --> 00:10:09.640 Different physically. 00:10:09.639 --> 00:10:12.199 So, in case you didn't know, 00:10:12.340 --> 00:10:17.740 men produce 5,000 to 6,500 units of testosterone. 00:10:18.819 --> 00:10:24.419 While women produce 300 to 400 units of testosterone. 00:10:24.819 --> 00:10:26.319 That's why, typically speaking, 00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:30.679 men are stronger, bigger, and faster. 00:10:31.559 --> 00:10:33.480 We're different biologically. 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:37.500 So, women and men have different sexual organs. 00:10:37.500 --> 00:10:41.700 One made to give, the other to receive. 00:10:42.720 --> 00:10:46.080 Our hormones, well, they affect us differently. 00:10:47.299 --> 00:10:50.360 And we're different socially as well, aren't we? 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:55.460 Men love to talk about things and are competitive. 00:10:56.279 --> 00:11:01.419 Talk about sport, talk about machines, talk about work. 00:11:03.399 --> 00:11:04.639 They're competitive. 00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:08.379 Whereas women, well, they have the ability, don't they, 00:11:08.419 --> 00:11:09.679 to talk to each other. 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:13.759 And they're more agreeable rather than competitive. 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:15.939 We're not the same. 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:20.500 This is already being reflected in creation. 00:11:21.179 --> 00:11:23.360 Think back through to Genesis 1 and 2. 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:27.279 God has created things already in opposite pairs. 00:11:27.779 --> 00:11:29.580 Light and darkness. 00:11:30.399 --> 00:11:31.899 Land and sea. 00:11:32.340 --> 00:11:33.919 Heavens and earth. 00:11:33.919 --> 00:11:36.719 So it is with the creation of man and woman. 00:11:37.099 --> 00:11:37.979 We're different. 00:11:38.339 --> 00:11:40.159 Therefore, we have different roles. 00:11:41.779 --> 00:11:44.839 This theme is picked up for us in Corinthians. 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:47.240 You can just have a jump forward to there. 00:11:47.659 --> 00:11:49.399 1 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:11:54.699 --> 00:11:57.360 1 Corinthians 11 verses 8 and 9. 00:11:57.360 --> 00:12:24.120 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man. 00:12:24.120 --> 00:12:30.299 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 00:12:30.299 --> 00:12:32.720 Verse 11. 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:42.799 Nevertheless, in the Lord, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 00:12:42.799 --> 00:12:48.639 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. 00:12:49.279 --> 00:12:52.179 But everything comes from God. 00:12:53.219 --> 00:12:54.679 Let's go back to Genesis. 00:12:54.679 --> 00:12:57.779 You see, there is a difference. 00:12:57.779 --> 00:13:02.199 But with that difference comes an interdependence. 00:13:02.199 --> 00:13:05.259 We have different roles and responsibilities. 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:10.439 That doesn't mean to say that women can only cook and men can only work in the office. 00:13:10.440 --> 00:13:13.740 The point is, we are different. 00:13:13.740 --> 00:13:16.580 And we're to celebrate our difference. 00:13:17.120 --> 00:13:19.680 We do things in a different way. 00:13:20.320 --> 00:13:23.800 Which brings us to the fourth idea. 00:13:25.160 --> 00:13:30.540 That men and women are complementary by design. 00:13:30.539 --> 00:13:34.339 God has made us to complement each other. 00:13:35.659 --> 00:13:40.679 One thinker and theologian, Andrew Wilson, explains it very simply like this. 00:13:41.799 --> 00:13:49.919 He says it's a relationship in which two people improve or emphasize each other's qualities. 00:13:50.699 --> 00:13:52.480 Very simple, but very helpful. 00:13:53.059 --> 00:13:58.259 A relationship in which two people improve or emphasize each other's qualities. 00:13:58.259 --> 00:14:01.700 Now that doesn't just apply to a marriage relationship. 00:14:02.100 --> 00:14:05.460 This applies to all men and women in all of their relationships. 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:08.759 Whether that's at work or in their social environment. 00:14:09.580 --> 00:14:13.240 It's not competition, but cooperation. 00:14:14.700 --> 00:14:17.980 It's not independence, but interdependence. 00:14:18.740 --> 00:14:24.159 Men need women and women need men in every area of life. 00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:28.299 Now we know this is a red hot issue today in our society. 00:14:28.839 --> 00:14:29.959 Look at social media. 00:14:30.419 --> 00:14:35.240 Whether it's the gender balance in work or equal pay for sports players. 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:37.659 Whatever the topic, whatever the issue. 00:14:38.100 --> 00:14:42.319 There ought to be no fight or battle between the sexes. 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:47.659 No one is superior and no one is inferior. 00:14:48.539 --> 00:14:51.819 And as Christians we have an awful lot to say about this. 00:14:51.820 --> 00:14:55.560 God's design for us is different. 00:14:55.560 --> 00:14:58.020 And that difference is good. 00:14:59.320 --> 00:15:03.360 It's a difference that actually makes us a suitable fit. 00:15:04.400 --> 00:15:07.860 Together as men and women, whatever our marital status, 00:15:08.280 --> 00:15:10.560 we are workers and we are helpers. 00:15:11.260 --> 00:15:17.260 Complimenting one another to serve God's greater and grander purposes. 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:21.919 That together we would expand the borders. 00:15:22.159 --> 00:15:24.539 We would live life as God intends. 00:15:24.840 --> 00:15:27.679 So that the whole earth becomes a dwelling place for him. 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:30.059 Where his glory is declared. 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:32.740 Where his reign is expanded. 00:15:33.419 --> 00:15:37.379 And we can enjoy a relationship with him. 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:43.659 So, the work, how is it going to be done? 00:15:44.419 --> 00:15:47.399 Well, God's provided a suitable helper. 00:15:48.340 --> 00:15:51.179 Second, a covenant marriage. 00:15:54.120 --> 00:15:56.659 Just a sec while I get a drink. 00:15:56.659 --> 00:16:08.079 So, a covenant marriage. 00:16:08.620 --> 00:16:11.939 God's design for men and women is to complement each other. 00:16:11.939 --> 00:16:17.719 And for most of us, that's going to lead into a marriage relationship. 00:16:18.579 --> 00:16:22.939 What develops in the garden is a covenant marriage. 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.699 Look at verse 23. 00:16:24.700 --> 00:16:29.259 This is man at his best when it comes to poetry. 00:16:30.200 --> 00:16:35.080 This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. 00:16:35.400 --> 00:16:37.440 And she shall be called woman. 00:16:38.440 --> 00:16:40.540 For she was taken out of man. 00:16:40.920 --> 00:16:42.259 This isn't boring. 00:16:42.520 --> 00:16:44.860 This is a declaration of delight and wonder. 00:16:45.220 --> 00:16:47.200 Maybe if you're a woman sitting there, you're thinking, 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:49.420 well, that's not how I'd like to be described. 00:16:49.800 --> 00:16:51.460 But this was the best Adam could do. 00:16:51.460 --> 00:16:55.300 A declaration of delight and wonder. 00:16:55.800 --> 00:16:58.259 Yes, God has provided a suitable helper. 