Divine Design: Men, Women, and Marriage

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wester, Welcome. My name is Bruce Wester, [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know Creek Community Church. You should know Creek Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple that Clear Creek is made up of multiple that Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch this you've joined us here to watch this you've joined us here to watch this [music] sermon today, I want to invite [music] sermon today, I want to invite [music] sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to check us out in you to make plans to check us out in you to make plans to check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see person at the campus nearest you to see person at the campus nearest you to see what [music] worshipping and living in what [music] worshipping and living in what [music] worshipping and living in community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at clearcreek.org to find information about clearcreek.org to find information about clearcreek.org to find information about our locations, service times, [music] our locations, service times, [music] our locations, service times, [music] and much more. We hope to see you soon. >> Well, good morning. Good to see you guys >> Well, good morning. Good to see you guys this morning. I'm guessing most of you this morning. I'm guessing most of you this morning. I'm guessing most of you at some point in your life you've worked at some point in your life you've worked at some point in your life you've worked a puzzle, right? Everybody's had a time a puzzle, right? Everybody's had a time a puzzle, right? Everybody's had a time to work a puzzle. I was with my to work a puzzle. I was with my to work a puzzle. I was with my granddaughter last night that's what she granddaughter last night that's what she granddaughter last night that's what she wanted to do. She's like, "Hey Pops, wanted to do. She's like, "Hey Pops, wanted to do. She's like, "Hey Pops, let's let's go work a puzzle." And so we let's let's go work a puzzle." And so we let's let's go work a puzzle." And so we pull out these puzzles. And when you're pull out these puzzles. And when you're pull out these puzzles. And when you're younger, you know how the puzzles are, younger, you know how the puzzles are, younger, you know how the puzzles are, right? They're like just wooden puzzles right? They're like just wooden puzzles right? They're like just wooden puzzles and just they have shapes on them and and just they have shapes on them and and just they have shapes on them and it's not that hard, right? I mean like it's not that hard, right? I mean like it's not that hard, right? I mean like when you when your kid or your grandkid when you when your kid or your grandkid when you when your kid or your grandkid put in the the letter A and you go, "Oh, put in the the letter A and you go, "Oh, put in the the letter A and you go, "Oh, they're a genius." They're really not a they're a genius." They're really not a they're a genius." They're really not a genius. Like it They had two choices. It genius. Like it They had two choices. It genius. Like it They had two choices. It was going to be an A, it was going to be was going to be an A, it was going to be was going to be an A, it was going to be a V, and they guessed the right one, all a V, and they guessed the right one, all a V, and they guessed the right one, all right? So so they're not they're not a right? So so they're not they're not a right? So so they're not they're not a genius, but yet here's what you know genius, but yet here's what you know genius, but yet here's what you know about puzzle making is this. Like the about puzzle making is this. Like the about puzzle making is this. Like the older you get, the more difficult it older you get, the more difficult it older you get, the more difficult it becomes cuz I mean you start with these becomes cuz I mean you start with these becomes cuz I mean you start with these little basic puzzles and you go to like little basic puzzles and you go to like little basic puzzles and you go to like 300-piece puzzles, 500-piece puzzles, 300-piece puzzles, 500-piece puzzles, 300-piece puzzles, 500-piece puzzles, 1,000-piece puzzles. Anybody done those?

1,000-piece puzzles. Anybody done those? 1,000-piece puzzles. Anybody done those? Ah. Ah. Ah. It sounds like a good idea, doesn't it? It sounds like a good idea, doesn't it? It sounds like a good idea, doesn't it? Right? And then then you get started and Right? And then then you get started and Right? And then then you get started and you start to realize like the the you start to realize like the the you start to realize like the the intricacies and the delicacies to figure intricacies and the delicacies to figure intricacies and the delicacies to figure out and you're like, "Man, where does out and you're like, "Man, where does out and you're like, "Man, where does this go?" And maybe you're maybe you're this go?" And maybe you're maybe you're this go?" And maybe you're maybe you're committed. Like you're going, "I'm that committed. Like you're going, "I'm that committed. Like you're going, "I'm that person that if I start something, I'm person that if I start something, I'm person that if I start something, I'm going to finish it." And so you're all going to finish it." And so you're all going to finish it." And so you're all in and yet probably along the way maybe in and yet probably along the way maybe in and yet probably along the way maybe you're bringing your kids along, your you're bringing your kids along, your you're bringing your kids along, your grandkids along and they're just trying grandkids along and they're just trying grandkids along and they're just trying to cram pieces together cuz it looks to cram pieces together cuz it looks to cram pieces together cuz it looks like it's going to work or pieces are like it's going to work or pieces are like it's going to work or pieces are starting to fall off the table. And you starting to fall off the table. And you starting to fall off the table. And you start to get frustrated. Maybe you're start to get frustrated. Maybe you're start to get frustrated. Maybe you're kind of confused about the picture. Here kind of confused about the picture. Here kind of confused about the picture. Here here's what here's what I learned. And here's what here's what I learned. And here's what here's what I learned. And again, I'm not an expert on puzzle again, I'm not an expert on puzzle again, I'm not an expert on puzzle making, all right? But I do know this making, all right? But I do know this making, all right? But I do know this much, right? When you start to feel much, right? When you start to feel much, right? When you start to feel confused about the puzzle, when you confused about the puzzle, when you confused about the puzzle, when you start to get frustrated about the start to get frustrated about the start to get frustrated about the puzzle, what what do you do? puzzle, what what do you do? puzzle, what what do you do? Yeah, you go back to the front of the Yeah, you go back to the front of the Yeah, you go back to the front of the box cuz cuz somewhere along the way box cuz cuz somewhere along the way box cuz cuz somewhere along the way you've probably you've missed what you you've probably you've missed what you you've probably you've missed what you were trying to accomplish, right? were trying to accomplish, right? were trying to accomplish, right? There's you you've gotten mad at each There's you you've gotten mad at each There's you you've gotten mad at each other, you've gotten frustrated, you've other, you've gotten frustrated, you've other, you've gotten frustrated, you've lost pieces, things aren't fitting lost pieces, things aren't fitting lost pieces, things aren't fitting together, and you just kind of take a together, and you just kind of take a together, and you just kind of take a pause and you go back to the front of pause and you go back to the front of pause and you go back to the front of the box to go, "What is the picture that the box to go, "What is the picture that the box to go, "What is the picture that we're actually trying to accomplish?"

we're actually trying to accomplish?" we're actually trying to accomplish?" Now, I say that because sometimes life Now, I say that because sometimes life Now, I say that because sometimes life is kind of like putting this piece of is kind of like putting this piece of is kind of like putting this piece of puzzles together, right? Like I mean, puzzles together, right? Like I mean, puzzles together, right? Like I mean, you you think it it's going well, and you you think it it's going well, and you you think it it's going well, and then all of a sudden you start to find then all of a sudden you start to find then all of a sudden you start to find like you're getting frustrated. It's like you're getting frustrated. It's like you're getting frustrated. It's like all the pieces aren't starting to like all the pieces aren't starting to like all the pieces aren't starting to to match up. I mean, there's a sense of to match up. I mean, there's a sense of to match up. I mean, there's a sense of maybe confusion and frustration. You're maybe confusion and frustration. You're maybe confusion and frustration. You're trying to make sense of your decisions trying to make sense of your decisions trying to make sense of your decisions or your relationships or your purpose or or your relationships or your purpose or or your relationships or your purpose or even what you believe. even what you believe. even what you believe. And here's what culture tells us when it And here's what culture tells us when it And here's what culture tells us when it comes to there's countless ways that you comes to there's countless ways that you comes to there's countless ways that you can put this puzzle of life together. can put this puzzle of life together. can put this puzzle of life together. Like you you get to decide like, "Man, Like you you get to decide like, "Man, Like you you get to decide like, "Man, how is this thing going to look when how is this thing going to look when how is this thing going to look when it's all said and done?" You get to it's all said and done?" You get to it's all said and done?" You get to determine your own meaning. You get to determine your own meaning. You get to determine your own meaning. You get to decide your own identity. If it feels decide your own identity. If it feels decide your own identity. If it feels right, if it makes you happy, then right, if it makes you happy, then right, if it makes you happy, then that's a good fit. Now, arranging the that's a good fit. Now, arranging the that's a good fit. Now, arranging the pieces according to whatever feels right pieces according to whatever feels right pieces according to whatever feels right has produced has produced has produced um um um for us not exactly what we thought it for us not exactly what we thought it for us not exactly what we thought it was going to produce. Like when when was going to produce. Like when when was going to produce. Like when when when we just kind of take over the when we just kind of take over the when we just kind of take over the picture that we're going to produce, picture that we're going to produce, picture that we're going to produce, it's not resulting in what we thought it it's not resulting in what we thought it it's not resulting in what we thought it was going to produce. And all of a was going to produce. And all of a was going to produce. And all of a sudden we find ourselves in life just sudden we find ourselves in life just sudden we find ourselves in life just starting to pick up the pieces because starting to pick up the pieces because starting to pick up the pieces because we're still trying to figure out like, we're still trying to figure out like, we're still trying to figure out like, "Why are we here? And why do why do why "Why are we here? And why do why do why "Why are we here? And why do why do why do we even exist? And what is the do we even exist? And what is the do we even exist? And what is the ultimate picture of life supposed to ultimate picture of life supposed to ultimate picture of life supposed to look like?"

