January 31, 2009

God Provides a Helper

“And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” (Genesis 2:18-25 NKJV)

According to the Scriptures, which this writer holds above all other sources as the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience, God ordained marriage for a man and a woman.

God created woman to be the helper man needed for propagation. He created woman to be a spiritual companion in the marriage relationship. God described that relationship as a one-flesh type of relationship. A husband and a wife intertwine so that what effects one always affects the other. When this intimacy is maintained in holiness, this relationship grows and deepens both spiritually and emotionally. When it is broken, a husband and a wife sustain a wound that only love can heal, and although it can be healed, there will always remain a scar.

This is true because sexual sin is so devastating. It is not surprising that Satan has attacked this God ordained relationship. Notice Paul’s comments about sexual immorality. “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV) Of course, every sexual act outside of marriage is sexually immoral according to the Bible. For a married man or woman it is called adultery. For those who are not married it is called fornication.

It is very sad to see sexual immorality taking over this nation. For those of you who are married, understand that your spiritual intimacy with God is first line of protection against this awful sin. Your second line is your spouse.

Men make sure you live with them in an understanding way that your prayers may not be hindered (1 Pet 3.7). Love them as Christ loved the church (Eph 5.25). Finally, be careful what you allow yourself to see.

“Drink water from your own cistern, And running water from your own well. Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? Let them be only your own, And not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be enraptured with her love. For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, And be embraced in the arms of a seductress? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He ponders all his paths. His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, And he is caught in the cords of his sin. He shall die for lack of instruction, And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” (Proverbs 5:15-23 NKJV) Amen.