00:16:59.259 --> 00:17:01.840 But God has provided an intimate helper. 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:06.519 Christopher Ash, who's written a great book on marriage, 00:17:07.340 --> 00:17:08.860 captures it well with this. 00:17:08.859 --> 00:17:14.079 For this is delight with a shared purpose. 00:17:14.619 --> 00:17:16.519 Intimacy with a common goal. 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:22.240 Companionship in a task that stretches beyond the boundaries of the couple themselves. 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:25.359 As we rejoice with the lovers in the garden, 00:17:26.120 --> 00:17:30.599 we must not forget that there is work to be done. 00:17:31.740 --> 00:17:34.680 The borders need expanding. 00:17:35.680 --> 00:17:37.859 If the world is to be God's dwelling, 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:41.900 where his rule extends and where people live for his glory, 00:17:42.420 --> 00:17:46.519 then there needs to be a companionship of working together. 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:53.759 You see, the primary purpose of marriage is not to meet my sexual or social needs. 00:17:54.420 --> 00:18:00.859 The primary purpose of marriage is to serve the grand purpose of God. 00:18:02.480 --> 00:18:04.859 Look back at 1, verse 28. 00:18:04.859 --> 00:18:07.160 1, verse 28. 00:18:07.160 --> 00:18:10.920 Here's God's purpose for marriage. 00:18:12.560 --> 00:18:15.560 God blessed them, that's the man and the woman, 00:18:15.700 --> 00:18:16.600 and said to them, 00:18:17.259 --> 00:18:20.560 Be fruitful and increase in number. 00:18:21.920 --> 00:18:23.040 Make babies. 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:24.980 Grow the family. 00:18:26.120 --> 00:18:28.320 You see, the job is so great 00:18:28.320 --> 00:18:31.860 that it's going to take more than just one man and one woman. 00:18:32.200 --> 00:18:34.500 It's going to need a whole family. 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:37.460 That's the purpose of marriage. 00:18:38.039 --> 00:18:42.099 Mum and dad raising children in the ways of God 00:18:42.099 --> 00:18:45.920 so that their children will in turn grow up 00:18:45.920 --> 00:18:48.599 to serve the purposes of God. 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:52.819 Families, all families who are gathered here today, 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:55.119 that's your purpose. 00:18:56.440 --> 00:18:59.359 You are a team of workers and helpers 00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:04.200 serving God so that others will come to serve God. 00:19:04.500 --> 00:19:07.319 and enjoy a relationship with him. 00:19:10.039 --> 00:19:12.579 Contrary to what many people say, 00:19:13.599 --> 00:19:17.220 children are not a burden or an inconvenience. 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:21.460 They are not a mistake that ruins your lovely figure 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:24.579 or interferes with your career move. 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:26.220 Children are, 00:19:27.359 --> 00:19:30.140 verse 28, chapter 1, verse 28, 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:30.779 a blessing. 00:19:30.980 --> 00:19:32.140 God blessed them. 00:19:32.140 --> 00:19:36.280 They are vital members of the husband and wife team. 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:38.640 The teaching of scripture is this, 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:41.840 don't delay in having children, 00:19:42.520 --> 00:19:44.780 but make children, if you're married, 00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:46.000 your priority. 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:50.280 Now, as we talked recently, 00:19:51.300 --> 00:19:53.320 some will not be able to have children 00:19:53.320 --> 00:19:55.600 and that's always sad and painful. 00:19:56.340 --> 00:19:57.360 It's very hard. 00:19:57.359 --> 00:20:01.019 But that doesn't mean to say you've lost your purpose. 00:20:01.679 --> 00:20:04.959 No, a husband and wife will go on serving God's purposes 00:20:04.959 --> 00:20:06.879 in a very fulfilling way, 00:20:07.000 --> 00:20:08.959 but in a different way. 00:20:11.359 --> 00:20:14.179 Now, if God's plan and design for marriage 00:20:14.179 --> 00:20:15.919 is to meet God's purpose, 00:20:16.439 --> 00:20:18.619 we need to follow his design. 00:20:18.619 --> 00:20:22.079 Look at verse 24 and 25. 00:20:24.399 --> 00:20:27.579 That is why a man leaves his father and mother 00:20:27.579 --> 00:20:30.239 and is united to his wife 00:20:30.239 --> 00:20:33.500 and they become one flesh. 00:20:34.619 --> 00:20:36.439 Adam and his wife were both naked 00:20:36.439 --> 00:20:38.799 and they felt no shame. 00:20:38.799 --> 00:20:44.099 Three things just to look at from this 00:20:44.099 --> 00:20:46.319 to understand the design of marriage. 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:50.319 First, it's to be an exclusive union. 00:20:51.919 --> 00:20:53.960 Marriage is between one man 00:20:53.960 --> 00:20:55.700 and one woman. 00:20:56.639 --> 00:20:58.559 That's what it says there in verse 24. 00:20:58.559 --> 00:21:01.019 Therefore, the man leaves his father, 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:02.279 who is a male, 00:21:03.119 --> 00:21:04.919 and mother, who is a female, 00:21:05.139 --> 00:21:06.419 and unites to his wife. 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:07.399 There's a leaving 00:21:07.399 --> 00:21:09.419 and there's a cleaving. 00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:13.200 Now, this is really important for us to grasp. 00:21:13.960 --> 00:21:15.980 It's about leaving home 00:21:15.980 --> 00:21:19.059 and setting up your own home. 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:21.579 Husbands and wives 00:21:21.579 --> 00:21:23.759 are to begin to make their own decisions 00:21:23.759 --> 00:21:26.279 and to make their own way in life. 00:21:26.419 --> 00:21:28.419 Running back to mummy and daddy 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:29.120 all the time 00:21:29.120 --> 00:21:30.200 is only going to hinder 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:31.500 and break the marriage. 00:21:33.300 --> 00:21:34.060 And husbands, 00:21:35.320 --> 00:21:36.759 you have a particular role 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:39.220 in guarding and protecting the marriage. 00:21:39.600 --> 00:21:40.480 Just as Adam, 00:21:40.580 --> 00:21:42.779 as we'll see next week in chapter 3, 00:21:43.340 --> 00:21:44.580 was held responsible, 00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:46.539 so husbands, 00:21:46.539 --> 00:21:47.519 you're responsible 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:50.539 for your marriage, 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:51.560 for your family. 00:21:52.620 --> 00:21:54.120 That's what God has given you 00:21:54.120 --> 00:21:55.180 that role to do. 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:56.800 You're responsible for it. 00:21:57.480 --> 00:21:57.940 Wives, 00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:59.640 you have a particular role 00:21:59.640 --> 00:22:00.519 in supporting 00:22:00.519 --> 00:22:02.500 and helping your husband 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:03.960 in that role. 00:22:04.360 --> 00:22:05.480 To help him 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:06.880 and enable him 00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:08.360 to take responsibility. 