look like?" look like?" And so that's why we're in the series And so that's why we're in the series And so that's why we're in the series called Beginnings as we're looking at called Beginnings as we're looking at called Beginnings as we're looking at the beginning. And so we're opening our the beginning. And so we're opening our the beginning. And so we're opening our Bibles to Genesis, which is the Bibles to Genesis, which is the Bibles to Genesis, which is the beginning of the book. It's kind of the beginning of the book. It's kind of the beginning of the book. It's kind of the front of the box, if you will, right? front of the box, if you will, right? front of the box, if you will, right? Let's go to the front of the book to see Let's go to the front of the book to see Let's go to the front of the book to see what was on the front of the box so we what was on the front of the box so we what was on the front of the box so we can decide how do we put all these can decide how do we put all these can decide how do we put all these pieces together? And so that's where pieces together? And so that's where pieces together? And so that's where we've been now for 2 weeks as we've we've been now for 2 weeks as we've we've been now for 2 weeks as we've opened up the book of Genesis and what opened up the book of Genesis and what opened up the book of Genesis and what we said all along is this. Like this we said all along is this. Like this we said all along is this. Like this isn't some kind of a science textbook isn't some kind of a science textbook isn't some kind of a science textbook that's supposed to help us determine that's supposed to help us determine that's supposed to help us determine kind of the the how and the when that kind of the the how and the when that kind of the the how and the when that everything came into being, but it is a everything came into being, but it is a everything came into being, but it is a a theological book that tells us a theological book that tells us a theological book that tells us specifically about the who and the why. specifically about the who and the why. specifically about the who and the why. It tells us about who created all this It tells us about who created all this It tells us about who created all this and who was created and why did he and who was created and why did he and who was created and why did he create us so that we can actually create us so that we can actually create us so that we can actually understand how all these pieces fit understand how all these pieces fit understand how all these pieces fit together so that we can actually have together so that we can actually have together so that we can actually have the life and the picture that God the life and the picture that God the life and the picture that God designed for us. And so that's why we're designed for us. And so that's why we're designed for us. And so that's why we're in Genesis. So if you have your copy of in Genesis. So if you have your copy of in Genesis. So if you have your copy of scriptures, open it back up cuz we're scriptures, open it back up cuz we're scriptures, open it back up cuz we're going to spend some time working verse going to spend some time working verse going to spend some time working verse by verse through it today. by verse through it today. by verse through it today. Couple weeks ago we opened it up. We Couple weeks ago we opened it up. We Couple weeks ago we opened it up. We looked at first chapter 1 and and we looked at first chapter 1 and and we looked at first chapter 1 and and we highlighted a couple verses. Genesis highlighted a couple verses. Genesis highlighted a couple verses. Genesis 1:27 it says this about God. That God 1:27 it says this about God. That God 1:27 it says this about God. That God created man in his own image and in the created man in his own image and in the created man in his own image and in the image of God he created him, male and image of God he created him, male and image of God he created him, male and female he created them and God blessed female he created them and God blessed female he created them and God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth." Then a and multiply and fill the earth." Then a and multiply and fill the earth." Then a couple verses later says in verse 31, couple verses later says in verse 31, couple verses later says in verse 31, "And God saw everything that he had made "And God saw everything that he had made "And God saw everything that he had made and behold it was very and behold it was very and behold it was very good.

good. good. Now, as followers of Jesus, one of the Now, as followers of Jesus, one of the Now, as followers of Jesus, one of the things that that we believe is is like things that that we believe is is like things that that we believe is is like no, that God is God is the one that no, that God is God is the one that no, that God is God is the one that tells us what is good. Like I mean, his tells us what is good. Like I mean, his tells us what is good. Like I mean, his design is perfect. Like he's the he's design is perfect. Like he's the he's design is perfect. Like he's the he's the divine designer that's kind of put the divine designer that's kind of put the divine designer that's kind of put all this together and so when we go back all this together and so when we go back all this together and so when we go back to look at the very beginning, when we to look at the very beginning, when we to look at the very beginning, when we start to long for things like happiness start to long for things like happiness start to long for things like happiness and joy and joy and joy and contentment and satisfaction and and contentment and satisfaction and and contentment and satisfaction and fulfillment, we know that those things fulfillment, we know that those things fulfillment, we know that those things ultimately are found when we ultimately are found when we ultimately are found when we do it according to God's design. When we do it according to God's design. When we do it according to God's design. When we begin to see how God ultimately created begin to see how God ultimately created begin to see how God ultimately created us to be, the image that he has put in us to be, the image that he has put in us to be, the image that he has put in the book from the very beginning. And so the book from the very beginning. And so the book from the very beginning. And so if you find ourselves on the other side if you find ourselves on the other side if you find ourselves on the other side of that, where we're feeling stuck or of that, where we're feeling stuck or of that, where we're feeling stuck or we're feeling frustrated or we're we're feeling frustrated or we're we're feeling frustrated or we're feeling confused, then it seems like the feeling confused, then it seems like the feeling confused, then it seems like the most logical place to do would be this. most logical place to do would be this. most logical place to do would be this. Like go back to the front of the box. Go Like go back to the front of the box. Go Like go back to the front of the box. Go back to the the front to the the back to the the front to the the back to the the front to the the beginning to say then what did God do in beginning to say then what did God do in beginning to say then what did God do in the beginning that has made us to be who the beginning that has made us to be who the beginning that has made us to be who we need to be and why do we exist for we need to be and why do we exist for we need to be and why do we exist for the things that we exist for? And so the things that we exist for? And so the things that we exist for? And so that's what we're going to spend our that's what we're going to spend our that's what we're going to spend our time today on is looking at time today on is looking at time today on is looking at continuing to look at the front of the continuing to look at the front of the continuing to look at the front of the box. And so if you have your copy of box. And so if you have your copy of box. And so if you have your copy of scriptures, we're going to be in Genesis scriptures, we're going to be in Genesis scriptures, we're going to be in Genesis chapter 2.

chapter 2. chapter 2. Um last week we kind of looked at Um last week we kind of looked at Um last week we kind of looked at Genesis 2 as kind of the second look at Genesis 2 as kind of the second look at Genesis 2 as kind of the second look at specifically zooming in on humanity. And specifically zooming in on humanity. And specifically zooming in on humanity. And one of the things we saw about humanity one of the things we saw about humanity one of the things we saw about humanity is that God created Adam from the dust is that God created Adam from the dust is that God created Adam from the dust of the ground. He breathed life into of the ground. He breathed life into of the ground. He breathed life into Adam and then he took Adam and he placed Adam and then he took Adam and he placed Adam and then he took Adam and he placed him in the garden that we know as Eden. him in the garden that we know as Eden. him in the garden that we know as Eden. And one of the things we said about that And one of the things we said about that And one of the things we said about that was this is that the garden of Eden kind was this is that the garden of Eden kind was this is that the garden of Eden kind of represented really the the temple. of represented really the the temple. of represented really the the temple. This was the place where heaven meets This was the place where heaven meets This was the place where heaven meets earth, where man walked with God, God earth, where man walked with God, God earth, where man walked with God, God walked with man, and man was given the walked with man, and man was given the walked with man, and man was given the call and the commission to represent God call and the commission to represent God call and the commission to represent God to the world. And so that's what we saw to the world. And so that's what we saw to the world. And so that's what we saw last week as we looked at man being last week as we looked at man being last week as we looked at man being placed in Eden. placed in Eden. placed in Eden. But then But then But then you would think this would be an odd you would think this would be an odd you would think this would be an odd statement. But then there there was a statement. But then there there was a statement. But then there there was a problem that kind of arose. problem that kind of arose. problem that kind of arose. Like there there was something that all Like there there was something that all Like there there was something that all of a sudden that was declared, "Hey, of a sudden that was declared, "Hey, of a sudden that was declared, "Hey, this isn't all good." Like I mean he had this isn't all good." Like I mean he had this isn't all good." Like I mean he had already said, "Man, everything is very already said, "Man, everything is very already said, "Man, everything is very good." And yet all of a sudden something good." And yet all of a sudden something good." And yet all of a sudden something changes and God says something is not changes and God says something is not changes and God says something is not good. good. good. And that's where we're going to pick up And that's where we're going to pick up And that's where we're going to pick up today. So what is he talking about? today. So what is he talking about? today. So what is he talking about? Well, let's take a look. Genesis 2 Well, let's take a look. Genesis 2 Well, let's take a look. Genesis 2 starting in verse 18.

starting in verse 18. starting in verse 18. Then the Lord God said, Then the Lord God said, Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be "It is not good that man should be "It is not good that man should be alone. alone. alone. And so I will make him a helper fit for And so I will make him a helper fit for And so I will make him a helper fit for him." And now out of the ground the Lord him." And now out of the ground the Lord him." And now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field God had formed every beast of the field God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and and every bird of the heavens and and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he brought them to the man to see what he brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man would call them. And whatever the man would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was called every living creature, that was called every living creature, that was its name. its name. its name. And the man gave names to all livestock And the man gave names to all livestock And the man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and and to the birds of the heavens and and to the birds of the heavens and every beast of the field. every beast of the field. every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a But for Adam there was not found a But for Adam there was not found a helper fit helper fit helper fit for him. for him. for him. Now let's break this down for a minute. Now let's break this down for a minute. Now let's break this down for a minute. Like what is he saying? He's like, "Man, Like what is he saying? He's like, "Man, Like what is he saying? He's like, "Man, something is not good." And what what something is not good." And what what something is not good." And what what did he say is not good? did he say is not good? did he say is not good? Basically he's saying like it's not good Basically he's saying like it's not good Basically he's saying like it's not good that man should be alone. that man should be alone. that man should be alone. Now, why is that not good? Now, why is that not good? Now, why is that not good? Why is it not good that man should be Why is it not good that man should be Why is it not good that man should be alone? If you've If you've been tracking alone? If you've If you've been tracking alone? If you've If you've been tracking with us in week one and week two, when with us in week one and week two, when with us in week one and week two, when God says like, "No, I put you on a God says like, "No, I put you on a God says like, "No, I put you on a mission, but that mission requires a mission, but that mission requires a mission, but that mission requires a relationship." Specifically he says, relationship." Specifically he says, relationship." Specifically he says, "No, you're going to be my image bearer "No, you're going to be my image bearer "No, you're going to be my image bearer and and you're going to represent me to and and you're going to represent me to and and you're going to represent me to the world." Well, who am I going to the world." Well, who am I going to the world." Well, who am I going to represent you to if I'm the only one represent you to if I'm the only one represent you to if I'm the only one here?

