SBC-Makati’s message theme for January 2012 is New Beginnings -the study of Genesis. On our 2nd week, the topic focused on relationships. Let’s look at Genesis 2: 18 – 25:
18The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.
But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribsand then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
23 The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”
24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
This happened in the garden of Eden, right after the creation. The garden was overflowing with God’s provision. Animals, plants, water – just the perfect place to live in. Adam was happy. He wasn’t asking for anything more. But God noticed something lacking- “a suitable partner for him.”
Why did God designed relationships? For what bounds and reasons?
1. To provide SHELTER [physically and emotionally] verses 19-20.
I love how verse 25, was explained. “Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame”. It’s good when you can be yourself around your family. Parents, when problems arise, do you condemn your children or do you give them comfort, shelter and love that they need?
2. To be a LEARNING CENTER – Home is the first school of every children. They should see in their parents the good example of how an individual should play the role according to God’s original design.
A challenge:
- For women: Be submissive. Let the men lead.
- For men: LEAD.
I know a lot of men will react: “I feel less of a man because my wife/GF always acts as the superior type in our relationship, lagi n’ya ako pinangungunahan! [she always leads]“
The answer: “Maybe she took the responsibility because YOU DON’T LEAD.”
Remember, if you don’t fulfill the role God gave you, someone else will do it for you.
3. To be a TEAM WITH A MISSION – Genesis 1: 28 / Matthew 28: 19-20 / Acts7:1-8
Together with a partner, you will complete the Great Commission:
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