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:12.539 That's God's design. 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:15.820 And if you are parents here today 00:22:15.820 --> 00:22:16.900 of married children, 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:20.200 you also have a very important role 00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:21.860 to your married children. 00:22:21.859 --> 00:22:23.559 don't interfere. 00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:24.039 Don't interfere. 00:22:25.139 --> 00:22:26.839 Don't smother them. 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:30.000 But support them 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:30.879 to live out 00:22:30.879 --> 00:22:32.299 their roles 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:33.579 that God has given them. 00:22:34.699 --> 00:22:35.779 So marriage 00:22:35.779 --> 00:22:37.639 is to be an exclusive union. 00:22:38.679 --> 00:22:39.579 And it's to be 00:22:39.579 --> 00:22:40.839 a lifelong covenant. 00:22:42.639 --> 00:22:43.639 You may remember 00:22:43.639 --> 00:22:45.719 in Matthew chapter 19 00:22:45.719 --> 00:22:47.740 and I think it's Mark 10, 00:22:47.740 --> 00:22:50.039 when Jesus was asked 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:51.039 about divorce. 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:53.319 If it was permitted, 00:22:53.559 --> 00:22:54.720 could a man 00:22:54.720 --> 00:22:55.620 leave his wife? 00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:56.480 That's the question 00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:57.220 the Pharisees 00:22:57.220 --> 00:22:58.200 are asking Jesus. 00:22:58.720 --> 00:22:59.799 And Jesus answered 00:22:59.799 --> 00:23:00.440 that question 00:23:00.440 --> 00:23:01.279 by quoting 00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:02.680 chapter 2, 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:04.099 verse 24 of Genesis. 00:23:05.460 --> 00:23:05.859 He says, 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:06.420 that is why 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:07.319 a man leaves 00:23:07.319 --> 00:23:08.440 his father and mother 00:23:08.440 --> 00:23:09.660 and is united 00:23:09.660 --> 00:23:10.380 to his wife 00:23:10.380 --> 00:23:11.440 and they become 00:23:11.440 --> 00:23:12.079 one flesh. 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:13.240 And then Jesus 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:14.480 added these words. 00:23:15.379 --> 00:23:17.119 What God has joined together, 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:21.779 let no one separate. 00:23:22.919 --> 00:23:23.699 In other words, 00:23:23.879 --> 00:23:24.439 marriage 00:23:24.439 --> 00:23:25.699 is intended 00:23:25.699 --> 00:23:27.079 to be a permanent, 00:23:28.019 --> 00:23:29.119 lifelong commitment. 00:23:29.879 --> 00:23:31.960 It's a covenant relationship. 00:23:32.439 --> 00:23:33.099 A relationship 00:23:33.099 --> 00:23:33.960 in which people 00:23:33.960 --> 00:23:34.579 are committed 00:23:34.579 --> 00:23:36.359 to fulfill the promises 00:23:36.359 --> 00:23:38.480 as long as you shall live. 00:23:42.079 --> 00:23:42.819 Of course, 00:23:42.939 --> 00:23:43.879 marriage is hard. 00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:45.199 You'll know that 00:23:45.199 --> 00:23:45.939 if you're married. 00:23:46.879 --> 00:23:48.159 It's not easy. 00:23:49.379 --> 00:23:50.939 It does take work 00:23:50.939 --> 00:23:51.579 and effort. 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.819 That's why we need 00:23:53.819 --> 00:23:54.419 to support 00:23:54.419 --> 00:23:55.119 and encourage 00:23:55.119 --> 00:23:56.799 those who are married. 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:58.539 If you're here 00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:59.099 and you're thinking, 00:23:59.220 --> 00:23:59.899 well, I'm not married, 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:01.119 this doesn't apply to me. 00:24:01.379 --> 00:24:02.199 It does. 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:04.159 You are to support 00:24:04.159 --> 00:24:04.819 and encourage 00:24:04.819 --> 00:24:06.099 those who are married. 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:07.639 And it's not wrong 00:24:07.639 --> 00:24:08.460 if we're married 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.899 to need help 00:24:09.899 --> 00:24:11.379 or receive help. 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:13.320 Sometimes marriages 00:24:13.320 --> 00:24:15.480 need outside intervention 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:16.240 and counsel. 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:18.920 There's many times 00:24:18.920 --> 00:24:19.820 Kirsty and I, 00:24:19.980 --> 00:24:21.120 individually and together, 00:24:21.500 --> 00:24:22.800 have spoken to friends 00:24:22.800 --> 00:24:23.420 and say, 00:24:23.520 --> 00:24:23.940 you know what? 00:24:24.080 --> 00:24:25.000 I'm finding it 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:25.760 really difficult. 00:24:27.160 --> 00:24:27.940 It's okay 00:24:27.940 --> 00:24:29.940 to ask for help 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:31.440 and to need help. 00:24:32.320 --> 00:24:33.820 We need to nurture 00:24:33.820 --> 00:24:35.900 and grow our marriages. 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:37.720 We need to invest 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.780 in our marriage 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:40.619 for the very purpose 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:42.720 so that we can serve 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:44.319 the purposes of God well. 00:24:45.399 --> 00:24:46.960 If I can use Kirsty and I 00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:47.980 again as an example, 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:50.279 when we're at loggerheads 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:51.139 with each other, 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:52.779 if we're not getting on well, 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.779 we don't serve 00:24:54.779 --> 00:24:56.259 the purposes of God well. 00:24:57.139 --> 00:24:58.160 It doesn't function. 00:24:58.299 --> 00:24:59.180 It doesn't work. 00:24:59.180 --> 00:25:02.920 So if you're here today 00:25:02.920 --> 00:25:05.680 and you're struggling 00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:06.600 in your marriage, 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:08.380 it's okay. 00:25:09.380 --> 00:25:10.720 People are there to help. 00:25:10.860 --> 00:25:11.500 Come and speak. 00:25:11.660 --> 00:25:12.620 Come and talk to me. 00:25:13.180 --> 00:25:14.740 We'll find you the support 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:15.380 and the help 00:25:15.380 --> 00:25:16.680 that you need. 00:25:16.960 --> 00:25:17.720 Don't wait. 00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:19.680 Do it today. 00:25:19.680 --> 00:25:23.900 So marriage is to be lifelong. 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:27.140 But what about this issue 00:25:27.140 --> 00:25:29.019 of if my spouse 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:30.160 is unfaithful? 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:33.140 What if I find myself 00:25:33.140 --> 00:25:35.480 in an abusive relationship? 00:25:36.900 --> 00:25:37.980 Am I meant to just 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:39.080 shut up and put up? 