here? here? Right? So, it's not good that you're Right? So, it's not good that you're Right? So, it's not good that you're alone because this is a relational alone because this is a relational alone because this is a relational mission that God has placed us on. I mission that God has placed us on. I mission that God has placed us on. I also told you that you're going to be also told you that you're going to be also told you that you're going to be fruitful and multiply. Well, that's not fruitful and multiply. Well, that's not fruitful and multiply. Well, that's not going to happen by yourself. And so, going to happen by yourself. And so, going to happen by yourself. And so, when he sees mankind he says, "It's not when he sees mankind he says, "It's not when he sees mankind he says, "It's not good that man should be alone." Now, good that man should be alone." Now, good that man should be alone." Now, part of what we understand about this is part of what we understand about this is part of what we understand about this is that that that and it's kind of funny when you really and it's kind of funny when you really and it's kind of funny when you really read the text. He's like, "Then then read the text. He's like, "Then then read the text. He's like, "Then then what's going to be a solution for this? what's going to be a solution for this? what's going to be a solution for this? Like what's going to be a solution for Like what's going to be a solution for Like what's going to be a solution for this?" Like like go back to the text. this?" Like like go back to the text. this?" Like like go back to the text. Notice what he says. He's like, "Then Notice what he says. He's like, "Then Notice what he says. He's like, "Then all of a sudden he kind of puts this all of a sudden he kind of puts this all of a sudden he kind of puts this parade of animals parade of animals parade of animals out for Adam to look at. out for Adam to look at. out for Adam to look at. Now, that seems kind of weird, doesn't Now, that seems kind of weird, doesn't Now, that seems kind of weird, doesn't it? You're going, "Okay, it's not good it? You're going, "Okay, it's not good it? You're going, "Okay, it's not good for man to be alone. Hey, let's just for man to be alone. Hey, let's just for man to be alone. Hey, let's just check out the animals for a little bit." check out the animals for a little bit." check out the animals for a little bit." And and what did what did he tell Adam And and what did what did he tell Adam And and what did what did he tell Adam to do? If you throw the verse back up, to do? If you throw the verse back up, to do? If you throw the verse back up, notice what he says to do. It's like, notice what he says to do. It's like, notice what he says to do. It's like, "You're going to get a chance to to name "You're going to get a chance to to name "You're going to get a chance to to name these animals." these animals." these animals." And I can just see that kind of playing And I can just see that kind of playing And I can just see that kind of playing out, right? I mean, like okay, the first out, right? I mean, like okay, the first out, right? I mean, like okay, the first thing that kind of comes by and it's in thing that kind of comes by and it's in thing that kind of comes by and it's in his peripheral is maybe this little his peripheral is maybe this little his peripheral is maybe this little black thing buzzing around. He's like, black thing buzzing around. He's like, black thing buzzing around. He's like, "Fly." "Fly." "Fly." Like, "Wow, that's creative." Like, "Wow, that's creative." Like, "Wow, that's creative." Like I don't I don't know if God kind of Like I don't I don't know if God kind of Like I don't I don't know if God kind of whispered to Adam is like, "You're whispered to Adam is like, "You're whispered to Adam is like, "You're better than that. Come on. Like you can better than that. Come on. Like you can better than that. Come on. Like you can do better than that." And so, he upped do better than that." And so, he upped do better than that." And so, he upped his game. He said bee, and then he said his game. He said bee, and then he said his game. He said bee, and then he said cow, and then he says dog. And then cow, and then he says dog. And then cow, and then he says dog. And then ultimately, you know, God maybe ultimately, you know, God maybe ultimately, you know, God maybe whispered again is like, "Come on, man.

whispered again is like, "Come on, man. whispered again is like, "Come on, man. I made you to be much more creative than I made you to be much more creative than I made you to be much more creative than that." And then he gets the platypus and that." And then he gets the platypus and that." And then he gets the platypus and aardvark and who knows what else, right? aardvark and who knows what else, right? aardvark and who knows what else, right? Hippopotamus. Hippopotamus. Hippopotamus. But so so he so you got Adam naming all But so so he so you got Adam naming all But so so he so you got Adam naming all these animals, this parade of animals. these animals, this parade of animals. these animals, this parade of animals. But then what happens after that is it But then what happens after that is it But then what happens after that is it says but for Adam there was still not a says but for Adam there was still not a says but for Adam there was still not a helper that was found fit for him. helper that was found fit for him. helper that was found fit for him. See, none of them were suitable See, none of them were suitable See, none of them were suitable companion because none of them were like companion because none of them were like companion because none of them were like him. him. him. Now I want to hone in on on you see it Now I want to hone in on on you see it Now I want to hone in on on you see it on the book end of the text there. Like on the book end of the text there. Like on the book end of the text there. Like basically he gets to this part where he basically he gets to this part where he basically he gets to this part where he says the Lord God said it is not good says the Lord God said it is not good says the Lord God said it is not good that man should be alone. I will make that man should be alone. I will make that man should be alone. I will make him a helper him a helper him a helper fit for him. Now I'm not going to geek fit for him. Now I'm not going to geek fit for him. Now I'm not going to geek you out with a lot of words but there's you out with a lot of words but there's you out with a lot of words but there's there's a reason we put that little word there's a reason we put that little word there's a reason we put that little word ezer on the bottom of that. That's the ezer on the bottom of that. That's the ezer on the bottom of that. That's the Hebrew word for helper. And so tend to Hebrew word for helper. And so tend to Hebrew word for helper. And so tend to be think about this like when you hear be think about this like when you hear be think about this like when you hear the word helper in in our day and age the word helper in in our day and age the word helper in in our day and age there's there's most often comes to your there's there's most often comes to your there's there's most often comes to your mind kind of like this this hierarchical mind kind of like this this hierarchical mind kind of like this this hierarchical kind of context basically says okay, kind of context basically says okay, kind of context basically says okay, there's someone that's superior there's someone that's superior there's someone that's superior that there's someone that's in charge, that there's someone that's in charge, that there's someone that's in charge, there's someone that's a boss and they there's someone that's a boss and they there's someone that's a boss and they need somebody to just kind of help them need somebody to just kind of help them need somebody to just kind of help them out, right? And that's probably your out, right? And that's probably your out, right? And that's probably your mind when you go to the word helper is mind when you go to the word helper is mind when you go to the word helper is like you know what? Somebody's got this like you know what? Somebody's got this like you know what? Somebody's got this but they need they need a little bit of but they need they need a little bit of but they need they need a little bit of support on the side so they're going to support on the side so they're going to support on the side so they're going to bring somebody in, bring them in at a bring somebody in, bring them in at a bring somebody in, bring them in at a low pay grade so they can help them out, low pay grade so they can help them out, low pay grade so they can help them out, right? That that's part of your concept right? That that's part of your concept right? That that's part of your concept of helper. Or maybe you have a kid at of helper. Or maybe you have a kid at of helper. Or maybe you have a kid at home and you're going to go work on the home and you're going to go work on the home and you're going to go work on the car and you bring your little boy along car and you bring your little boy along car and you bring your little boy along and he gets his little tool belt and you and he gets his little tool belt and you and he gets his little tool belt and you go this is my little helper, you know, go this is my little helper, you know, go this is my little helper, you know, and and you what you're saying is like and and you what you're saying is like and and you what you're saying is like he's doesn't know a thing, I'm just kind

he's doesn't know a thing, I'm just kind he's doesn't know a thing, I'm just kind of kind of kind of patronizing him a of kind of kind of patronizing him a of kind of kind of patronizing him a little bit going yeah, he's really a big little bit going yeah, he's really a big little bit going yeah, he's really a big help today, right? And so we have this help today, right? And so we have this help today, right? And so we have this idea of helper as if it's this idea of helper as if it's this idea of helper as if it's this subordinate role. subordinate role. subordinate role. Now, that's why it's important to Now, that's why it's important to Now, that's why it's important to understand a little bit of what the understand a little bit of what the understand a little bit of what the Hebrew language is trying to say because Hebrew language is trying to say because Hebrew language is trying to say because in the Hebrew when you see that word in the Hebrew when you see that word in the Hebrew when you see that word helper used as ezer, one of the things helper used as ezer, one of the things helper used as ezer, one of the things you're going to see is that it's not you're going to see is that it's not you're going to see is that it's not defined often times the way we think defined often times the way we think defined often times the way we think about when you think about helper. Let about when you think about helper. Let about when you think about helper. Let me show you a couple ways. Deuteronomy me show you a couple ways. Deuteronomy me show you a couple ways. Deuteronomy chapter 33 says this. It says happy are chapter 33 says this. It says happy are chapter 33 says this. It says happy are you oh Israel. you oh Israel. you oh Israel. Who is like you? Who is like you? Who is like you? A people saved by the Lord the shield of A people saved by the Lord the shield of A people saved by the Lord the shield of your help and the sword of your triumph. your help and the sword of your triumph. your help and the sword of your triumph. Let me show you another one in Psalm 121 Let me show you another one in Psalm 121 Let me show you another one in Psalm 121 verse 1. I lift up my eyes to the hills. verse 1. I lift up my eyes to the hills. verse 1. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come from? My From where does my help come from? My From where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven help comes from the Lord who made heaven help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. Now, who's the helper in and earth. Now, who's the helper in and earth. Now, who's the helper in these passages? these passages? these passages? Yeah, it's God himself. Yeah, it's God himself. Yeah, it's God himself. Right? I mean, it's not some subordinate Right? I mean, it's not some subordinate Right? I mean, it's not some subordinate being. It's not some less than inferior being. It's not some less than inferior being. It's not some less than inferior person. No, this is God himself who is person. No, this is God himself who is person. No, this is God himself who is actually the helper. So, when God says actually the helper. So, when God says actually the helper. So, when God says in Genesis 2 verse 18, "I will make man in Genesis 2 verse 18, "I will make man in Genesis 2 verse 18, "I will make man a helper," a helper," a helper," he's not saying that I'm going to give he's not saying that I'm going to give he's not saying that I'm going to give Adam some kind of little second-class Adam some kind of little second-class Adam some kind of little second-class citizen who can clean up after him and citizen who can clean up after him and citizen who can clean up after him and make him dinner.

