1. Marriage was God’s plan.
“Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.” Genesis 2:22
A. From the beginning before children or sin entered the world God created the institution of marriage.
2. God’s plan included certain parameters.
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24
A. One man and one woman. Genesis 1:27 B. In marriage we are to leave and to cleave! Marriage was to be an exclusive relationship. C. Marriage was to be an intimate relationship. One flesh and without shame.
3. God designed marriage for procreation.
“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth…” Genesis 1:28
A. By design we are to procreate and raise Godly children. “Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring.” Malachi 2:15
4. Marriage was designed to be pure and pleasurable.
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.” Proverbs 5:18-19
A. God created us as sexual beings within the protection and parameters of marriage.
5. Marriages need to be protected.
“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” Song of Solomon 2:15
A. Like foxes in the vineyard we must guard ourselves against anything that threatens our marriages.