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:39.440 I mean, 00:25:39.640 --> 00:25:40.440 that's what they did 00:25:40.440 --> 00:25:41.860 in the old days, 00:25:41.940 --> 00:25:42.279 isn't it? 00:25:42.340 --> 00:25:43.880 Just shut up and put up? 00:25:45.640 --> 00:25:46.980 Absolutely not. 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:50.099 Scripture is not silent 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:50.960 on these matters. 00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:52.319 Scriptures have things 00:25:52.319 --> 00:25:53.279 to teach us. 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:55.720 Let me say three things 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:56.799 in relation to that. 00:25:57.860 --> 00:25:58.400 First, 00:26:02.819 --> 00:26:04.579 if ever you find yourself 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.779 in such a situation 00:26:05.779 --> 00:26:08.339 where there's unfaithfulness 00:26:08.339 --> 00:26:09.460 or abusiveness, 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:11.620 reach out 00:26:11.620 --> 00:26:13.400 and ask for help. 00:26:14.099 --> 00:26:14.720 Don't wait. 00:26:14.860 --> 00:26:15.900 Go talk to someone. 00:26:15.900 --> 00:26:18.000 No one in any marriage 00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:19.400 should have to live 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:20.060 with that. 00:26:20.820 --> 00:26:21.200 Yes, 00:26:21.259 --> 00:26:22.740 we have social services, 00:26:23.300 --> 00:26:24.800 but I think the church 00:26:24.800 --> 00:26:26.220 has a particular role 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:28.300 in supporting people, 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:29.940 caring for them 00:26:29.940 --> 00:26:31.600 and providing for them. 00:26:31.880 --> 00:26:32.820 And I want to say 00:26:32.820 --> 00:26:33.800 that as a church, 00:26:34.200 --> 00:26:35.400 that is what we will do 00:26:35.400 --> 00:26:36.280 for you. 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:38.000 We will provide 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:39.240 the care and support 00:26:39.240 --> 00:26:40.360 that is necessary 00:26:40.360 --> 00:26:42.259 in such a situation. 00:26:43.380 --> 00:26:44.560 The second thing, 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:46.200 that if the marriage 00:26:46.200 --> 00:26:47.200 is in difficulty, 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:49.399 the aim is always, 00:26:49.599 --> 00:26:50.579 this is where Scripture 00:26:50.579 --> 00:26:51.240 points to, 00:26:51.339 --> 00:26:51.980 it is always 00:26:51.980 --> 00:26:53.139 transformation 00:26:53.139 --> 00:26:55.019 and restoration. 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:57.119 With God's grace 00:26:57.119 --> 00:26:57.879 and with the right 00:26:57.879 --> 00:26:58.940 pastoral support, 00:26:59.359 --> 00:27:01.000 people can change. 00:27:01.700 --> 00:27:02.740 That's what God does. 00:27:02.859 --> 00:27:04.740 He transforms us. 00:27:05.059 --> 00:27:05.879 Even Christians 00:27:05.879 --> 00:27:06.940 who do awful 00:27:06.940 --> 00:27:08.139 and terrible things, 00:27:08.579 --> 00:27:09.779 people can change 00:27:09.779 --> 00:27:11.240 and people can forgive. 00:27:11.240 --> 00:27:13.140 The aim is always 00:27:13.140 --> 00:27:14.140 to reconcile 00:27:14.140 --> 00:27:15.779 what is broken. 00:27:16.319 --> 00:27:16.839 Always. 00:27:17.120 --> 00:27:17.779 That's always 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:18.640 the first aim. 00:27:21.140 --> 00:27:21.740 Third, 00:27:22.819 --> 00:27:24.640 if reconciliation 00:27:24.640 --> 00:27:26.140 can't be achieved, 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:27.819 if someone walks 00:27:27.819 --> 00:27:28.660 out in the marriage 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.279 and doesn't want 00:27:29.279 --> 00:27:29.859 to come back, 00:27:30.180 --> 00:27:31.019 if someone doesn't 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:31.940 want to own up 00:27:31.940 --> 00:27:34.140 or be repentant 00:27:34.140 --> 00:27:35.000 for their sin, 00:27:37.299 --> 00:27:38.180 well then maybe 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:40.819 divorce is necessary. 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:43.120 But only in 00:27:43.120 --> 00:27:44.359 certain situations. 00:27:45.519 --> 00:27:46.660 You can talk to me 00:27:46.660 --> 00:27:47.500 a bit more about this. 00:27:47.579 --> 00:27:48.220 We don't have time 00:27:48.220 --> 00:27:49.279 to go into all 00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:51.359 the exegesis of it 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:52.200 just to say that 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:53.339 Matthew 19, 00:27:53.480 --> 00:27:54.220 verse 9, 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:56.200 1 Corinthians 7, 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:57.059 verse 15, 00:27:57.519 --> 00:27:58.240 I think give us 00:27:58.240 --> 00:27:58.839 the foundation 00:27:58.839 --> 00:28:00.000 and the principles 00:28:00.000 --> 00:28:00.819 for decisions 00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:01.519 that we make 00:28:01.519 --> 00:28:02.220 around this. 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:03.960 Let me give four 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:05.460 where it may be 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:06.059 necessary. 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:07.700 Unfaithfulness, 00:28:07.940 --> 00:28:08.920 Jesus spoke about 00:28:08.920 --> 00:28:10.120 that in Matthew 19. 00:28:10.119 --> 00:28:11.779 ongoing affairs, 00:28:12.239 --> 00:28:13.359 sexual immorality. 00:28:14.199 --> 00:28:15.739 That could be a reason. 00:28:17.199 --> 00:28:17.879 Desertion 00:28:17.879 --> 00:28:19.699 or abandonment 00:28:19.699 --> 00:28:20.439 which comes up 00:28:20.439 --> 00:28:21.419 in 1 Corinthians, 00:28:21.899 --> 00:28:22.579 whether that's 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:23.079 physical 00:28:23.079 --> 00:28:24.859 or economical, 00:28:26.419 --> 00:28:27.399 leaving the home 00:28:27.399 --> 00:28:28.859 or not providing 00:28:28.859 --> 00:28:29.359 in the way 00:28:29.359 --> 00:28:30.279 that should be done. 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:33.599 and I think 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:34.059 from this 00:28:34.059 --> 00:28:35.180 comes principles 00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:35.980 for areas 00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:37.700 of abuse, 00:28:38.339 --> 00:28:39.240 whether that's 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:39.720 sexual, 00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.500 emotional 00:28:40.500 --> 00:28:42.539 or physical. 00:28:43.639 --> 00:28:44.680 Perhaps there's 00:28:44.680 --> 00:28:46.160 threat within the home. 00:28:47.299 --> 00:28:48.139 Maybe children 00:28:48.139 --> 00:28:49.299 are in danger. 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:51.839 in all of these 00:28:51.839 --> 00:28:52.639 situations, 00:28:53.379 --> 00:28:54.200 it may be 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:54.899 necessary, 00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:55.839 certainly 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:57.139 separation, 00:28:57.839 --> 00:28:58.819 but it may be 00:28:58.819 --> 00:29:00.379 divorce is required. 