make him dinner. make him dinner. Like that that's not what he's saying Like that that's not what he's saying Like that that's not what he's saying here. Rather, he's saying that man here. Rather, he's saying that man here. Rather, he's saying that man cannot accomplish what God has intended cannot accomplish what God has intended cannot accomplish what God has intended for him to accomplish alone. for him to accomplish alone. for him to accomplish alone. And so, I'm going to create a helper for And so, I'm going to create a helper for And so, I'm going to create a helper for him. him. him. But then he says this as well. He says, But then he says this as well. He says, But then he says this as well. He says, "And I will make him a helper that is "And I will make him a helper that is "And I will make him a helper that is also fit for him." also fit for him." also fit for him." Again, another very interesting word. Again, another very interesting word. Again, another very interesting word. This word for fit is the word "kenegdo," This word for fit is the word "kenegdo," This word for fit is the word "kenegdo," which is a another Hebrew word that which is a another Hebrew word that which is a another Hebrew word that basically is a compound word that basically is a compound word that basically is a compound word that basically says this. It's It's like, but basically says this. It's It's like, but basically says this. It's It's like, but it's the opposite of. That's the it's the opposite of. That's the it's the opposite of. That's the compound. The "ke" is basically like. compound. The "ke" is basically like. compound. The "ke" is basically like. The back end of that word is the The back end of that word is the The back end of that word is the opposite of. So, what God is saying in opposite of. So, what God is saying in opposite of. So, what God is saying in this text is, "I'm going to I'm going to this text is, "I'm going to I'm going to this text is, "I'm going to I'm going to make human need what human needed more make human need what human needed more make human need what human needed more than anything else was someone like him, than anything else was someone like him, than anything else was someone like him, yet unlike him." yet unlike him." yet unlike him." Someone that is similar, but it's also Someone that is similar, but it's also Someone that is similar, but it's also different. See, what what What he even different. See, what what What he even different. See, what what What he even needed was not some kind of an animal needed was not some kind of an animal needed was not some kind of an animal that paraded by him. What he needed was that paraded by him. What he needed was that paraded by him. What he needed was another human. another human. another human. And specifically, what he needed was a And specifically, what he needed was a And specifically, what he needed was a human that was a different sort of human that was a different sort of human that was a different sort of human. human. human. And that's why as you continue to read, And that's why as you continue to read, And that's why as you continue to read, look at what God does in Genesis chapter look at what God does in Genesis chapter look at what God does in Genesis chapter 2.

2. 2. In verse 21, it says, "So, the Lord God In verse 21, it says, "So, the Lord God In verse 21, it says, "So, the Lord God then then then caused caused caused a deep sleep a deep sleep a deep sleep to fall upon the man. to fall upon the man. to fall upon the man. And while he slept, he took one of his And while he slept, he took one of his And while he slept, he took one of his ribs and he closed up its place with ribs and he closed up its place with ribs and he closed up its place with flesh. flesh. flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken And the rib that the Lord God had taken And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man, he made into a woman and from the man, he made into a woman and from the man, he made into a woman and brought her to the man. brought her to the man. brought her to the man. Now, again, sometimes this is translated Now, again, sometimes this is translated Now, again, sometimes this is translated rib, sometimes it's scholars are going rib, sometimes it's scholars are going rib, sometimes it's scholars are going to debate over that and go, "Well, it's to debate over that and go, "Well, it's to debate over that and go, "Well, it's really more the whole side." Other really more the whole side." Other really more the whole side." Other scholars would say, "No, it's like it's scholars would say, "No, it's like it's scholars would say, "No, it's like it's like really God just kind of cut man in like really God just kind of cut man in like really God just kind of cut man in half and he he began to make two humans half and he he began to make two humans half and he he began to make two humans out of him." Whatever whatever was being out of him." Whatever whatever was being out of him." Whatever whatever was being taught in this text is one thing we know taught in this text is one thing we know taught in this text is one thing we know that is this, one human became two. that is this, one human became two. that is this, one human became two. One human became two and then notice how One human became two and then notice how One human became two and then notice how man responds in verse 23. man responds in verse 23. man responds in verse 23. And then the man said, And then the man said, And then the man said, "Man, this is at last bone of my bones, "Man, this is at last bone of my bones, "Man, this is at last bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh. She shall be called flesh of my flesh. She shall be called flesh of my flesh. She shall be called woman because she was taken out of man." woman because she was taken out of man." woman because she was taken out of man." Now, there's a lot in this little little Now, there's a lot in this little little Now, there's a lot in this little little little phrase that he says this. So, I little phrase that he says this. So, I little phrase that he says this. So, I mean, the first thing he says, "Man, at mean, the first thing he says, "Man, at mean, the first thing he says, "Man, at last." Like I guess he got tired of last." Like I guess he got tired of last." Like I guess he got tired of naming the animals and seeing all these naming the animals and seeing all these naming the animals and seeing all these animals parade by and he finally like, animals parade by and he finally like, animals parade by and he finally like, "Man, at last, finally I found someone "Man, at last, finally I found someone "Man, at last, finally I found someone that actually like I can I can relate that actually like I can I can relate that actually like I can I can relate to." And so, he says, "At last, the to." And so, he says, "At last, the to." And so, he says, "At last, the solution to the human problem wasn't solution to the human problem wasn't solution to the human problem wasn't another animal, but the solution was another animal, but the solution was another animal, but the solution was another human."

another human." another human." And he immediately recognizes that she And he immediately recognizes that she And he immediately recognizes that she is like him more than any of the other is like him more than any of the other is like him more than any of the other creatures that God had formed. Because creatures that God had formed. Because creatures that God had formed. Because notice how he says it. He's like, "Man, notice how he says it. He's like, "Man, notice how he says it. He's like, "Man, she she's more like me than any other she she's more like me than any other she she's more like me than any other creature. She's now bone of my bone bone creature. She's now bone of my bone bone creature. She's now bone of my bone bone and she's flesh of my flesh." and she's flesh of my flesh." and she's flesh of my flesh." But she's also not like him. But she's also not like him. But she's also not like him. She differs in the feminine form of her She differs in the feminine form of her She differs in the feminine form of her humanity, which is why for the very humanity, which is why for the very humanity, which is why for the very first time in the biblical story, the first time in the biblical story, the first time in the biblical story, the human refers to himself as man and he human refers to himself as man and he human refers to himself as man and he identifies her identifies her identifies her as woman. as woman. as woman. And this is a significant part of part And this is a significant part of part And this is a significant part of part of creation of mankind because this is of creation of mankind because this is of creation of mankind because this is the birth of gender. the birth of gender. the birth of gender. This is this is where gender makes its This is this is where gender makes its This is this is where gender makes its way into the to the origin story. This way into the to the origin story. This way into the to the origin story. This is when when you open up the the front is when when you open up the the front is when when you open up the the front of the book and you look at the front of of the book and you look at the front of of the book and you look at the front of the box, all of a sudden you see like the box, all of a sudden you see like the box, all of a sudden you see like God God painted this picture and he made God God painted this picture and he made God God painted this picture and he made this beautiful design and he made it this beautiful design and he made it this beautiful design and he made it male and female. This is the first male and female. This is the first male and female. This is the first picture of gender. picture of gender. picture of gender. See in the origin story, not only is she See in the origin story, not only is she See in the origin story, not only is she mentioned mentioned mentioned but she's endowed with God's image.

but she's endowed with God's image. but she's endowed with God's image. She's created after God's likeness. She's created after God's likeness. She's created after God's likeness. Within the biblical worldview, the Within the biblical worldview, the Within the biblical worldview, the difference between the sexes isn't a difference between the sexes isn't a difference between the sexes isn't a problem, it's the point. problem, it's the point. problem, it's the point. And now, as as confusing as the word And now, as as confusing as the word And now, as as confusing as the word gender might be in our context, you got gender might be in our context, you got gender might be in our context, you got to understand something. It was to understand something. It was to understand something. It was confusing in the ancient context as confusing in the ancient context as confusing in the ancient context as well. In most ancient origin stories, well. In most ancient origin stories, well. In most ancient origin stories, there wasn't really a mention of gender there wasn't really a mention of gender there wasn't really a mention of gender at all. Like women was often times just at all. Like women was often times just at all. Like women was often times just left completely out of the story or left completely out of the story or left completely out of the story or maybe she was just some kind of a cosmic maybe she was just some kind of a cosmic maybe she was just some kind of a cosmic accident. And so, what God is doing is accident. And so, what God is doing is accident. And so, what God is doing is he's setting up this origin story for he's setting up this origin story for he's setting up this origin story for mankind, for his people and going, "Hey, mankind, for his people and going, "Hey, mankind, for his people and going, "Hey, you need to understand something about you need to understand something about you need to understand something about our origin story." Like, "No, there's our origin story." Like, "No, there's our origin story." Like, "No, there's male and there's female." And guess male and there's female." And guess male and there's female." And guess what? This is my design from the very what? This is my design from the very what? This is my design from the very beginning and it's beautiful. beginning and it's beautiful. beginning and it's beautiful. That's what God is saying. Now, in That's what God is saying. Now, in That's what God is saying. Now, in Genesis chapter 2, as we reflect on Genesis chapter 2, as we reflect on Genesis chapter 2, as we reflect on that, Dr. Abigail Favale says it like that, Dr. Abigail Favale says it like that, Dr. Abigail Favale says it like this, this, this, "The opening act of this second "The opening act of this second "The opening act of this second cosmology could read as an origin story cosmology could read as an origin story cosmology could read as an origin story of sexual differences itself, of sexual differences itself, of sexual differences itself, proclaiming that our identities as men proclaiming that our identities as men proclaiming that our identities as men and women matter. and women matter. and women matter. They carry sacred significance and they They carry sacred significance and they They carry sacred significance and they occupy a prominent place in the biblical occupy a prominent place in the biblical occupy a prominent place in the biblical worldview."

