QUESTION: According to the text, what is the second thing necessary for a marriage to be successful?
                      How is that accomplished in marriage?

     It is no use "leaving" unless you are willing to spend a lifetime "cleaving." Becoming "one flesh" suggests a process, not an instant fact. This begins at the marriage altar and is a lifelong pursuit.

     To "cleave" means to "adhere to, to stick, to be attached by some strong tie." The verb     suggests a determined action in its essential meaning. In other words, we hold on because we choose to hold on. There is nothing passive about the act of cleaving. In the New Testament, the Greek form of the word "cleave" means "to stick like glue, to be welded together so the two cannot be separated without serious damage to both."

   Cleaving involves Intimacy. Cleaving to each other gives the picture of commitment that goes beyond just sticking together.

QUESTION: What is intimacy in a marriage?

      It is being that one person the other person can always count on, on being best friends, sharing life on the deepest,  most intimate level.

      Intimacy:  It is the emotional aspect of the love triangle. It includes the closeness  and  sharing in marriage, the giving of our unconditional support to each other. Intimacy develops slowly over the years, you each become the other's  most trusted friend and confidant.

 6. Marriage involves becoming 'one flesh' (vs. 24)

QUESTION: What is 'becoming one flesh'?
                      How is it accomplished in marriage?

      Becoming One Flesh  involves Passion! God originated passion and designed it to be played out between husband and      wife for all of the days of their lives together. He created male and female and put the potential for passion deep within us. He designed us to experience sexually a unique oneness. It is with God's blessing     that we can pursue becoming passionate  lovers.

      Passion: This is the motivational side of love. It is the intense desire to be united physically with the one you love. Unlike intimacy, passion develops quickly. In real life marriages, passion  tends to level off. It does not mean that it is no longer there but that it  may have to be cultivated.

    B.  Six principles which establish a divine pattern. (Gen. 2:18-25)

 1. The choice of a life mate involvse God.
     Though man's will is involved in taking this important step, God's will is even more important.

 2. Marriage means companionship and unity.
     It is a co-operative venture.

READ: Amos 3:3.

QUESTION: What is the answer  in marriage?

      "no." Eve was created as Adam's counterpart, as his complement. Thus it is of supreme importance that there be unity of faith. To marry a nonbeliever is to ask for trouble.  It violates a principle established in Eden.

 3. Marriage as originally planned involved one man and one woman.
     Polygamy was not God's idea for successful marriage. Having more than one wife was introduced because of man's sinful nature, his own self-will, and his tendency to leave God out of his plans. Wherever it was practiced, it created problems that led to unhappiness, jealousy,  and many other difficulties.  A man is to be "one flesh" with one woman.

 4. Marriage involves physical union.
     Since that first marriage in the Garden, God's plan for husband and wife has included  this important relationship (Gen. 1:28; Prov. 5:18–20). In some mysteriously wonderful way, it is that means whereby God says man and  woman "become one flesh" (1 Cor. 6:15–16).

 5. Marriage involves a new social unit.
     To be successfully married, both man and woman must leave father and mother and  establish a new home (Gen. 2:24). In fact, it is the parents' responsibility to help prepare their children for the time when they are to break home ties and establish a new dependency.

 6. Marriage is for keeps.
     Though God says nothing specifically in Genesis 2:18–25 regarding the possibility of  separation (sin had not yet entered the race), the term "shall cleave" strongly implies that this union was lifelong. Jesus clarified this:Matt. 19:6.

        If you are married, take stock of your life periodically and make sure that you are applying these basic principles.
Ask yourself these questions:

•Is there any relationship or pursuit in my life right now that would put distance between me and my mate?

•Will my current activities or friendships build our relationship up or tear it down?

•Are my mate and I "leaving and cleaving" as God intended?

         If you fall short of God's original design for husbands and wives, take steps now to change the direction of your marriage. If you do, your marriage will be blessed.

        What describes your marriage relationship? We want to challenge you to search the scriptures and choose your own verse.  Because of time you can do this on your own  either before you leave or when you get home, but whenever, take the time and do it. Perhaps even commit it to memory.