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:02.779 Of course, 00:29:02.859 --> 00:29:03.480 it's not always 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:04.960 right to divorce 00:29:04.960 --> 00:29:08.460 and there may be 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:09.379 decisions that we 00:29:09.379 --> 00:29:09.980 need to make 00:29:09.980 --> 00:29:10.579 about that 00:29:10.579 --> 00:29:11.079 and again, 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:12.000 I would encourage 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:12.720 that that should be 00:29:12.720 --> 00:29:13.279 done with the 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:13.799 counsel 00:29:13.799 --> 00:29:14.940 of the right 00:29:14.940 --> 00:29:16.599 of the elders 00:29:16.599 --> 00:29:17.500 and the pastors 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:18.919 to help work 00:29:18.919 --> 00:29:19.959 through those issues. 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:21.919 But we must 00:29:21.919 --> 00:29:22.719 take Jesus' 00:29:22.959 --> 00:29:23.919 word seriously. 00:29:24.500 --> 00:29:25.240 What God 00:29:25.240 --> 00:29:26.439 has joined together, 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:28.379 let no one 00:29:28.379 --> 00:29:29.419 separate. 00:29:31.099 --> 00:29:32.159 So marriage 00:29:32.159 --> 00:29:33.379 is to be 00:29:33.379 --> 00:29:33.919 a lifelong 00:29:33.919 --> 00:29:34.679 commitment. 00:29:36.459 --> 00:29:37.379 So it's 00:29:37.379 --> 00:29:38.019 an exclusive 00:29:38.019 --> 00:29:38.919 union. 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:41.379 It's to be 00:29:41.379 --> 00:29:42.159 a lifelong 00:29:42.159 --> 00:29:42.779 covenant 00:29:42.779 --> 00:29:44.500 and within 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:45.099 marriage, 00:29:45.939 --> 00:29:46.359 sexual 00:29:46.359 --> 00:29:46.919 intimacy. 00:29:47.139 --> 00:29:47.379 Look at 00:29:47.379 --> 00:29:48.819 verse 24. 00:29:48.959 --> 00:29:49.359 We're told 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:50.079 they became 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:51.079 one flesh. 00:29:52.599 --> 00:29:53.039 Again, 00:29:53.319 --> 00:29:53.919 contrary to 00:29:53.919 --> 00:29:54.359 what many 00:29:54.359 --> 00:29:55.059 people say, 00:29:55.559 --> 00:29:56.619 sex is a 00:29:56.619 --> 00:29:57.619 good gift 00:29:57.619 --> 00:29:58.459 from God 00:29:58.459 --> 00:29:59.839 and it is 00:29:59.839 --> 00:30:00.819 good. 00:30:01.439 --> 00:30:01.979 It is to 00:30:01.979 --> 00:30:03.279 be nurtured 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:04.459 and enjoyed. 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:05.399 Sex isn't 00:30:05.399 --> 00:30:05.899 just about 00:30:05.899 --> 00:30:06.819 having children. 00:30:08.179 --> 00:30:08.779 Within the 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:09.939 marriage context, 00:30:10.139 --> 00:30:10.859 it deepens 00:30:10.859 --> 00:30:12.399 trust and 00:30:12.399 --> 00:30:13.139 strengthens 00:30:13.139 --> 00:30:13.879 the bonds. 00:30:14.599 --> 00:30:15.079 It's the 00:30:15.079 --> 00:30:15.639 mutual 00:30:15.640 --> 00:30:16.640 considerate 00:30:16.640 --> 00:30:17.220 act of 00:30:17.220 --> 00:30:17.880 giving 00:30:17.880 --> 00:30:19.200 and 00:30:19.200 --> 00:30:19.780 receiving. 00:30:21.600 --> 00:30:22.800 Verse 25, 00:30:23.380 --> 00:30:23.860 Adam and 00:30:23.860 --> 00:30:24.340 his wife 00:30:24.340 --> 00:30:24.920 were both 00:30:24.920 --> 00:30:25.520 naked and 00:30:25.520 --> 00:30:25.960 they felt 00:30:25.960 --> 00:30:26.580 no shame. 00:30:27.240 --> 00:30:27.740 As one 00:30:27.740 --> 00:30:28.400 writer put it, 00:30:28.440 --> 00:30:28.900 this doesn't 00:30:28.900 --> 00:30:29.320 mean to say 00:30:29.320 --> 00:30:29.759 that Adam 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.340 had a great 00:30:30.340 --> 00:30:31.100 six-pack 00:30:31.100 --> 00:30:32.980 and Eve 00:30:32.980 --> 00:30:33.360 was a 00:30:33.360 --> 00:30:33.720 wonderful 00:30:33.720 --> 00:30:34.600 supermodel. 00:30:35.640 --> 00:30:35.940 No, 00:30:36.060 --> 00:30:36.380 there was 00:30:36.380 --> 00:30:36.700 just 00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:37.600 openness. 00:30:38.700 --> 00:30:39.180 There was 00:30:39.180 --> 00:30:40.100 purity 00:30:40.099 --> 00:30:40.980 in their 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:41.740 giving and 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.279 receiving. 00:30:42.859 --> 00:30:43.559 Mutual 00:30:43.559 --> 00:30:44.859 consideration. 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:46.599 You see, 00:30:46.699 --> 00:30:47.299 marriage is 00:30:47.299 --> 00:30:48.299 good and 00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:48.819 for those 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:49.419 who marry, 00:30:49.779 --> 00:30:50.599 it serves 00:30:50.599 --> 00:30:51.219 God's 00:30:51.219 --> 00:30:51.719 grand 00:30:51.719 --> 00:30:52.339 purposes. 00:30:52.799 --> 00:30:53.279 Of course, 00:30:53.379 --> 00:30:53.980 not everybody 00:30:53.980 --> 00:30:54.759 is going to 00:30:54.759 --> 00:30:54.980 marry. 00:30:55.179 --> 00:30:55.579 Some will 00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:56.459 remain single. 00:30:58.119 --> 00:30:58.539 And for 00:30:58.539 --> 00:30:58.980 those who 00:30:58.980 --> 00:30:59.679 are married, 00:31:01.179 --> 00:31:01.500 well, 00:31:01.639 --> 00:31:02.199 the day may 00:31:02.199 --> 00:31:02.679 come where 00:31:02.679 --> 00:31:03.379 you may find 00:31:03.379 --> 00:31:04.299 yourself single 00:31:04.299 --> 00:31:04.719 again, 00:31:05.379 --> 00:31:06.219 as our spouse 00:31:06.220 --> 00:31:06.799 dies. 00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:09.200 But being 00:31:09.200 --> 00:31:10.059 unmarried 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:11.039 is not 00:31:11.039 --> 00:31:11.940 inferior. 00:31:12.799 --> 00:31:13.220 It doesn't 00:31:13.220 --> 00:31:13.880 mean second 00:31:13.880 --> 00:31:14.400 best. 00:31:15.319 --> 00:31:15.660 In fact, 00:31:15.779 --> 00:31:16.539 scripture tells 00:31:16.539 --> 00:31:17.279 us that we 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:17.900 can see it 00:31:17.900 --> 00:31:18.720 as a gift. 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:20.440 It means 00:31:20.440 --> 00:31:21.640 greater service, 00:31:22.100 --> 00:31:22.940 more freedom 00:31:22.940 --> 00:31:23.819 to serve 00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:25.259 the purposes 00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:25.900 of God. 00:31:27.539 --> 00:31:28.120 So, 00:31:28.259 --> 00:31:28.720 how will the 00:31:28.720 --> 00:31:29.120 work get 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:29.440 done? 00:31:30.039 --> 00:31:30.819 God provides 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:31.319 a suitable 00:31:31.319 --> 00:31:31.779 helper. 00:31:33.079 --> 00:31:33.400 He has 00:31:33.400 --> 00:31:34.000 designed 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:34.940 covenant 00:31:34.940 --> 00:31:35.519 marriage. 00:31:36.220 --> 00:31:37.140 And then 00:31:37.140 --> 00:31:37.579 third, 00:31:38.240 --> 00:31:38.799 a greater 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:39.480 relationship. 00:31:40.799 --> 00:31:41.180 You see, 00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:42.100 God's design 00:31:42.100 --> 00:31:42.860 for man and 00:31:42.860 --> 00:31:43.460 woman to be 00:31:43.460 --> 00:31:44.100 worker and 00:31:44.100 --> 00:31:44.880 helper is 00:31:44.880 --> 00:31:45.200 good. 00:31:45.600 --> 00:31:46.539 They complement 00:31:46.539 --> 00:31:47.160 each other. 