worldview." worldview." And so, if you read the Bible, And so, if you read the Bible, And so, if you read the Bible, this is exactly what you see. You follow this is exactly what you see. You follow this is exactly what you see. You follow the biblical story forward and what you the biblical story forward and what you the biblical story forward and what you find is that both men and women play a find is that both men and women play a find is that both men and women play a significant role in in God's mission and significant role in in God's mission and significant role in in God's mission and God's story and in God's ultimate God's story and in God's ultimate God's story and in God's ultimate redemption. redemption. redemption. See, gender is God's beautiful design. See, gender is God's beautiful design. See, gender is God's beautiful design. It's the picture that he's painting for It's the picture that he's painting for It's the picture that he's painting for his people from the very beginning. Man his people from the very beginning. Man his people from the very beginning. Man and woman aren't just made and woman aren't just made and woman aren't just made complimentary, complimentary, complimentary, but they're also made to enter into a but they're also made to enter into a but they're also made to enter into a covenant partnership, as you'll see as covenant partnership, as you'll see as covenant partnership, as you'll see as the words continue in Genesis chapter 2. the words continue in Genesis chapter 2. the words continue in Genesis chapter 2. Notice what it says. Notice what it says. Notice what it says. He continues. He continues. He continues. Verse 24, "Therefore, a man shall leave Verse 24, "Therefore, a man shall leave Verse 24, "Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast his father and his mother and hold fast his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife and they shall become one to his wife and they shall become one to his wife and they shall become one flesh. flesh. flesh. See, from the very beginning he wasn't See, from the very beginning he wasn't See, from the very beginning he wasn't just he wasn't just painting a picture just he wasn't just painting a picture just he wasn't just painting a picture of gender, he was painting this picture of gender, he was painting this picture of gender, he was painting this picture of what we understand is this biblical of what we understand is this biblical of what we understand is this biblical marriage that the human was not good. marriage that the human was not good. marriage that the human was not good. Not not good because alone the man could Not not good because alone the man could Not not good because alone the man could not adequately reflect God's image to not adequately reflect God's image to not adequately reflect God's image to one another and one another and one another and alone he couldn't be fruitful, he alone he couldn't be fruitful, he alone he couldn't be fruitful, he couldn't multiply. Like this is this is couldn't multiply. Like this is this is couldn't multiply. Like this is this is the picture that God laid out from the the picture that God laid out from the the picture that God laid out from the very beginning. And if you're wondering very beginning. And if you're wondering very beginning. And if you're wondering like like was that was that just at the like like was that was that just at the like like was that was that just at the beginning and then things changed as we beginning and then things changed as we beginning and then things changed as we became more um astute and more wise or became more um astute and more wise or became more um astute and more wise or more knowledgeable in the future? Well, more knowledgeable in the future? Well, more knowledgeable in the future? Well, not necessarily because you fast forward not necessarily because you fast forward not necessarily because you fast forward to the New Testament and you start to the New Testament and you start to the New Testament and you start hearing things that the Apostle Paul hearing things that the Apostle Paul hearing things that the Apostle Paul would write. And and he would reference would write. And and he would reference would write. And and he would reference back to what marriage was intended to back to what marriage was intended to back to what marriage was intended to look like from the very beginning.

look like from the very beginning. look like from the very beginning. Notice what he says in Genesis in Notice what he says in Genesis in Notice what he says in Genesis in Ephesians chapter 5 when Paul writes to Ephesians chapter 5 when Paul writes to Ephesians chapter 5 when Paul writes to the church in Ephesus. the church in Ephesus. the church in Ephesus. He says, "Therefore a man shall leave He says, "Therefore a man shall leave He says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother his father and his mother his father and his mother and they shall hold fast to his wife and and they shall hold fast to his wife and and they shall hold fast to his wife and the two shall become one flesh." Where the two shall become one flesh." Where the two shall become one flesh." Where have you heard that before? have you heard that before? have you heard that before? Yeah, he's calling back to the front of Yeah, he's calling back to the front of Yeah, he's calling back to the front of the box. He says, "And this mystery is the box. He says, "And this mystery is the box. He says, "And this mystery is profound and I'm saying that it refers profound and I'm saying that it refers profound and I'm saying that it refers to Christ and the church." to Christ and the church." to Christ and the church." Cuz what Paul was trying to de- debate Cuz what Paul was trying to de- debate Cuz what Paul was trying to de- debate at that moment was this. He was going, at that moment was this. He was going, at that moment was this. He was going, "You know what? Like everybody's got a "You know what? Like everybody's got a "You know what? Like everybody's got a part to play in this mission that I've part to play in this mission that I've part to play in this mission that I've given to you." And even he'll go on to given to you." And even he'll go on to given to you." And even he'll go on to say that the Jews and Gentiles come say that the Jews and Gentiles come say that the Jews and Gentiles come together to proclaim this mission. Man together to proclaim this mission. Man together to proclaim this mission. Man and woman come together in order to and woman come together in order to and woman come together in order to proclaim this mission and the beauty of proclaim this mission and the beauty of proclaim this mission and the beauty of it is this. It's like when Christ and it is this. It's like when Christ and it is this. It's like when Christ and his church. Like the Christ sacrifice for the bride. Like the Christ sacrifice for the bride. And and that the bride and the And and that the bride and the And and that the bride and the bridegroom they come together and they bridegroom they come together and they bridegroom they come together and they and they live this beautiful picture of and they live this beautiful picture of and they live this beautiful picture of what it means to thrive in life. what it means to thrive in life. what it means to thrive in life. This was the picture on the front of the This was the picture on the front of the This was the picture on the front of the box that not only do we see at the box that not only do we see at the box that not only do we see at the beginning, we see Paul referencing back beginning, we see Paul referencing back beginning, we see Paul referencing back to as well. to as well. to as well. And what about Jesus? Did he have And what about Jesus? Did he have And what about Jesus? Did he have anything to say about it? Well, let's anything to say about it? Well, let's anything to say about it? Well, let's look what he said in Mark chapter 10. look what he said in Mark chapter 10. look what he said in Mark chapter 10. In Mark chapter 10, he gives us the In Mark chapter 10, he gives us the In Mark chapter 10, he gives us the again the beauty of marriage.

again the beauty of marriage. again the beauty of marriage. "But from the beginning of creation," "But from the beginning of creation," "But from the beginning of creation," Jesus says, Jesus says, Jesus says, God made them male and female. One, he's God made them male and female. One, he's God made them male and female. One, he's referencing back to gender. And then he referencing back to gender. And then he referencing back to gender. And then he says, therefore man shall leave his says, therefore man shall leave his says, therefore man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to father and his mother and hold fast to father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one his wife, and the two shall become one his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So, they are no longer two, but flesh. So, they are no longer two, but flesh. So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. And then Jesus adds his own one flesh. And then Jesus adds his own one flesh. And then Jesus adds his own language, whatever what therefore God language, whatever what therefore God language, whatever what therefore God has joined together, let not man has joined together, let not man has joined together, let not man separate. separate. separate. So again, it's this beautiful You've So again, it's this beautiful You've So again, it's this beautiful You've heard that verse, right? You probably heard that verse, right? You probably heard that verse, right? You probably said it at a wedding and you heard that said it at a wedding and you heard that said it at a wedding and you heard that because again, we're we're seeing from because again, we're we're seeing from because again, we're we're seeing from the very beginning the picture that God the very beginning the picture that God the very beginning the picture that God created. Paul emphasizes it, Jesus created. Paul emphasizes it, Jesus created. Paul emphasizes it, Jesus emphasizes it. Here we have this emphasizes it. Here we have this emphasizes it. Here we have this beautiful design on the front of the box beautiful design on the front of the box beautiful design on the front of the box of what biblical marriage looks like. of what biblical marriage looks like. of what biblical marriage looks like. Now, Now, Now, where does it go from there? Well, let's where does it go from there? Well, let's where does it go from there? Well, let's continue to read in verse 24 and 25. continue to read in verse 24 and 25. continue to read in verse 24 and 25. And then it says, therefore man shall And then it says, therefore man shall And then it says, therefore man shall leave his father and mother and hold leave his father and mother and hold leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife and they shall become fast to his wife and they shall become fast to his wife and they shall become one flesh. one flesh. one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked And the man and his wife were both naked And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. and were not ashamed. and were not ashamed. Now, I don't think we have to describe a Now, I don't think we have to describe a Now, I don't think we have to describe a whole lot of what that means, right? whole lot of what that means, right? whole lot of what that means, right? Like I mean, there there's this Like I mean, there there's this Like I mean, there there's this beautiful sexual intimacy that takes beautiful sexual intimacy that takes beautiful sexual intimacy that takes place within the bonds of marriage place within the bonds of marriage place within the bonds of marriage between a man and a woman. I mean, that between a man and a woman. I mean, that between a man and a woman. I mean, that you see it from the very beginning and you see it from the very beginning and you see it from the very beginning and as you open up the book. Like if you if as you open up the book. Like if you if as you open up the book. Like if you if you want to flourish, if you if you want you want to flourish, if you if you want you want to flourish, if you if you want to find joy and happiness and to find joy and happiness and to find joy and happiness and contentment and satisfaction, it's like contentment and satisfaction, it's like contentment and satisfaction, it's like God says, here's the picture.

God says, here's the picture. God says, here's the picture. Like this is what I this is how I Like this is what I this is how I Like this is what I this is how I created it from the very beginning and created it from the very beginning and created it from the very beginning and this is where you're going to find all this is where you're going to find all this is where you're going to find all of that kind of fulfillment that you of that kind of fulfillment that you of that kind of fulfillment that you long for. And so, what we have in long for. And so, what we have in long for. And so, what we have in Genesis chapter two is again, I love the Genesis chapter two is again, I love the Genesis chapter two is again, I love the fact that that he's going, you know, you fact that that he's going, you know, you fact that that he's going, you know, you don't you don't have to get confused by don't you don't have to get confused by don't you don't have to get confused by all this stuff. You don't have to try to all this stuff. You don't have to try to all this stuff. You don't have to try to put all the pieces together on your own. put all the pieces together on your own. put all the pieces together on your own. Just go back to the front of the box. Go Just go back to the front of the box. Go Just go back to the front of the box. Go back to the front of the book and I'll back to the front of the book and I'll back to the front of the book and I'll show you this beautiful design and this show you this beautiful design and this show you this beautiful design and this beautiful picture that I've painted that beautiful picture that I've painted that beautiful picture that I've painted that will allow you to live with fulfillment will allow you to live with fulfillment will allow you to live with fulfillment and joy and happiness and contentment. and joy and happiness and contentment. and joy and happiness and contentment. Now, Now, Now, this is beautiful. this is beautiful. this is beautiful. It's beautiful. It's beautiful. It's beautiful. And it's also tragic. And it's also tragic. And it's also tragic. And here's why I say it's tragic. And here's why I say it's tragic. And here's why I say it's tragic. It's tragic because for most of us, for most of us, I would say for all of us, I would say for all of us, I would say for all of us, we've never really fully seen that we've never really fully seen that we've never really fully seen that picture lived out, have we? picture lived out, have we? picture lived out, have we? Like I mean, in our worlds, we haven't Like I mean, in our worlds, we haven't Like I mean, in our worlds, we haven't really even seen that kind of a a really even seen that kind of a a really even seen that kind of a a picture completely lived out. And and picture completely lived out. And and picture completely lived out. And and we're not the only ones. I mean, go back we're not the only ones. I mean, go back we're not the only ones. I mean, go back to the Adam and Eve in the garden. I to the Adam and Eve in the garden. I to the Adam and Eve in the garden. I mean, there were six verses later and mean, there were six verses later and mean, there were six verses later and all of a sudden what you see is their all of a sudden what you see is their all of a sudden what you see is their reflection of God's definition of good reflection of God's definition of good reflection of God's definition of good was just they they turned on it.

