In Celebration of Marriage
by Rev. Kirby Williams
A reasoned, biblical defense of Christian marriage and "Genesis gender".
Text: Mark 10:6-9
Date: 06/17/2018, the Evening service.
Description:
When tested by the Pharisees concerning the legality of divorce, Jesus responded by firmly establishing God's view of the sanctity of marriage in the Creation story. In this meditation we will make a reasoned and biblical defense of the Christian view of both marriage and gender (what we will call "Genesis-gender"). Ultimately we will celebrate the biblical view of marriage and gender, while at the same time clearly articulating the established position of our church.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Mark 10:6-9.
A. Context, Mark 10:2.
B. Jesus speaks of marriage and gender.
1. An appeal to Creation, vs. 6a.
2. A discussion of gender, vs. 6b.
a. Defining "Genesis-gender", Gen. 1:26-27.
i. The Triune nature of God.
ii. Made in His image.
iii. "Genesis-gender"".
b. Messing with the foundation of society.
c. Noticing the Creation methods, Gen. 2:7, 18.
i. Two distinct genders.
ii. The error of "gender-fluidity".
3. A discussion of marriage, vs. 7.
a. The first "dynamic duo".
i. An incomplete work, Gen. 2:18a.
ii. The perfect complement, Gen. 2:18b, 20.
¥ Understanding the word, "helper", Psa. 54:4.
¥ A perfect fit.
b. The marriage of Adam and Eve, vs. 7.
i. Preparing Adam for Eve, Gen. 2:19-20.
ii. The creation of woman, Gen. 2:21-22a.
iii. The first wedding, Gen. 2:22b.
iv. Adam's love song, Gen. 2:23.
c. The covenant of marriage, vs. 7, Gen. 2:24a.
4. The "one flesh", vs. 8, Gen. 2:24b.
a. Not just the conjugal union.
b. Not just the physical "one-flesh".
c. The hugely significant spiritual "one flesh".
5. The unbreakable, non-duplicatable covenant, vs. 9.
6. The Cultural Mandate, Gen. 1:28.
III. Conclusion
