God’s Design from the Beginning

"God’s Design from the Beginning"

Matthew 19:4 (KJV), “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,”

1. The Authority of Scripture

Key Verse: “Have ye not read” emphasizes the importance of knowing and applying Scripture.

Illustration: Imagine a builder constructing a house without consulting the blueprint; it would result in chaos. Similarly, life without Scripture leads to confusion.

Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night.”

Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

Illustration: A compass guides travelers in the right direction, much like Scripture guides believers.

Supporting Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

2. God as the Creator

Key Verse: “He which made them” highlights God as the intentional and sovereign Creator.

Illustration: A painter carefully designs their artwork with a purpose. God, as the ultimate Artist, designed humanity with precision and care.

Psalm 139:13-14 – “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

John 1:3 – “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

Isaiah 45:18 – “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it.”

Illustration: A potter shapes clay into a masterpiece, reflecting God’s intentionality in creation.

Supporting Scripture: Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

3. Male and Female: Complementary Design

Key Verse: “Male and female” emphasizes the distinct yet complementary roles and purposes in God’s creation. Illustration: A lock and key are distinct but designed to fit perfectly together, showcasing the beauty of their differences and harmony.

1 Corinthians 11:11-12 – “Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”

Ephesians 5:31-33 – “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife.”

Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Illustration: Two halves of a heart come together to form a whole.

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

4. Purpose in Creation

Key Idea: God’s design of male and female reflects His purpose for unity and relationship, both in marriage and community.

Illustration: A symphony orchestra requires different instruments playing together to create harmony.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”

Illustration: A gardener plants each seed with a specific purpose, expecting a fruitful harvest.

Supporting Scripture: Genesis 1:28 – “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it.”

5. The Institution of Marriage

Key Idea: This verse connects to the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage as a union designed by God.

Illustration: A contract between two parties can be broken, but a covenant before God is sacred and binding.

Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled.”

Mark 10:9 – “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Malachi 2:16 – “For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away.”

Illustration: Marriage is like a knot tied by God, intended never to be undone.

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 19:6 – “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

6. The Reflection of God’s Image

Key Idea: Being created male and female reflects the relational nature of God Himself.

Illustration: A mirror reflects the image of its source. Humanity is designed to reflect God’s character and glory.

Colossians 3:10 – “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”

Romans 8:29 – “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost… glorify God in your body.”

Illustration: A mirror reflects the light shining upon it, just as believers reflect God’s character.

Illustration: A compass guides travelers in the right direction, much like Scripture guides believers.

Supporting Scripture: Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

7. Redemption and Restoration

Key Idea: Though sin has marred God’s design, redemption through Christ restores relationships and identity.

Illustration: A broken vase repaired by a master craftsman can become more beautiful than before, showcasing the skill of the repairer.

Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Revelation 21:5 – “Behold, I make all things new.”

Ezekiel 36:26 – “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.”

Illustration: A stained glass window, once shattered, is restored to display even greater beauty.

Supporting Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Closing Challenge:

Encourage the congregation to:

Trust the authority of Scripture.

Embrace God’s design for their identity and relationships.

Seek Christ for redemption and alignment with His purposes.

Illustrative Final Thought:

A lighthouse stands firm to guide ships safely home, just as God’s design and Word guide us safely through life’s storms.

Would you like me to expand on a specific point or provide additional illustrations?