was just they they turned on it. was just they they turned on it. They're like, "We don't want to do God's They're like, "We don't want to do God's They're like, "We don't want to do God's definition of what he calls good." definition of what he calls good." definition of what he calls good." And then fast forward to God's people in And then fast forward to God's people in And then fast forward to God's people in Israel who he's writing this book to. Israel who he's writing this book to. Israel who he's writing this book to. Like they find themselves in cap in Like they find themselves in cap in Like they find themselves in cap in captured in slavery in Egypt. And I captured in slavery in Egypt. And I captured in slavery in Egypt. And I promise you like they they weren't they promise you like they they weren't they promise you like they they weren't they weren't thriving in these areas. I weren't thriving in these areas. I weren't thriving in these areas. I guarantee you like men and women weren't guarantee you like men and women weren't guarantee you like men and women weren't treated very well in that situation. treated very well in that situation. treated very well in that situation. They were there were marriage wasn't in They were there were marriage wasn't in They were there were marriage wasn't in a healthy place. Like it was filled with a healthy place. Like it was filled with a healthy place. Like it was filled with selfishness and lust and power. And now selfishness and lust and power. And now selfishness and lust and power. And now fast forward to 2026. fast forward to 2026. fast forward to 2026. And where are we seeing this picture And where are we seeing this picture And where are we seeing this picture lived out? How healthy of a picture are lived out? How healthy of a picture are lived out? How healthy of a picture are we looking at in our context today when we looking at in our context today when we looking at in our context today when it comes to gender, it comes to gender, it comes to gender, and marriage, and sex? and marriage, and sex? and marriage, and sex? So, let's talk about that for a minute. So, let's talk about that for a minute. So, let's talk about that for a minute. Let let you let's just take gen take Let let you let's just take gen take Let let you let's just take gen take gender for a minute. gender for a minute. gender for a minute. I mean, it we know, right? Like that I mean, it we know, right? Like that I mean, it we know, right? Like that that's a that's a hot word in our in our that's a that's a hot word in our in our that's a that's a hot word in our in our culture today. I'm just pulling it out culture today. I'm just pulling it out culture today. I'm just pulling it out of the Bible cuz we're running through of the Bible cuz we're running through of the Bible cuz we're running through Genesis today. But I mean, you throw the Genesis today. But I mean, you throw the Genesis today. But I mean, you throw the word out gender and everybody's like, word out gender and everybody's like, word out gender and everybody's like, "Well, now what's going on here?" Right? "Well, now what's going on here?" Right? "Well, now what's going on here?" Right? I'm just telling you how God said he I'm just telling you how God said he I'm just telling you how God said he created from the very beginning. created from the very beginning. created from the very beginning. But here's what happens. It's never been But here's what happens. It's never been But here's what happens. It's never been more unclear about what it means to be a more unclear about what it means to be a more unclear about what it means to be a man and a woman than it is today.

man and a woman than it is today. man and a woman than it is today. I mean, culture is increasingly said I mean, culture is increasingly said I mean, culture is increasingly said that gender doesn't matter at all. that gender doesn't matter at all. that gender doesn't matter at all. That gender is fluid. That gender is fluid. That gender is fluid. That our biological sex has little to do That our biological sex has little to do That our biological sex has little to do with who we are. That what it means to with who we are. That what it means to with who we are. That what it means to be male and female are interchangeable. be male and female are interchangeable. be male and female are interchangeable. I mean, that's just kind of the the the I mean, that's just kind of the the the I mean, that's just kind of the the the river of our culture today. I mean, I'm river of our culture today. I mean, I'm river of our culture today. I mean, I'm I'm unsubscribing from an email this I'm unsubscribing from an email this I'm unsubscribing from an email this morning. A- Anybody ever unsubscribe morning. A- Anybody ever unsubscribe morning. A- Anybody ever unsubscribe from emails? Yeah, [snorts] that's a from emails? Yeah, [snorts] that's a from emails? Yeah, [snorts] that's a pain in the rear. pain in the rear. pain in the rear. But but they wanted to know somewhere But but they wanted to know somewhere But but they wanted to know somewhere along the way as I'm unsubscribing, are along the way as I'm unsubscribing, are along the way as I'm unsubscribing, are you male, female, or other? you male, female, or other? you male, female, or other? Right? I'm going I'm about to get up and Right? I'm going I'm about to get up and Right? I'm going I'm about to get up and talk about this. That's interesting talk about this. That's interesting talk about this. That's interesting because in our culture it seems like because in our culture it seems like because in our culture it seems like there's just a fluidness when it comes there's just a fluidness when it comes there's just a fluidness when it comes to how gender can happen. to how gender can happen. to how gender can happen. Now, Now, Now, but culture tells us all that because it but culture tells us all that because it but culture tells us all that because it says, "Man, no, you that's where you're says, "Man, no, you that's where you're says, "Man, no, you that's where you're going to find happiness. going to find happiness. going to find happiness. That's where you're going to find That's where you're going to find That's where you're going to find fulfillment. That's where you're going fulfillment. That's where you're going fulfillment. That's where you're going to find joy when when you get to design to find joy when when you get to design to find joy when when you get to design the picture however you want to design the picture however you want to design the picture however you want to design the picture." the picture." the picture." And yet if we're honest, I don't I don't And yet if we're honest, I don't I don't And yet if we're honest, I don't I don't think it's producing that level of joy think it's producing that level of joy think it's producing that level of joy and contentment and happiness and and contentment and happiness and and contentment and happiness and satisfaction.

satisfaction. satisfaction. I mean, those who struggle with gender I mean, those who struggle with gender I mean, those who struggle with gender dysphoria and then they undergo the dysphoria and then they undergo the dysphoria and then they undergo the sexual reassignment surgery, sexual reassignment surgery, sexual reassignment surgery, they have considerably higher risk for they have considerably higher risk for they have considerably higher risk for mortality, suicidal behavior, and mortality, suicidal behavior, and mortality, suicidal behavior, and psychiatric morbidity than the general psychiatric morbidity than the general psychiatric morbidity than the general population. population. population. Suicide rates are high amongst young Suicide rates are high amongst young Suicide rates are high amongst young people within the LGBTQ community. people within the LGBTQ community. people within the LGBTQ community. It it doesn't feel like we're thriving. It it doesn't feel like we're thriving. It it doesn't feel like we're thriving. It doesn't feel like we're we're we're It doesn't feel like we're we're we're It doesn't feel like we're we're we're finding joy and we're finding finding joy and we're finding finding joy and we're finding contentment. And now now if you think contentment. And now now if you think contentment. And now now if you think we're just we're just talking about the we're just we're just talking about the we're just we're just talking about the LGBTQ community, think again. I mean, LGBTQ community, think again. I mean, LGBTQ community, think again. I mean, you can say a man is a man and a woman you can say a man is a man and a woman you can say a man is a man and a woman is a woman and you can be just as is a woman and you can be just as is a woman and you can be just as confused. confused. confused. Now, what do I mean by that? Here's what Now, what do I mean by that? Here's what Now, what do I mean by that? Here's what I mean by that. I mean by that. I mean by that. I mean, I mean, I mean, we we got a distorted picture of what we we got a distorted picture of what we we got a distorted picture of what womanhood should look like in our womanhood should look like in our womanhood should look like in our culture today. culture today. culture today. I mean, you think about when you think I mean, you think about when you think I mean, you think about when you think about womanhood, it's tied to their about womanhood, it's tied to their about womanhood, it's tied to their appearance. appearance. appearance. It's tied to her worth, it's tied to her It's tied to her worth, it's tied to her It's tied to her worth, it's tied to her beauty, and to her body, and to her sex beauty, and to her body, and to her sex beauty, and to her body, and to her sex appeal. appeal. appeal. She's treated as a commodity to be She's treated as a commodity to be She's treated as a commodity to be purchased, a body to be consumed, an purchased, a body to be consumed, an purchased, a body to be consumed, an object to be conquered. object to be conquered. object to be conquered. And see, throughout history that that's And see, throughout history that that's And see, throughout history that that's how the distortion of what God created how the distortion of what God created how the distortion of what God created in womanhood has been happening and in womanhood has been happening and in womanhood has been happening and we're seeing that in our culture as we're seeing that in our culture as we're seeing that in our culture as well. Like we got a distorted picture of well. Like we got a distorted picture of well. Like we got a distorted picture of what God's original design was.