00:31:47.319 --> 00:31:48.160 They're a 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:49.400 suitable fit 00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:50.700 serving the 00:31:50.700 --> 00:31:51.339 purposes of 00:31:51.339 --> 00:31:51.559 God. 00:31:51.900 --> 00:31:52.420 And marriage 00:31:52.420 --> 00:31:53.120 is the same. 00:31:53.519 --> 00:31:54.360 It is God's 00:31:54.360 --> 00:31:55.160 good design. 00:31:55.900 --> 00:31:56.539 A covenant 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:57.319 relationship 00:31:57.319 --> 00:31:58.200 between one 00:31:58.200 --> 00:31:58.700 man and 00:31:58.700 --> 00:31:59.319 one woman 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:00.120 bound 00:32:00.120 --> 00:32:00.620 together 00:32:00.620 --> 00:32:01.140 through the 00:32:01.140 --> 00:32:02.100 sexual union. 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:03.160 Husband and 00:32:03.160 --> 00:32:04.160 wife expanding 00:32:04.160 --> 00:32:04.799 the family 00:32:04.799 --> 00:32:05.940 to serve the 00:32:05.940 --> 00:32:06.660 purposes of 00:32:06.660 --> 00:32:07.059 God. 00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:10.320 By living 00:32:10.320 --> 00:32:11.559 out our 00:32:11.559 --> 00:32:12.360 God-given 00:32:12.360 --> 00:32:13.039 shape and 00:32:13.039 --> 00:32:13.600 pattern, 00:32:14.100 --> 00:32:14.820 so the 00:32:14.820 --> 00:32:15.860 earth becomes 00:32:15.860 --> 00:32:16.340 a dwelling 00:32:16.340 --> 00:32:16.980 place for 00:32:16.980 --> 00:32:17.299 God. 00:32:17.620 --> 00:32:18.259 His rule 00:32:18.259 --> 00:32:19.059 is extended 00:32:19.059 --> 00:32:19.880 and we 00:32:19.880 --> 00:32:20.500 enjoy a 00:32:20.500 --> 00:32:21.000 relationship 00:32:21.000 --> 00:32:21.580 with him. 00:32:22.860 --> 00:32:23.519 In fact, 00:32:23.580 --> 00:32:24.299 what we see 00:32:24.299 --> 00:32:24.799 here in 00:32:24.799 --> 00:32:25.759 Genesis 2 00:32:25.759 --> 00:32:28.660 is the 00:32:28.660 --> 00:32:29.140 greater 00:32:29.140 --> 00:32:29.940 relationship 00:32:29.940 --> 00:32:31.440 that God 00:32:31.440 --> 00:32:32.580 intends for 00:32:32.580 --> 00:32:33.340 all people. 00:32:33.339 --> 00:32:35.939 that worker-helper 00:32:35.939 --> 00:32:37.359 husband-wife 00:32:37.359 --> 00:32:38.119 relationship 00:32:38.119 --> 00:32:41.399 is a sign 00:32:41.399 --> 00:32:42.019 of what God 00:32:42.019 --> 00:32:42.759 intends for 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:43.480 all people 00:32:43.480 --> 00:32:44.279 with himself. 00:32:45.179 --> 00:32:45.480 You see, 00:32:45.559 --> 00:32:46.039 when Paul 00:32:46.039 --> 00:32:46.659 wanted to 00:32:46.659 --> 00:32:48.519 explain what 00:32:48.519 --> 00:32:49.240 our relationship 00:32:49.240 --> 00:32:50.039 to God was 00:32:50.039 --> 00:32:50.399 like, 00:32:50.759 --> 00:32:51.599 he went all 00:32:51.599 --> 00:32:52.139 the way back 00:32:52.139 --> 00:32:52.720 to Genesis 00:32:52.720 --> 00:32:53.519 chapter 2, 00:32:53.599 --> 00:32:54.000 didn't he? 00:32:55.139 --> 00:32:55.819 Have a look 00:32:55.819 --> 00:32:56.599 with me at 00:32:56.599 --> 00:32:57.179 Ephesians 00:32:57.179 --> 00:32:58.179 chapter 5. 00:32:58.180 --> 00:33:01.160 Ephesians 00:33:01.160 --> 00:33:02.120 chapter 5 00:33:02.120 --> 00:33:03.100 verses 31 00:33:03.100 --> 00:33:03.980 to 32. 00:33:21.580 --> 00:33:22.140 Ephesians 00:33:22.140 --> 00:33:22.880 5 verses 00:33:22.880 --> 00:33:23.700 31 to 00:33:23.700 --> 00:33:24.220 32. 00:33:24.220 --> 00:33:24.660 So, 00:33:25.920 --> 00:33:28.700 to describe 00:33:28.700 --> 00:33:29.380 and to 00:33:29.380 --> 00:33:30.000 help us 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:30.579 understand 00:33:30.579 --> 00:33:31.019 what a 00:33:31.019 --> 00:33:31.519 relationship 00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:32.100 with God 00:33:32.100 --> 00:33:32.720 looks like, 00:33:33.220 --> 00:33:34.019 as we say, 00:33:34.120 --> 00:33:34.500 he goes 00:33:34.500 --> 00:33:35.160 right back 00:33:35.160 --> 00:33:35.880 to creation 00:33:35.880 --> 00:33:36.539 and he 00:33:36.539 --> 00:33:37.019 picks up 00:33:37.019 --> 00:33:37.620 those very 00:33:37.620 --> 00:33:39.140 words in 00:33:39.140 --> 00:33:39.860 Genesis 2 00:33:39.860 --> 00:33:40.660 verse 24. 00:33:40.860 --> 00:33:41.140 Look at 00:33:41.140 --> 00:33:41.920 verse 31. 00:33:42.819 --> 00:33:43.200 For this 00:33:43.200 --> 00:33:43.620 reason, 00:33:43.720 --> 00:33:44.059 a man 00:33:44.059 --> 00:33:44.519 will leave 00:33:44.519 --> 00:33:45.100 his father 00:33:45.100 --> 00:33:45.600 and mother 00:33:45.600 --> 00:33:45.960 and be 00:33:45.960 --> 00:33:46.700 united to 00:33:46.700 --> 00:33:47.259 his wife 00:33:47.259 --> 00:33:48.480 and the 00:33:48.480 --> 00:33:48.860 two will 00:33:48.860 --> 00:33:49.480 become one 00:33:49.480 --> 00:33:50.000 flesh. 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:52.180 This is a 00:33:52.180 --> 00:33:52.559 profound 00:33:52.559 --> 00:33:53.059 mystery. 00:33:53.059 --> 00:33:54.440 What are we 00:33:54.440 --> 00:33:55.200 talking about 00:33:55.200 --> 00:33:55.500 here? 00:33:56.440 --> 00:33:56.859 He says, 00:33:56.919 --> 00:33:57.200 I am 00:33:57.200 --> 00:33:58.059 talking about 00:33:58.059 --> 00:33:58.639 Christ 00:33:58.639 --> 00:33:59.819 and the 00:33:59.819 --> 00:34:00.279 church. 00:34:01.200 --> 00:34:01.539 You know 00:34:01.539 --> 00:34:02.119 that account 00:34:02.119 --> 00:34:02.779 in Genesis, 00:34:03.299 --> 00:34:03.759 man and 00:34:03.759 --> 00:34:04.200 woman in 00:34:04.200 --> 00:34:04.659 the garden, 00:34:04.819 --> 00:34:05.259 the worker 00:34:05.259 --> 00:34:05.619 and the 00:34:05.619 --> 00:34:05.919 helper? 00:34:06.819 --> 00:34:07.179 You know 00:34:07.179 --> 00:34:07.799 that account 00:34:07.799 --> 00:34:08.679 of Adam 00:34:08.679 --> 00:34:09.279 and Eve, 00:34:09.599 --> 00:34:10.219 husband and 00:34:10.219 --> 00:34:10.659 wife, 00:34:12.799 --> 00:34:13.759 marriage? 00:34:14.900 --> 00:34:15.239 It's 00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:16.480 actually all 00:34:16.480 --> 00:34:17.519 about Christ 00:34:17.519 --> 00:34:18.659 and his 00:34:18.659 --> 00:34:19.079 church. 00:34:19.079 --> 00:34:19.500 It's all 00:34:19.500 --> 00:34:20.079 about people 00:34:20.699 --> 00:34:21.440 and their 00:34:21.440 --> 00:34:22.000 relationship 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:23.099 with him. 00:34:23.500 --> 00:34:23.960 It's all 00:34:23.960 --> 00:34:24.500 about a 00:34:24.500 --> 00:34:24.880 covenant 00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:25.659 relationship 00:34:25.659 --> 00:34:26.079 we can 00:34:26.079 --> 00:34:26.460 have with 00:34:26.460 --> 00:34:26.840 God. 00:34:27.900 --> 00:34:28.559 Just think 00:34:28.559 --> 00:34:29.039 about that 00:34:29.039 --> 00:34:29.559 with me 00:34:29.559 --> 00:34:30.559 for a second. 00:34:30.699 --> 00:34:31.079 Just think 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:31.619 about what 00:34:31.619 --> 00:34:33.159 Christ has 00:34:33.159 --> 00:34:33.840 done for 00:34:33.840 --> 00:34:34.239 us. 00:34:35.420 --> 00:34:36.000 Think about 00:34:36.000 --> 00:34:36.280 his 00:34:36.280 --> 00:34:36.900 submission. 00:34:38.340 --> 00:34:39.300 Christ came, 00:34:39.440 --> 00:34:39.820 didn't he, 00:34:40.159 --> 00:34:40.880 in humble 00:34:40.880 --> 00:34:42.239 submission to 00:34:42.239 --> 00:34:42.840 his father. 