The Institutions of God(I) Marriage and the Family I. Introduction. A. An institution--Webster's Unabridged: An institution or being instituted; establishment. 1. Includes organizations with social, educational or religious purposes. 2. There are institutions that come from God, that is, God established. 3. These institutions are divine in nature because God is their author. 4. They are to be respected by all humans as the product of an infinite power. B. From the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God has established institutions and relationships for the betterment of mankind. 1. Man has not always accepted what God started. 2. Man has, on many occasions, tampered with the Lord's work. C. The word institution is not used in the KJ version: however, the word "establish" appears in 20 books of the Bible. 1. Established a covenant with Noah: Genesis 9:9. 2. Established a covenant with Hebrews: Leviticus 26:9. 3. Established a throne: I Kings 9:5. 4. Established a new(second) law: Hebrews 10:9. 5. The result of being established is an "institution." II. Body. A. The first "institution" that God established was marriage(union of man and woman). 1. The beginning: Genesis 2:18, 21-24. 2. Humans are not the "institutors" of this relationship: God established it.(If it were a human invention...) 3. No man has a right to redefine what constitutes marriage. a. Male and female: Takes one of each to have a marriage. b. God did not create a harem for Adam. 4. Lamech did not follow the pattern: Genesis 4:19. a. Lamech's disciples live to this day. b. Jesus pointed out: Matthew 19:4-6a. 5. This institution was established for all of mankind: the will of God was to regulate the human race. 6. Note: Hebrews 13:4. 7. A lifetime relationship: I Corinthians 7:39. 8. God allowed multiple marriages but did not approve such: Matthew 19:8. 9. Old Testament advice: Proverbs 5:18. B. A scriptural structure of marriage is evident in the case of Adam and the teachings of Christ. 1. The husband: man. a. The head: Genesis 3:16. b. So practiced under Moses. c. So taught in the gospel: Ephesians 5:23. d. How practiced: Ephesians 5:28-29. e. Hence: Ephesians 5:31. 2. The wife: woman. a. Subject to husband: Ephesians 5:22-23 b. Bible does not say "wives, love your husbands." (1 Maybe they must learn to tolerate. (2 Does insruct the older to teach the younger to "love their husbands." (2 Does teach: I John 4:7. c. Often the strength that holds the family together. 3. For both: Ephesians 5:33. 4. Discuss: Ananias and Sapphira(Acts 5). a. Conspired: even in error--they agreed. b. The closeness of mates can make one stronger, one weaker, or cause to sin(or do right). c. How important to marry the right person and set an example of strength and courage to a mate. C. Jesus instructions on marriage: Matthew 19:3-9. 1. Intended as a lifetime relationship. 2. Divorce for adultery. 3. Teachings of New Testament conflict with practices of world. D. The family is a result of marriage: Genesis 4:1-2. 1. Paul's instructions: Ephesians 6:1-4. a. Proper treatment of each other is essential to a good home. b. Children(and parents) can be encouraged: Colossians 3:21. 2. The family is the common bond of all of mankind. a. It has survived the centuries and the efforts of Satan to destroy. b. Even in the most despotic of countries; the most idolatrous of countries; the most isolated of countries, the family has continued to exist. 3. The fate of the family decides the fate of society. 4. Strong families make strong Christians. III. Conclusion. A. This lesson was an overview: need to study on your own and learn more about marriage and the family. B. The first institution: may it continue until Christ comes.-jy