what God's original design was. what God's original design was. I mean, we're not just going to talk I mean, we're not just going to talk I mean, we're not just going to talk about womanhood. Let's talk about about womanhood. Let's talk about about womanhood. Let's talk about manhood. Like we know that toxic manhood. Like we know that toxic manhood. Like we know that toxic masculinity is a word these days, right? masculinity is a word these days, right? masculinity is a word these days, right? Because men have men have leaned into Because men have men have leaned into Because men have men have leaned into this idea like no, in order to be a man this idea like no, in order to be a man this idea like no, in order to be a man then I'm a conqueror. In order to be a then I'm a conqueror. In order to be a then I'm a conqueror. In order to be a man, I got to go achieve and I got to go man, I got to go achieve and I got to go man, I got to go achieve and I got to go perform and yet they find themselves in perform and yet they find themselves in perform and yet they find themselves in much of the same way where they're much of the same way where they're much of the same way where they're finding themselves emotionally and finding themselves emotionally and finding themselves emotionally and relationally kind of distraught because relationally kind of distraught because relationally kind of distraught because they've been chasing after something they've been chasing after something they've been chasing after something wasn't the design in the first place. wasn't the design in the first place. wasn't the design in the first place. They live in the shadows of their shame. They live in the shadows of their shame. They live in the shadows of their shame. They're driven to despair by their They're driven to despair by their They're driven to despair by their failures. They're isolated in their failures. They're isolated in their failures. They're isolated in their loneliness. They're controlled by their loneliness. They're controlled by their loneliness. They're controlled by their lust. They're consumed with ambition. lust. They're consumed with ambition. lust. They're consumed with ambition. They're crushed by their lack thereof They're crushed by their lack thereof They're crushed by their lack thereof and they are confused about their and they are confused about their and they are confused about their purpose, unsure of what it really even purpose, unsure of what it really even purpose, unsure of what it really even means to be a man. means to be a man. means to be a man. See, we we've got a distorted picture of See, we we've got a distorted picture of See, we we've got a distorted picture of gender in our culture today. But what about marriage? How we doing But what about marriage? How we doing there? there? there? How we doing with marriage? How we doing with marriage? How we doing with marriage? I mean, is there anyone in the room I mean, is there anyone in the room I mean, is there anyone in the room who's not been impacted in some way by who's not been impacted in some way by who's not been impacted in some way by the consequences of divorce? the consequences of divorce? the consequences of divorce? How many grew up in a home where there How many grew up in a home where there How many grew up in a home where there was was was chaos in the home because of the verbal chaos in the home because of the verbal chaos in the home because of the verbal and the physical abuse and maybe were and the physical abuse and maybe were and the physical abuse and maybe were taking place even amongst parents in the taking place even amongst parents in the taking place even amongst parents in the home.

home. home. How many of us have experienced the How many of us have experienced the How many of us have experienced the consequences of unfaithfulness in a consequences of unfaithfulness in a consequences of unfaithfulness in a marriage relationship? I mean, that marriage relationship? I mean, that marriage relationship? I mean, that that's just a taste of how marriages that's just a taste of how marriages that's just a taste of how marriages have gotten distorted in our culture. have gotten distorted in our culture. have gotten distorted in our culture. Well, let's let's Well, that's how we're Well, let's let's Well, that's how we're Well, let's let's Well, that's how we're doing with gender. That's how we're doing with gender. That's how we're doing with gender. That's how we're doing with marriage. How we doing with doing with marriage. How we doing with doing with marriage. How we doing with sex sex sex in our culture? Are we are we living in our culture? Are we are we living in our culture? Are we are we living that out in the way that God drew the that out in the way that God drew the that out in the way that God drew the picture to look like for us? picture to look like for us? picture to look like for us? See, culture has said that sex is not See, culture has said that sex is not See, culture has said that sex is not significant. significant. significant. It's an appetite to satisfy. It's an appetite to satisfy. It's an appetite to satisfy. Sleep with who you want when you want. Sleep with who you want when you want. Sleep with who you want when you want. The only thing that's necessary to call The only thing that's necessary to call The only thing that's necessary to call sex good is for it to be consensual. sex good is for it to be consensual. sex good is for it to be consensual. Casual sex, it's not really a big deal. Casual sex, it's not really a big deal. Casual sex, it's not really a big deal. Cohabitation is practical, try before Cohabitation is practical, try before Cohabitation is practical, try before you buy it. Porn, oh man, it's just a you buy it. Porn, oh man, it's just a you buy it. Porn, oh man, it's just a screen. screen. screen. It's not hurting anybody. It's not hurting anybody. It's not hurting anybody. But is that true? But is that true? But is that true? I mean, are those things true? I mean, are those things true? I mean, are those things true? I mean, if you give your body to someone I mean, if you give your body to someone I mean, if you give your body to someone else and then to someone else and then else and then to someone else and then else and then to someone else and then to someone else, do you do you not feel to someone else, do you do you not feel to someone else, do you do you not feel the the pain that comes with that? the the pain that comes with that? the the pain that comes with that? See, only one in five of cohabiting See, only one in five of cohabiting See, only one in five of cohabiting couples actually end up getting married couples actually end up getting married couples actually end up getting married and those that do end up getting married and those that do end up getting married and those that do end up getting married one out of three end up in divorce. one out of three end up in divorce. one out of three end up in divorce. Most people today are exposed to Most people today are exposed to Most people today are exposed to pornography before the age of 13.

You know what you find when you engage You know what you find when you engage in pornographic material? in pornographic material? in pornographic material? At least one in three of the videos At least one in three of the videos At least one in three of the videos contain some form of sexual violence or contain some form of sexual violence or contain some form of sexual violence or aggression specifically against women. And if you want to say it's just porn, And if you want to say it's just porn, it's not hurting anybody, it's not hurting anybody, it's not hurting anybody, it's not true. it's not true. it's not true. It's not true. And so you wonder why in our context and And so you wonder why in our context and our culture today that there's our culture today that there's our culture today that there's confusion. confusion. confusion. There's people trying to pick up the There's people trying to pick up the There's people trying to pick up the pieces of life. Possibly cuz we Possibly cuz we we stopped looking at the front of the we stopped looking at the front of the we stopped looking at the front of the box. box. box. We stopped looking at the the front of We stopped looking at the the front of We stopped looking at the the front of the book and and what is God designed the book and and what is God designed the book and and what is God designed for humans to to flourish, for humans to for humans to to flourish, for humans to for humans to to flourish, for humans to thrive, for us to experience contentment thrive, for us to experience contentment thrive, for us to experience contentment and joy and satisfaction and and joy and satisfaction and and joy and satisfaction and fulfillment. fulfillment. fulfillment. See, even in the idea of sex, look at See, even in the idea of sex, look at See, even in the idea of sex, look at what Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians what Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians what Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians chapter 6. chapter 6. chapter 6. He says, "Do you not know that he who is He says, "Do you not know that he who is He says, "Do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body joined to a prostitute becomes one body joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? with her? with her? For as it is written, the two will For as it is written, the two will For as it is written, the two will become one flesh." There's that callback become one flesh." There's that callback become one flesh." There's that callback to Genesis.

to Genesis. to Genesis. He says, "But he who is joined to the He says, "But he who is joined to the He says, "But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Lord becomes one spirit with him. Lord becomes one spirit with him. Therefore, flee from sexual Therefore, flee from sexual Therefore, flee from sexual immorality." immorality." immorality." So now, So now, So now, we open up the book of Genesis chapter 2 we open up the book of Genesis chapter 2 we open up the book of Genesis chapter 2 and you go back to the beginning of the and you go back to the beginning of the and you go back to the beginning of the story and all of a sudden you start to story and all of a sudden you start to story and all of a sudden you start to see some big ideas here about man, what see some big ideas here about man, what see some big ideas here about man, what is God's design? What does God want for is God's design? What does God want for is God's design? What does God want for his people? What is it How has he drawn his people? What is it How has he drawn his people? What is it How has he drawn it up from the very beginning when it it up from the very beginning when it it up from the very beginning when it comes to gender, when it comes to comes to gender, when it comes to comes to gender, when it comes to marriage, when it comes to sex? And we marriage, when it comes to sex? And we marriage, when it comes to sex? And we see this beautiful picture and yet, as I see this beautiful picture and yet, as I see this beautiful picture and yet, as I said a moment ago, said a moment ago, said a moment ago, we haven't fully experienced that. we haven't fully experienced that. we haven't fully experienced that. We have We haven't fully experienced We have We haven't fully experienced We have We haven't fully experienced that. May Maybe personally you felt the that. May Maybe personally you felt the that. May Maybe personally you felt the impacts of some of those things on your impacts of some of those things on your impacts of some of those things on your own life that that have caused anxiety own life that that have caused anxiety own life that that have caused anxiety and depression and addiction and other and depression and addiction and other and depression and addiction and other things that have led you down a path things that have led you down a path things that have led you down a path going, "Man, I thought this was going to going, "Man, I thought this was going to going, "Man, I thought this was going to find freedom find freedom find freedom and yet I've just found pain." and yet I've just found pain." and yet I've just found pain." But see, here's here's the beautiful But see, here's here's the beautiful But see, here's here's the beautiful thing that takes place in God's story. thing that takes place in God's story. thing that takes place in God's story. See, from the very beginning, he knew See, from the very beginning, he knew See, from the very beginning, he knew that that man wasn't going to image his that that man wasn't going to image his that that man wasn't going to image his picture exactly the way he designed it.

picture exactly the way he designed it. picture exactly the way he designed it. And yet, over and over again, God And yet, over and over again, God And yet, over and over again, God continued to bring warning back to them, continued to bring warning back to them, continued to bring warning back to them, to love them enough to tell them the to love them enough to tell them the to love them enough to tell them the truth, and yet they still rejected him. truth, and yet they still rejected him. truth, and yet they still rejected him. Maybe some of you're sitting in that Maybe some of you're sitting in that Maybe some of you're sitting in that place this morning. Right? You're going, place this morning. Right? You're going, place this morning. Right? You're going, "Man, somebody's already told me that "Man, somebody's already told me that "Man, somebody's already told me that about my life and I've rejected that about my life and I've rejected that about my life and I've rejected that truth once again and now here's another truth once again and now here's another truth once again and now here's another guy telling me that's true about life guy telling me that's true about life guy telling me that's true about life and I'm maybe you're even rejecting that and I'm maybe you're even rejecting that and I'm maybe you're even rejecting that or maybe today is the day you turn and or maybe today is the day you turn and or maybe today is the day you turn and go, "You know what? Wow, maybe maybe go, "You know what? Wow, maybe maybe go, "You know what? Wow, maybe maybe there's some truth to that. there's some truth to that. there's some truth to that. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Maybe this beautiful picture that God Maybe this beautiful picture that God Maybe this beautiful picture that God designed is worth embracing." designed is worth embracing." designed is worth embracing." And see, God knew that we needed that. And see, God knew that we needed that. And see, God knew that we needed that. God knew that we needed that. Because God knew that we needed that. Because God knew that we needed that. Because the story of the gospel of Jesus Christ the story of the gospel of Jesus Christ the story of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that God looked at us in the midst of is that God looked at us in the midst of is that God looked at us in the midst of all of our brokenness and these all of our brokenness and these all of our brokenness and these scattered puzzle pieces and he says, scattered puzzle pieces and he says, scattered puzzle pieces and he says, "You know what? It's not good. "You know what? It's not good. "You know what? It's not good. It's not good and therefore I'm going to It's not good and therefore I'm going to It's not good and therefore I'm going to provide a helper for you." provide a helper for you." provide a helper for you." And he sent his son, the ultimate And he sent his son, the ultimate And he sent his son, the ultimate helper, the one who was like us in our helper, the one who was like us in our helper, the one who was like us in our humanity but yet he was other than us in humanity but yet he was other than us in humanity but yet he was other than us in his divinity. his divinity. his divinity. He was fully man and yet he was fully He was fully man and yet he was fully He was fully man and yet he was fully God. God. God. And what did Jesus Christ do? He made a And what did Jesus Christ do? He made a And what did Jesus Christ do? He made a way way way that in the midst of our brokenness and that in the midst of our brokenness and that in the midst of our brokenness and maybe in the midst of our guilt and in maybe in the midst of our guilt and in maybe in the midst of our guilt and in the midst of our shame because of the the midst of our shame because of the the midst of our shame because of the way that we've messed this picture up, way that we've messed this picture up, way that we've messed this picture up, hey, hey, hey, I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to us.

