Marriage

The Institution of Marriage

2026-01-11

Text

Gen 2:18-25

Aims

  1. to reveal God as the initiator of marriage in the Bible and

  2. to enlighten us on the instituted covenant of marriage.

Introduction

Today is the first Sunday in Epiphany, meaning; the revelation of Christ to the unbelievers. As we continue in Christendom, may God continuously make us the gospel light to shine amidst the darkness of the world in Jesus name.

Marriage is an institution that admits man and woman to family life. It is a stable relationship in which a man and a woman are socially permitted to live together without losing their status in the community. Marriage is not merely concerned with the couple; rather it affects the whole society and future generations. According to our biblical passage today, God established marriage in the beginning. He instituted it in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. The first marriage was based on a covenant consisting of three things: leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh. (Genesis 2:24).

Study guide

  1. In your personal view, how can you define Marriage as an Institution, and is there any contrary opinion as to who instituted marriage apart from God Almighty?

  2. According to our Bible passage, give reasons why God instituted Marriage in the Garden of Eden. (Gen 2:18-25)

  3. Mention the three contents of Marriage in Gen 2:24 and analyse them with biblical examples. Gen 12:5; 24:58-67; Luk 1:5-6, 59-63.

  4. In a challenging world of hustles and bustles, how effective are the three contents of leaving, cleaving and becoming one flesh in marriages? Explain with life experiences.

Conclusion

Marriage is a sacred institution that involves two people of opposite gender becoming one. As Christians, it is most expedient for us to always remember the contents of the covenant in our marriage, so as to be just and faithful to the sacredness of the covenant.

Food for thought

The most sacred mathematics is that of one plus one equal to one in marriage.

Memory verse

Gen 2:18 “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him”.