From Genesis 2:24 , Malachi 2:14 and Genesis 2:18, eight key words give a clear definition of what marriage is:

Genesis 2:24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.

Malachi 2:14

Yet you say, ‘Why?’ Because Yahweh has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion, and the wife of your covenant.

Genesis 2:18

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.

I will make a helper suitable for him.”

These key words are:

• · Man

• · Wife ( woman)

•  Leave

• · Cleave

• · One flesh

• · Witness

• · Covenant

• Suitable helper

Using these key words, marriage can be defined as an institution whereby a man and a woman (biologically defined by birth) leave their parents and cleave together for the purpose of becoming one flesh through a covenant witnessed by God and be a suitable helper to one another.

1. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS THEREFORE THE WILL OF GOD THAT                   MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR.

i) Thus , it must be enjoyable.

ii) And fulfill the purpose for which it was created by God.

2. THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED WHEN WE CONDUCT OURSELVES IN    

     MARRIAGE IN A MANNER WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL.

i) Thus living the marriage life God’s way.