How Was Eve Supposed to Help Adam?

Our church has been enjoying the Gospel Project curriculum.  I have heard so many great comments from all ages!

This week, it was great how time with our college group studying Genesis 2 led to discussions about dating and marriage.

After God created all things by using his words (or the Word), he created one thing with his hands – Man (Gen. 2:7).  He created Adam with his hands and then breathed the breath of life into him.  The major difference between Adam and all other creations was that Adam was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27).

You would imagine that God would say that this creation was “very good” since it looked like God, but actually, he said he was “not good.”

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Gen. 2:18).

Walking face to face with God in the Garden of Eden, God deemed that Adam was alone.  He needed a helper.  But in this utopia, what exactly did Adam need help with?  To determine that, we need to see what did Adam have before he had Eve.

Relationship

Adam had a relationship with God.

Before Adam had a relationship with Eve, he had a relationship with God.  Therefore, the relationship with the first takes precedence over the second.

If you are looking for a life-partner, you need to ensure this person helps you grow closer in your relationship to the Lord.  If you are dating someone right now, you need to ask this question:

Is the person I am interested in more of a helper or a hindrance in my relationship with God?

In a great relationship, the two can serve as accountability by sharpening one another (Prov. 27:17) and encouraging each other to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:25).

Role

Adam had a role given to him from God.

Adam’s job was to take care of the garden God had planted (Gen. 2:15) and to name the animals (Gen. 2:19).  This calling (vocation, purpose, role) was given to him by God.  Therefore, anyone who was to help Adam was to help him in fulfilling God’s calling on his life.

If you are interested in dating or marrying someone, ensure that he or she can help you fulfill God’s calling on your life.

Too often I see people walk away from what God has called them due to a romantic infatuation with another.

I understand you may like someone or love someone, but if God has called you to something, make sure that person helps you fulfill that.

Before you pick your traveling companion for life, make sure you two are heading in the same direction.

Rule

Adam had a rule given to him by God.

God allowed Adam to eat from all types of trees but one (Gen. 2:17).  He gave this command to Adam and Adam was to share it with his bride.

A God-given companion should help you fight temptation and obey God.

A God-given companion should help you follow God’s commandments more than his or her wishes.

Does the person you are interested in help you obey or disobey?  I am not talking about perfection, but is there a desire for holiness and obedience?

Suitable Helper

Genesis 2 is often used in marriage discussions or in Christian community discussions.  I think it works for both.

Whether it is a romantic relationship or a friendship, make sure they help you follow God and not stray from him.

Ensure that you are being that type of person for others as well.