us. us. Right? Like, this this this falls on all Right? Like, this this this falls on all Right? Like, this this this falls on all of us when we think about, man, the of us when we think about, man, the of us when we think about, man, the picture that God wants for us and we picture that God wants for us and we picture that God wants for us and we don't always live it perfectly. don't always live it perfectly. don't always live it perfectly. And yet, the beauty of the gospel Jesus And yet, the beauty of the gospel Jesus And yet, the beauty of the gospel Jesus is Jesus says, "You know what? I see is Jesus says, "You know what? I see is Jesus says, "You know what? I see that and yet I've come to make a way for that and yet I've come to make a way for that and yet I've come to make a way for you to be made right with me and to live you to be made right with me and to live you to be made right with me and to live with the power that you can to live out with the power that you can to live out with the power that you can to live out this picture perfectly." And and I want this picture perfectly." And and I want this picture perfectly." And and I want you to see how Paul talks about that in you to see how Paul talks about that in you to see how Paul talks about that in 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 9. 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 9. 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 9. He says this. He says this. He says this. Hey, do you do you not know Hey, do you do you not know Hey, do you do you not know that the unrighteous that the unrighteous that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? will not inherit the kingdom of God? will not inherit the kingdom of God? And and and then Paul is going to go on And and and then Paul is going to go on And and and then Paul is going to go on the list like all the ways that we get the list like all the ways that we get the list like all the ways that we get the picture wrong. the picture wrong. the picture wrong. He's like, so He's like, so He's like, so do not be deceived. do not be deceived. do not be deceived. I mean, don't you know that the sexually I mean, don't you know that the sexually I mean, don't you know that the sexually immoral, immoral, immoral, the idolaters, the idolaters, the idolaters, nor the adulterers, nor men who practice nor the adulterers, nor men who practice nor the adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, homosexuality, homosexuality, nor the thieves, nor the greedy, nor the thieves, nor the greedy, nor the thieves, nor the greedy, nor the drunkards, nor the revilers, nor nor the drunkards, nor the revilers, nor nor the drunkards, nor the revilers, nor the swindlers, none of these are going the swindlers, none of these are going the swindlers, none of these are going to inherit the kingdom of God.

to inherit the kingdom of God. to inherit the kingdom of God. Like, you've broken the design that God Like, you've broken the design that God Like, you've broken the design that God has for you. has for you. has for you. Now, that's the bad news. Now, that's the bad news. Now, that's the bad news. Gospel means good news. Gospel means good news. Gospel means good news. And so, hear the good news in that. And so, hear the good news in that. And so, hear the good news in that. Hey, such were some of you. I think he Hey, such were some of you. I think he Hey, such were some of you. I think he probably should have said such were all probably should have said such were all probably should have said such were all of you, right? I mean, we were all of you, right? I mean, we were all of you, right? I mean, we were all turned against God's way, and yet here's turned against God's way, and yet here's turned against God's way, and yet here's the beauty of what can take place. the beauty of what can take place. the beauty of what can take place. But, here's what happened in Jesus. But, But, here's what happened in Jesus. But, But, here's what happened in Jesus. But, you were washed, you were washed, you were washed, and you were sanctified, and you were and you were sanctified, and you were and you were sanctified, and you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus justified in the name of the Lord Jesus justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of our God. Christ and by the spirit of our God. Christ and by the spirit of our God. Church, hear this today. Church, hear this today. Church, hear this today. Like, Like, Like, those who have accepted Jesus Christ, those who have accepted Jesus Christ, those who have accepted Jesus Christ, like, yeah, we have a past, and like, yeah, we have a past, and like, yeah, we have a past, and sometimes we still struggle with the sometimes we still struggle with the sometimes we still struggle with the things of the past. things of the past. things of the past. But, he says, "No, that's not who you But, he says, "No, that's not who you But, he says, "No, that's not who you are today." Like, no, you are a people are today." Like, no, you are a people are today." Like, no, you are a people who are who have been washed. who are who have been washed. who are who have been washed. I mean, man, hear that. I mean, man, hear that. I mean, man, hear that. Like, Like, Like, if you felt dirty, if you felt dirty, if you felt dirty, if you felt unclean because of some of if you felt unclean because of some of if you felt unclean because of some of the things that maybe you've engaged in the things that maybe you've engaged in the things that maybe you've engaged in in the past, know that the blood of in the past, know that the blood of in the past, know that the blood of Jesus he says he just washes you. He Jesus he says he just washes you. He Jesus he says he just washes you. He cleans you up.

cleans you up. cleans you up. Like, you're fresh, you're new. Like, you're fresh, you're new. Like, you're fresh, you're new. He says you're sanctified. You're you're He says you're sanctified. You're you're He says you're sanctified. You're you're set apart not for some kind of immoral set apart not for some kind of immoral set apart not for some kind of immoral behaviors. No, you're set apart for for behaviors. No, you're set apart for for behaviors. No, you're set apart for for holy moments that God wants for you. holy moments that God wants for you. holy moments that God wants for you. To be his representative, what he says To be his representative, what he says To be his representative, what he says from the very beginning in Genesis. To from the very beginning in Genesis. To from the very beginning in Genesis. To to represent him well to our world. And to represent him well to our world. And to represent him well to our world. And not only that, man, you been justified. not only that, man, you been justified. not only that, man, you been justified. You've been declared not guilty. You've been declared not guilty. You've been declared not guilty. And you've been declared not guilty not And you've been declared not guilty not And you've been declared not guilty not because you've all of a sudden cleaned because you've all of a sudden cleaned because you've all of a sudden cleaned yourself up enough to be declared not yourself up enough to be declared not yourself up enough to be declared not guilty. guilty. guilty. No, you've been declared not guilty No, you've been declared not guilty No, you've been declared not guilty because Jesus Christ lived the perfect because Jesus Christ lived the perfect because Jesus Christ lived the perfect life that you and I could not live. life that you and I could not live. life that you and I could not live. And see all of that hopefully this And see all of that hopefully this And see all of that hopefully this morning morning morning whatever you're carrying into this room whatever you're carrying into this room whatever you're carrying into this room you go, "Man, I I haven't fully lived you go, "Man, I I haven't fully lived you go, "Man, I I haven't fully lived out that picture, but man out that picture, but man out that picture, but man when I'm reminded of who Jesus Christ is when I'm reminded of who Jesus Christ is when I'm reminded of who Jesus Christ is and what he's done for us, I'm going to and what he's done for us, I'm going to and what he's done for us, I'm going to keep pressing into that." keep pressing into that." keep pressing into that." Because I know in that picture Because I know in that picture Because I know in that picture that he's created for me there is joy that he's created for me there is joy that he's created for me there is joy and there's happiness, and there's and there's happiness, and there's and there's happiness, and there's fulfillment, and there's contentment. fulfillment, and there's contentment. fulfillment, and there's contentment. Let me pray for us.

Heavenly Father, we come to you this Heavenly Father, we come to you this morning morning morning in the midst of this um quiet room. in the midst of this um quiet room. in the midst of this um quiet room. God, I ask that your spirit move and God, I ask that your spirit move and God, I ask that your spirit move and your spirit your spirit your spirit heal [snorts] I thank you for the clarity of your I thank you for the clarity of your word. I know sometimes things feel confusing I know sometimes things feel confusing as we try hard to put our own pieces as we try hard to put our own pieces as we try hard to put our own pieces together and yet there's so much clarity together and yet there's so much clarity together and yet there's so much clarity in your word. God, thank you for the in your word. God, thank you for the in your word. God, thank you for the kindness kindness kindness that you've given us this beautiful that you've given us this beautiful that you've given us this beautiful picture of how you have created us to picture of how you have created us to picture of how you have created us to be. God, would we be a people be. God, would we be a people be. God, would we be a people not because we even have the power not because we even have the power not because we even have the power within ourselves to do but through your within ourselves to do but through your within ourselves to do but through your power, God, would we be the people that power, God, would we be the people that power, God, would we be the people that live this out? live this out? live this out? Would we be the reflection Would we be the reflection Would we be the reflection of your beauty? of your beauty? of your beauty? And how we live our lives out as men and And how we live our lives out as men and And how we live our lives out as men and as women. As we live out our lives in as women. As we live out our lives in as women. As we live out our lives in healthy ways within our marriages. God, healthy ways within our marriages. God, healthy ways within our marriages. God, as we live out our our our sexual as we live out our our our sexual as we live out our our our sexual intimacy within our homes with our intimacy within our homes with our intimacy within our homes with our spouses. God, would you bless all of spouses. God, would you bless all of spouses. God, would you bless all of that? And would it be a picture of your that? And would it be a picture of your that? And would it be a picture of your goodness?

goodness? goodness? And would it allow others to see your And would it allow others to see your And would it allow others to see your glory? I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.