Genesis Part 011
In verse 1 it tells us that Adam “knew” Eve and she becomes pregnant. This word “to know” is used often in the Bible (946 times) and means “to know, to understand, to perceive . . .”
It’s a pretty straightforward word, it’s also used when talking about one’s wife to mean “to have sexual intercourse” (See other examples in the same chapter 4:17, 4:25).
The Bible clearly shows that by God’s amazing design, the relationship between a husband and wife was designed to teach us about the greater relationship that God desires to have with each of us. It defines a committed, covenant relationship. One where we are close, connected, vulnerable, open, transparent, and bonded together. There is no greater “knowing” someone then that which is experienced in marriage. Sharing everything together, a connection, an openness and closeness, this includes the physical, emotional and spiritual elements of the physical act. God created sex and by God’s design, it is to be experienced only between a husband and wife. The act of oneness drives them even closer together, as it is exclusive in the relationship and to be shared with no one else.
Marriage vows typically include a statement such as “forsaking all others,” intended to ensure commitment to the exclusivity of the relationship. This forsaking would biblically include all images or even thoughts of others. Jesus said early in His first recorded sermon that the seventh commandment extended to the eyes,
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell" (Matthew 5:27-30).
This is pretty serious direction from our Lord. He wants us to fully enjoy what He intended in marriage and to avoid any perversion of the blessing and pleasure He intends.
Proverbs weighs in on the subject as well in Proverbs 6:27-35. The passage indicates that sex outside of marriage has natural negative consequences that ruin the individual’s life and the lives of others. There are multiple references to ‘becoming one flesh’ as a married couple, yet the principle also applies to adultery. If one engages physically or mentally in acts with someone that is not their marriage partner, they also ‘know’ them.
I Corinthians 6:16 says,
“Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘The two will become one flesh'" (New International Version).
The laws are in place by God and we cannot break the laws, but we can break ourselves against the laws. They are timeless principles that are not dissimilar to gravity. They exist whether we know them or acknowledge them or not.
Galatians 6:7-9 shares the concept of these principles;
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
The laws of God are timeless and always in motion and effect. We are blessed to be aware of them so that we can obey and experience the marvelous outcomes intended by our loving Creator.
Tomorrow we will dive into the story of Cain and Abel.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
