Families in Genesis

Adam and Eve

Genesis 1-2

Statistics:
• The State of Our Unions 2005, a report issued by the National Marriage Project at Rutgers
University. The same study said that only 63% of American children grow up with both biological
parents -- the lowest figure in the Western world.
• As of 2003, 43.7% of custodial mothers and 56.2% of custodial fathers were either separated or
divorced
• Percentage of married people who reach their 5th – 82%, 10th – 65%, and 15th – 52%
anniversaries
• Fatherless homes account for 63% of youth suicides, 90% of homeless/runaway children, 85% of
children with behavior problems, 71% of high school dropouts, 85% of youths in prison, well over
50% of teen mothers.

Introduction: Homes and marriages are failing today for one simple reason – people don’t see
marriage and the home the way God sees it. All other problems are just different manifestations
of this basic, root problem. Lack of communication, lack of respect, lack of trust, neglect – all
these are just symptoms of a home where people are doing “that which is right in their own
eyes.” Thankfully, we as Christians can follow God’s plan and secure for ourselves a home filled
with joy.

I. God evaluates His work

A. He said that everything He had created was good. (Gen. 1:4, 9, 12, 18, 21, 25)
B. He said that man without woman was not good. (Gen. 2:18)
C. After he had created both of them, He said that it was very good. (Gen. 1:31)
II. God’s purpose for creation
A. Relationship – this is the one thing that God wanted, that He couldn’t have
without us.
B. The Lord’s portion is His people – Deut. 32:9
C. Glory - 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your
body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
III. The institution of marriage – Gen 2:15-25
A. God had always intended for man to work. – vs. 15
B. God gave the command to Adam – vs. 16-17
1. It was Adam’s responsibility to ensure that his family knew what God
had said
2. Certainly, Eve was responsible for knowing God’s law, but Adam was
more responsible
C. The “help” “meet” – vs. 18-20
1. She was a “help”
a. They needed each other – be very careful about becoming too
independent from one another.
b. Look for ways to help each other
2. She was “meet” for him –
 a. This means that she was exactly what he needed
b. God has given you someone to complete you
D. The creation of woman – vs. 21-23
1. Why the surgery? – Certainly it must be symbolic. Otherwise, God
could have created Eve from the ground just as He had created Adam.
2. Adam was not to have “dominion” over Eve (Gen. 1:26, 28)
3. They were a part of each other, and were inseparable.
E. A united marriage
1. The principle of “leaving” and “cleaving” – vs. 24
2. Openness is key to a strong union – vs. 25