00:34:44.079 --> 00:34:44.579 There's no 00:34:44.579 --> 00:34:45.860 battle going 00:34:45.860 --> 00:34:46.219 on. 00:34:47.119 --> 00:34:47.840 My food, 00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:48.599 says Jesus, 00:34:48.820 --> 00:34:49.500 is to do 00:34:49.500 --> 00:34:50.079 the will of 00:34:50.079 --> 00:34:51.000 him who sent 00:34:51.000 --> 00:34:51.519 me and to 00:34:51.519 --> 00:34:52.000 finish his 00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:52.340 work. 00:34:52.659 --> 00:34:53.280 The work 00:34:53.280 --> 00:34:53.880 that Christ 00:34:53.880 --> 00:34:54.219 had been 00:34:54.219 --> 00:34:55.099 given was 00:34:55.099 --> 00:34:55.420 to be 00:34:55.420 --> 00:34:56.079 finished with 00:34:56.079 --> 00:34:56.659 his work 00:34:56.659 --> 00:34:57.340 on the 00:34:57.340 --> 00:34:57.780 cross. 00:34:58.719 --> 00:34:59.079 And so 00:34:59.079 --> 00:34:59.619 even when 00:34:59.619 --> 00:34:59.940 he was 00:34:59.940 --> 00:35:00.559 faced with 00:35:00.559 --> 00:35:01.320 his impending 00:35:01.320 --> 00:35:01.760 death, 00:35:02.019 --> 00:35:02.420 what did 00:35:02.420 --> 00:35:03.019 he pray in 00:35:03.019 --> 00:35:03.500 the garden? 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:04.760 Your will 00:35:04.760 --> 00:35:05.280 be done, 00:35:05.619 --> 00:35:06.440 not my 00:35:06.440 --> 00:35:06.800 will. 00:35:08.219 --> 00:35:08.719 Christ 00:35:08.719 --> 00:35:09.340 lived his 00:35:09.340 --> 00:35:09.900 life in 00:35:09.900 --> 00:35:10.380 perfect 00:35:10.380 --> 00:35:10.940 submission, 00:35:11.420 --> 00:35:11.960 doing the 00:35:11.960 --> 00:35:12.500 father's 00:35:12.500 --> 00:35:12.840 work, 00:35:13.300 --> 00:35:13.980 serving the 00:35:13.980 --> 00:35:14.760 father's 00:35:14.760 --> 00:35:15.559 purposes. 00:35:15.559 --> 00:35:15.759 others. 00:35:19.219 --> 00:35:20.320 No fight 00:35:20.320 --> 00:35:20.599 for 00:35:20.599 --> 00:35:21.699 independence, 00:35:23.460 --> 00:35:24.199 cooperation 00:35:24.199 --> 00:35:25.639 through his 00:35:25.639 --> 00:35:26.099 submission. 00:35:27.360 --> 00:35:28.279 But also 00:35:28.279 --> 00:35:28.920 think about 00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:29.340 his 00:35:29.340 --> 00:35:30.139 sacrifice. 00:35:31.059 --> 00:35:31.579 Because 00:35:31.579 --> 00:35:32.159 Christ's 00:35:32.159 --> 00:35:32.519 submission 00:35:32.519 --> 00:35:33.079 would lead 00:35:33.079 --> 00:35:33.500 to the 00:35:33.500 --> 00:35:34.079 ultimate 00:35:34.079 --> 00:35:34.779 sacrifice, 00:35:35.199 --> 00:35:35.799 him giving 00:35:35.799 --> 00:35:36.619 his life 00:35:36.619 --> 00:35:37.679 for us. 00:35:38.139 --> 00:35:38.940 He submitted 00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:39.980 himself to 00:35:39.980 --> 00:35:41.000 death on 00:35:41.000 --> 00:35:41.519 the cross, 00:35:41.739 --> 00:35:42.340 to take 00:35:42.340 --> 00:35:43.139 the blame 00:35:43.139 --> 00:35:44.119 for all of 00:35:44.119 --> 00:35:44.739 our sin, 00:35:44.880 --> 00:35:45.380 for all 00:35:45.380 --> 00:35:45.859 the wrong 00:35:45.859 --> 00:35:46.960 ways you 00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:47.400 and I 00:35:47.400 --> 00:35:48.339 have treated 00:35:48.339 --> 00:35:49.460 women and 00:35:49.460 --> 00:35:49.940 the way we 00:35:49.940 --> 00:35:50.559 have treated 00:35:50.559 --> 00:35:51.420 men, 00:35:52.019 --> 00:35:53.259 not according 00:35:53.259 --> 00:35:53.880 to God's 00:35:53.880 --> 00:35:54.319 design. 00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:55.659 We've all 00:35:55.659 --> 00:35:56.239 failed, 00:35:57.079 --> 00:35:57.759 whether we're 00:35:57.759 --> 00:35:58.319 single or 00:35:58.319 --> 00:35:58.739 whether we're 00:35:58.739 --> 00:35:59.119 married, 00:35:59.400 --> 00:36:00.199 we haven't 00:36:00.199 --> 00:36:00.799 treated our 00:36:00.799 --> 00:36:01.480 wives as we 00:36:01.480 --> 00:36:01.799 should, 00:36:02.219 --> 00:36:02.739 and wives 00:36:02.739 --> 00:36:03.299 we haven't 00:36:03.299 --> 00:36:03.819 treated our 00:36:03.819 --> 00:36:04.440 husbands as 00:36:04.440 --> 00:36:04.920 we should. 00:36:07.539 --> 00:36:07.980 And yet 00:36:07.980 --> 00:36:09.159 Christ sacrifices 00:36:09.159 --> 00:36:09.980 his life for 00:36:09.980 --> 00:36:10.480 us, 00:36:11.319 --> 00:36:12.500 so that we 00:36:12.500 --> 00:36:13.299 could be 00:36:13.299 --> 00:36:14.079 forgiven for 00:36:14.079 --> 00:36:14.599 all our 00:36:14.599 --> 00:36:15.759 mess and 00:36:15.759 --> 00:36:16.179 all our 00:36:16.179 --> 00:36:16.960 brokenness, 00:36:16.960 --> 00:36:19.219 so that we 00:36:19.219 --> 00:36:19.779 could have a 00:36:19.779 --> 00:36:20.619 right relationship 00:36:20.619 --> 00:36:22.559 with him and 00:36:22.559 --> 00:36:23.299 restore our 00:36:23.299 --> 00:36:24.279 relationships with 00:36:24.279 --> 00:36:24.840 each other. 00:36:27.539 --> 00:36:28.279 Now the 00:36:28.279 --> 00:36:29.059 story of 00:36:29.059 --> 00:36:29.559 Christ, 00:36:30.059 --> 00:36:30.840 his submission 00:36:30.840 --> 00:36:31.340 and his 00:36:31.340 --> 00:36:32.639 sacrifice is 00:36:32.639 --> 00:36:34.199 displayed through 00:36:34.199 --> 00:36:35.079 the marriage of 00:36:35.079 --> 00:36:35.519 man and 00:36:35.519 --> 00:36:35.799 woman. 00:36:36.840 --> 00:36:37.719 Just as we 00:36:37.719 --> 00:36:39.019 reflect man 00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:39.440 and woman, 00:36:39.579 --> 00:36:40.079 just as we 00:36:40.079 --> 00:36:40.739 reflect the 00:36:40.739 --> 00:36:41.219 image of 00:36:41.219 --> 00:36:41.519 God, 00:36:41.819 --> 00:36:42.779 so marriage 00:36:42.780 --> 00:36:44.040 is to 00:36:44.040 --> 00:36:45.600 reflect the 00:36:45.600 --> 00:36:46.100 work of 00:36:46.100 --> 00:36:46.540 Christ. 00:36:47.720 --> 00:36:48.180 You want to 00:36:48.180 --> 00:36:48.740 know what the 00:36:48.740 --> 00:36:49.760 gospel looks 00:36:49.760 --> 00:36:50.180 like? 00:36:50.980 --> 00:36:51.640 Look at 00:36:51.640 --> 00:36:52.200 marriage. 00:36:54.700 --> 00:36:55.180 Look how 00:36:55.180 --> 00:36:56.000 Paul connects 00:36:56.000 --> 00:36:56.700 our different 00:36:56.700 --> 00:36:57.380 roles in 00:36:57.380 --> 00:36:59.060 marriage with 00:36:59.060 --> 00:36:59.600 the work of 00:36:59.600 --> 00:37:00.040 Christ. 00:37:01.360 --> 00:37:02.440 Verse 24, 00:37:02.860 --> 00:37:03.720 Ephesians 5, 00:37:03.800 --> 00:37:04.500 verse 24. 00:37:04.500 --> 00:37:07.380 Now as the 00:37:07.380 --> 00:37:08.440 church submits 00:37:08.440 --> 00:37:09.239 to Christ, 00:37:09.360 --> 00:37:09.880 and I think 00:37:09.880 --> 00:37:11.099 there's a 00:37:11.099 --> 00:37:12.360 pattern here, 00:37:13.199 --> 00:37:13.719 the church 00:37:13.719 --> 00:37:14.400 submits to 00:37:14.400 --> 00:37:15.780 Christ just 00:37:15.780 --> 00:37:16.460 as Christ 00:37:16.460 --> 00:37:17.119 submitted 00:37:17.119 --> 00:37:18.400 himself to 00:37:18.400 --> 00:37:18.960 the Father. 00:37:19.500 --> 00:37:20.000 As the 00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:20.599 church submits 00:37:20.599 --> 00:37:21.239 to Christ, 00:37:21.719 --> 00:37:22.920 so also wives 00:37:22.920 --> 00:37:23.940 should submit to 00:37:23.940 --> 00:37:24.599 their husbands 00:37:24.599 --> 00:37:25.880 in everything. 