KingdomView, Vol. V, Issue 4
CNLT Focus on the Family Series
Scripture: Genesis 1-2
Sermon Summary
Family is God’s idea. He is its Designer and Creator. Therefore, if we want to know the intended purpose for the family, then we must consult the Creator. In Genesis 1-2, God reveals His purpose for creating the family. It is fourfold: (1) to procreate, (2) to exercise dominion over creation (3) to spread God’s influence in the earth as His image bearers and (4) to glorify the Creator. Therefore, to accomplish these goals God would create man (Genesis 1:26-28). God would create Adam and from him He would fashion Eve (Genesis 2:7, 21, 22). Next, God would orchestrate the marriage union and the two of them would spend their lives becoming one flesh (Genesis 2:23-25). Through the joining of one man (Adam) and woman (Eve) in marriage they would procreate, which began the process of filling the earth with successive offspring bearing God’s image. However, before I begin instruction regarding the family unit, I want to deal with the individual in his or her single state before marriage. Accordingly, Genesis 1-2 is most instructive with life principles for healthy singlehood development. Let us examine two of these fundamental life principles.
1. You are created in the image of God.
God created all human beings in His image. This image does not refer to our physical stature, for God is spirit, a noncorporal being (Genesis 4:24). For example, when the Bible speaks of Him as having hands, feet, arms, eyes, ears, etc., it is speaking anthropomorphically (human shapes and characteristics). In essence, describing Him in human terms so that we can have a better conceptual sense of His person (e.g., Exodus 24:10; 18-23; Numbers 11:23; Hebrew 4:13). Hence, we are in the likeness or similitude of God in that we are sentient beings with the capacity to make moral choices and commune with God by the Spirit through our human spirit. We are created in righteousness and holiness, and possessing knowledge (Ephesians 4:23, 24; Colossians 3:10). After the Fall, man would become tainted with a sin nature and would need God to restore his position in Him, thus the incarnation and redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Genesis 3; Hebrews 2:14; 10:4-10; 1 John 3:5; John 19:30).
Furthermore, God created Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life and he became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). The point here is that Adam now has a human spirit that is filled with the life of God that gives him a divine connection with His Creator (Job 26:4; 27:3; 33:4; 34:14, 15; Romans 8:9-11). The animal kingdom does not enjoy this uniqueness.
Implications: Though marred by sin, all human beings bear the image of God; hence, all human life is valued in God’s sight. Consequently, Adam is a Spirit-filled man and likewise as believers, we should follow the ideal biblical pattern of joining in union (matrimony) with believers (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). In doing so, you become a threefold cord, which is comprised of you, God and your potential Spirit-filled mate. This threefold cord cannot be easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
2. You are created with purpose and destiny in mind.
You were created to exercise dominion (or rule) over God’s creation (Genesis 1:26d), not vice versa. Yet in some cases, creation is ruling us. For example, a fermented grape that is abused through excessive consumption can lead to alcoholism. A tree cut down and turned into paper money has driven some to creed; I could cite more, but I believe you get the point. The Creator intended for man to govern creation and perpetuate His influence throughout the earth (Genesis 1:28). Another fruitful pattern to observe regarding Adam before he is married is that he has a place to live and a job (Genesis 2:8, 15). Moreover, he receives an additional responsibility from God in anticipation of Eve’s creation and their eventual marriage. He was to teach his household the directives of God (2:16, 17). Be Enlightened, Encouraged and Equipped! Copyright 2013 JW Henderson Ministries
Furthermore, those of you who are single saints are in a unique position to serve the Lord free of certain hindrances that challenge married believers. For example, singleness allows for unrestricted availability for Christian service. From Paul’s perspective, singleness allowed for undistracted devotion unto the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). He is not ridiculing marriage, for God ordains marriage. However, when a person marries, they must share their devotion now between God and family, which limits some of their availability to serve the Lord because of added family responsibilities. Therefore, as a single you can take full advantage of service availability to the kingdom (Isaiah 6:8) instead of possibly succumbing to self-centered personal pursuits in life only. To my single college students and young professionals, always keep this question at the forefront of your life plans and goals. How does God and His kingdom benefit from my major and/or career choice? Your life pursuits must be tied to God’s program (or Kingdom Agenda), or you will run the risk of drifting spiritually and becoming self-centered devoid of kingdom perspective in life (Deuteronomy 8:10-20; Matthew 6:33).
Finally, let me reiterate this point—before God united Adam with Eve in marriage, Adam had a residence and a job. What is this about―God teaching Adam responsibility! Adam was responsible for maintaining and protecting the Garden of Eden and instructing his future household. My Sisters, do not overlook these important manhood/marriage ready ques. How a man handles personal responsibility is telling. For it is a good barometer for measuring readiness for marriage. Likewise, brothers, God designed Eve to be your helper (Genesis 2:18). God took special care in fashioning Eve for Adam. Eve’s primary role of helper is not a condescending function, but is complementary and honorable. I am the first to admit, we brothers need help! Dr. Herbert Lockyer has elegantly stated:
If man is the head, she [woman] is the crown, a crown to her husband, the crown of the visible creation. The man was dust refined, but the woman was double-refined, one remove further from the earth. . . .The woman was made of the rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, not out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.
Implications: Singles should maximize their service to God while they are fully free to do so. For after marriage, your time must be shared between God and family. To the men of God, being ‘responsible’ in life is a must. For the Eve in your life requires a sense of stability and security. To summarize, you are designed to provide, protect, proclaim and pastor the family with an awesome wife working hand-in-hand with you to build a dynamic home.
Reflection
1. Are you a kingdom man or woman who follows the precepts, practices, patterns and principles prescribed in Scripture by God for wholesome male and female relationships?
2. Man of God, are you a dependable and responsible person? How are you treating your wife if you are married? Have you ever pondered over Ephesians 5:25?
3. Woman of God, are you respectful and honoring towards your husband? (cf. Ephesians 5:33b)
4. Christian singles, is the will of God a serious priority in your life? Are your views and attitude regarding sexual purity the same as God’s? Where does God fit in your earthly pursuits?
Go Deeper
Additional Reading:
1. Haman Cross Jr., A Manual for Christian Dating and Courtship
2. Jim Talley and Bobbie Reed, Too Close, Too Soon
3. Clark N. Warren, Finding the Love of Your Life
4. Tim Stafford, Love, Sex and the Whole Person
