God’s Design for Marriage

Contending for the Word Q&A with Dave Jenkins
Date: February 1, 2026

Show Summary

Question: Why did God create marriage?

Marriage is not a human invention—it is God’s design. In this Contending for the Word Q&A episode, Dave Jenkins begins a month focused on Marriage and the Family by returning to Genesis to explain why God created marriage and what it is meant to display. From companionship and covenant unity to God’s mission in the world, this episode provides biblical clarity and pastoral encouragement for believers in every season of life.

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Key Scriptures

• Genesis 2:18
• Genesis 2:24
• Genesis 1:27–28

Episode Highlights

• Marriage begins with God’s design—before nations, before the church, before the fall.
• Marriage reflects God’s image through unity, complementarity, and shared purpose (Gen. 1:27).
• Marriage provides companionship as a creational good (Gen. 2:18).
• Marriage establishes one-flesh covenant unity marked by permanence and exclusivity (Gen. 2:24).
• Marriage advances God’s purposes in the world—discipleship, worship, mission, and fruitfulness (Gen. 1:28).

Full Article

Today’s Central Truth

God created marriage to display His image, provide companionship, establish loving unity, and advance His purposes in the world.

1) Marriage Reflects God’s Image

Marriage begins with God’s purpose in creation. Genesis 1:27 says that God created man in His own image—male and female He created them. Man and woman together reflect the unity, harmony, and complementarity God built into His world. Marriage displays equality in worth, distinction in roles, unity in purpose, and shared calling. This is not merely cultural—it is creational.

2) Marriage Provides Companionship

Genesis 2:18 teaches that God declared something “not good” before the fall: “It is not good that the man should be alone.” God created a helper fit for him—equal in dignity, different in role, perfectly designed for partnership. Marriage provides shared life, shared burdens, shared joys, and shared mission. Companionship in marriage is a gift from God.

3) Marriage Establishes One-Flesh Covenant Unity

Genesis 2:24 teaches leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh. This speaks of permanence, covenant love, exclusivity, and a deep bond that touches every part of life—physical, emotional, and spiritual. One flesh means no competition, no rivalry, and no separation of life, but a shared covenant under God.

4) Marriage Advances God’s Purposes in the World

Before the fall, God commanded the first couple in Genesis 1:28 to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth.
Marriage is central to God’s plan for raising godly children, stewarding creation, building stable societies,
and advancing His redemptive purposes. Marriage is a platform for discipleship, mission, and worship.

Pastoral Application

• If you’re married: Thank God for this gift. Cherish your spouse. Pursue unity, holiness, and grace.
• If you desire marriage: Trust God’s timing. Grow in Christlike character. Prepare your heart to love well.
• If you’re single: Remember that marriage is not ultimate—Christ is. Your life is full, meaningful, and purposeful in Him.

Marriage is never ultimately about us. It is about God—His glory, His design, and His goodness displayed in a covenant relationship shaped by love, unity, and purpose.

Takeaways & Reflection Questions

1. How does Genesis ground marriage in God’s design rather than cultural expectations?
2. What does “one flesh” covenant unity look like in everyday faithfulness?
3. How can marriage function as a platform for worship, discipleship, and mission?
4. How does remembering Christ as ultimate reshape contentment and hope in every season of life?

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Stand firm on the Word of God. Cling to Christ.