00:37:26.960 --> 00:37:27.420 Husbands, 00:37:28.420 --> 00:37:29.199 love your 00:37:29.199 --> 00:37:30.920 wives just 00:37:30.920 --> 00:37:31.579 as Christ 00:37:31.579 --> 00:37:32.659 loved the 00:37:32.659 --> 00:37:34.259 church and 00:37:34.259 --> 00:37:35.099 gave himself 00:37:35.099 --> 00:37:35.759 up for 00:37:35.759 --> 00:37:36.019 her. 00:37:37.719 --> 00:37:38.000 Do you 00:37:38.000 --> 00:37:38.340 see how 00:37:38.340 --> 00:37:39.079 beautiful that 00:37:39.079 --> 00:37:39.840 design is? 00:37:40.679 --> 00:37:41.480 It's the 00:37:41.480 --> 00:37:42.219 same design 00:37:42.219 --> 00:37:42.739 and pattern 00:37:42.739 --> 00:37:43.319 that we see 00:37:43.319 --> 00:37:43.900 in Christ 00:37:43.900 --> 00:37:44.920 and his 00:37:44.920 --> 00:37:45.460 relationship, 00:37:45.639 --> 00:37:46.019 in his 00:37:46.019 --> 00:37:46.539 submission, 00:37:46.960 --> 00:37:47.579 and his 00:37:47.579 --> 00:37:48.179 sacrifice. 00:37:49.279 --> 00:37:49.559 Our 00:37:49.559 --> 00:37:50.340 complementary 00:37:50.340 --> 00:37:52.079 roles are 00:37:52.079 --> 00:37:52.639 a suitable 00:37:52.639 --> 00:37:54.079 fit, not 00:37:54.079 --> 00:37:54.880 to serve our 00:37:54.880 --> 00:37:55.579 own wants 00:37:55.579 --> 00:37:56.079 and wishes, 00:37:56.500 --> 00:37:57.299 but to serve 00:37:57.299 --> 00:37:57.980 the purposes 00:37:57.980 --> 00:37:58.619 of God, 00:37:58.779 --> 00:38:00.000 to display the 00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:00.800 greatness and 00:38:00.800 --> 00:38:01.500 glory of 00:38:01.500 --> 00:38:01.780 Christ. 00:38:02.179 --> 00:38:02.760 Marriage is 00:38:02.760 --> 00:38:03.900 not competition, 00:38:04.739 --> 00:38:05.639 but cooperation. 00:38:06.760 --> 00:38:07.340 It's not a 00:38:07.340 --> 00:38:07.840 fight for 00:38:07.840 --> 00:38:08.619 independence, 00:38:09.179 --> 00:38:10.079 but faithful 00:38:10.079 --> 00:38:11.719 interdependence. 00:38:11.940 --> 00:38:13.099 As we all, 00:38:13.239 --> 00:38:13.840 each of us, 00:38:13.880 --> 00:38:14.460 submit to 00:38:14.460 --> 00:38:15.159 God's shape 00:38:15.159 --> 00:38:15.719 and pattern 00:38:15.719 --> 00:38:16.420 for marriage, 00:38:17.000 --> 00:38:17.739 so the 00:38:17.739 --> 00:38:18.460 purposes of 00:38:18.460 --> 00:38:18.900 God are 00:38:18.900 --> 00:38:19.380 fulfilled. 00:38:19.940 --> 00:38:20.519 His rule 00:38:20.519 --> 00:38:21.300 is extended 00:38:21.300 --> 00:38:22.980 and his 00:38:22.980 --> 00:38:23.599 relationship 00:38:23.599 --> 00:38:25.260 is enjoyed. 00:38:27.980 --> 00:38:28.699 When it 00:38:28.699 --> 00:38:29.179 comes to 00:38:29.179 --> 00:38:29.619 man and 00:38:29.619 --> 00:38:29.919 woman, 00:38:30.980 --> 00:38:31.440 when it 00:38:31.440 --> 00:38:31.899 comes to 00:38:31.899 --> 00:38:32.539 husband and 00:38:32.539 --> 00:38:32.940 wife, 00:38:34.039 --> 00:38:34.879 God is 00:38:34.879 --> 00:38:35.500 the creator 00:38:35.500 --> 00:38:36.239 and designer. 00:38:37.239 --> 00:38:37.819 He knows 00:38:37.819 --> 00:38:38.199 what he's 00:38:38.199 --> 00:38:38.980 talking about 00:38:38.980 --> 00:38:41.039 and we 00:38:41.039 --> 00:38:41.480 will do 00:38:41.480 --> 00:38:43.259 best when 00:38:43.259 --> 00:38:43.739 we follow 00:38:43.739 --> 00:38:44.519 his design. 00:38:46.039 --> 00:38:46.599 Let's 00:38:46.599 --> 00:38:46.859 pray. 00:38:46.859 --> 00:38:46.940 Amen. 00:38:46.940 --> 00:38:46.980 Amen. 00:38:46.980 --> 00:38:47.000 Amen. 00:38:47.000 --> 00:38:47.059 Amen. 00:38:47.059 --> 00:38:47.079 Amen. 00:38:47.079 --> 00:38:47.119 Amen. 00:38:47.119 --> 00:38:49.000 Amen. 00:38:49.000 --> 00:38:49.059 Amen. 00:38:49.059 --> 00:38:51.000 Amen. 00:38:51.000 --> 00:38:51.059 Amen. 00:38:51.059 --> 00:38:51.119 Amen. 00:38:51.119 --> 00:38:53.059 Amen. 00:38:53.059 --> 00:38:55.059 Amen. 00:38:55.059 --> 00:38:55.119 Amen. 00:38:55.119 --> 00:38:55.139 Amen. 00:38:55.139 --> 00:38:55.199 Amen. 00:38:55.199 --> 00:38:56.119 Amen. 00:38:56.119 --> 00:38:57.119 Amen. 00:38:57.119 --> 00:38:57.139 Amen. 00:38:57.139 --> 00:38:59.159 Amen. 00:38:59.159 --> 00:39:01.159 Amen. 00:39:01.159 --> 00:39:01.539 Father, we 00:39:01.539 --> 00:39:02.039 can only 00:39:02.039 --> 00:39:02.960 stand back 00:39:02.960 --> 00:39:04.519 in awe 00:39:04.519 --> 00:39:05.920 and amazement 00:39:05.920 --> 00:39:08.460 at something 00:39:08.460 --> 00:39:09.099 that is 00:39:09.099 --> 00:39:10.500 taken for 00:39:10.500 --> 00:39:10.920 granted 00:39:10.920 --> 00:39:12.639 so often 00:39:12.639 --> 00:39:13.279 every single 00:39:13.279 --> 00:39:13.599 day, 00:39:13.599 --> 00:39:14.159 to look at 00:39:14.159 --> 00:39:14.699 a man, 00:39:15.119 --> 00:39:15.899 to look at 00:39:15.899 --> 00:39:16.399 a woman, 00:39:17.399 --> 00:39:18.579 to see 00:39:18.579 --> 00:39:19.379 their unique 00:39:19.379 --> 00:39:20.279 differences, 00:39:22.480 --> 00:39:23.119 equally 00:39:23.119 --> 00:39:25.980 image-bearers, 00:39:25.980 --> 00:39:27.900 but all 00:39:27.900 --> 00:39:28.420 part of 00:39:28.420 --> 00:39:29.099 your beautiful 00:39:29.099 --> 00:39:29.539 and good 00:39:29.539 --> 00:39:30.039 design. 00:39:32.619 --> 00:39:33.400 We confess, 00:39:33.679 --> 00:39:33.800 Father, 00:39:33.900 --> 00:39:34.420 that we 00:39:34.420 --> 00:39:36.219 have not 00:39:36.219 --> 00:39:36.699 treated 00:39:36.699 --> 00:39:37.579 woman and 00:39:37.579 --> 00:39:38.039 man as 00:39:38.039 --> 00:39:38.699 we should 00:39:38.699 --> 00:39:41.940 and we 00:39:41.940 --> 00:39:42.380 have not 00:39:42.380 --> 00:39:43.480 lived in 00:39:43.480 --> 00:39:44.460 marriage as 00:39:44.460 --> 00:39:44.980 we should. 00:39:44.980 --> 00:39:45.139 Amen. 00:39:45.139 --> 00:39:45.380 Amen. 00:39:45.380 --> 00:39:45.400 Amen. 00:39:45.400 --> 00:39:45.760 Amen. 00:39:45.760 --> 00:39:46.000 Amen. 00:39:46.000 --> 00:39:47.000 Amen. 00:39:47.000 --> 00:39:47.079 Amen. 00:39:47.079 --> 00:39:48.039 Amen. 00:39:48.039 --> 00:39:48.480 Amen. 00:39:48.480 --> 00:39:48.960 Amen. 00:39:48.960 --> 00:39:49.019 Amen. 00:39:49.019 --> 00:39:49.519 Amen. 00:39:49.519 --> 00:39:50.039 Amen. 00:39:50.039 --> 00:39:50.559 Amen. 00:39:50.559 --> 00:39:50.599 Father, 00:39:50.679 --> 00:39:50.960 would you 00:39:50.960 --> 00:39:51.760 forgive us 00:39:51.760 --> 00:39:58.060 for the things we have done wrong, said wrong, thought wrong. 00:40:01.040 --> 00:40:02.740 And not only that, 00:40:04.440 --> 00:40:08.660 but would you give us the guts and the courage 00:40:08.660 --> 00:40:13.300 to change what needs to be changed, 00:40:14.800 --> 00:40:16.660 to transform us, 00:40:17.200 --> 00:40:20.820 to be a woman of God, to be a man of God, 00:40:20.820 --> 00:40:27.180 to be the husband and wife that you've called us to be. 00:40:29.519 --> 00:40:36.440 We ask this because we know that in it all it displays your glory. 00:40:38.240 --> 00:40:42.280 It's a picture of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:40:45.420 --> 00:40:48.059 So Father, would you fill us by your Spirit 00:40:48.059 --> 00:40:50.660 to do that and to do it well. 00:40:50.820 --> 00:40:53.820 In Jesus' name. 00:40:54.960 --> 00:40:55.460 Amen. 00:40:55.460 --> 00:41:00.420 We're going to sing. 00:41:01.460 --> 00:41:06.119 This song really picks up on the theme of the submission 00:41:06.119 --> 00:41:09.240 and the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus 00:41:09.240 --> 00:41:13.920 who came as a servant to serve each one of us. 00:41:13.940 --> 00:41:14.300 Amen. 00:41:14.420 --> 00:41:15.639 So let's say you'll keep in mind. 00:41:15.700 --> 00:41:16.680 That's for him. 00:41:16.920 --> 00:41:17.740 That's for you. 00:41:18.119 --> 00:41:19.920 This song really picks up on the theme of the Mistress di leads, 00:41:19.920 --> 00:41:22.740 to be balanced as a servant as a servant with the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:41:22.740 --> 00:41:23.519 the listener to you who comes in, 00:41:23.619 --> 00:41:24.220 and to beTimgie and that he is by next.