We conclude our sermon series entitled: “The Playlist of Life”. Preaching from Nathan Gordon. Service led by Brian Dickson.

Sermon Notes

About the Song

Originally composed by songwriters Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, and first recorded by Percy Sledge in 1966. When a Man Loves a Woman has been covered times in 1976, 1990 and most recently in 1991 by Michael Bolton. The song reached number one on numerous billboard charts in the USA and peaked within the top 10 in the UK in 1987.

Snippets of the Lyrics

When a man loves a woman
Can’t keep his mind on nothin’ else
He’d trade the world
For the good thing he’s found

If she is bad, he can’t see it
She can do no wrong
And turn his back on his best friend
If he puts her down

When a man loves a woman
Spend his very last dime
And trying to hold on to what he needs
He’d give up all his comforts

And sleep out in the rain
If she said that’s the way, it ought to be
When a man loves a woman

She can bring him such misery
If she is playing him for a fool
He’s the last one to know
Loving eyes can never see
Yes when a man loves a woman
I know exactly how he feels

Bible Link & Application

The lyrics of the song and Bible passage in Genesis chapter 2 speak volumes of an innate desire from humans to find companionship, affection, and love. Percy Sledge and Moses specifically address the coming together of man and woman for marriage and commitment. However today we are going to look at the wider spectrum of the desire for a relationship, whether romantic or platonic and finally, we are going to see a wonderful link between Christ (The Bridegroom) and The Church (The Bride).

“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow—this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” —Elizabeth Gilbert

When a Man loves a Woman what should happen? What preparations need to be in place? Let’s consider the points below from God’s word.

Don’t elevate the man or woman above God. – v7

(Lyrics) When a man loves a woman
Can’t keep his mind on nothin’ else
He’d trade the world
For the good thing he’s found

• There’s nothing wrong with loving your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend, but we must remember our relationship with our creator is paramount.
• Verse 7 speaks of our dependence on God for life.
• Before Adam was blessed with Eve, He had an existing relationship with God.

Remember – We are loved by God unconditionally with or without someone else in our lives. Earthly relationships are a wonderful blessing and mutually beneficial, but we must always remember our ultimate help comes from the creator.

Don’t allow love to make you foolish. V8-20

(Lyrics) She can bring him such misery
If she is playing him for a fool
He’s the last one to know
Loving eyes can never see
Yes when a man loves a woman
I know exactly how he feels

• Yes, there’s even such a thing as unhealthy love in relationships.
• God ensured Adam was well prepared to meet Eve before she was even created.
• Sometimes people can be blinded by love which can lead to broken hearts, broken trust, and emotional trauma.

The blessings and the joys of God-ordained relationships are best enjoyed within the parameters set in God’s word.

Do, enjoy your relationships, and identify the Christ Link! – v22-25 & Ephesians 5:21-33

• Whether romantic or platonic God has created humans to bond and enjoy each other’s company.
• Adam was filled with joy when introduced to Eve. (Bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh)
• At home, please read the Ephesians passage listed above. You will see how Paul links the marriage between a Man and a Woman and the union between Christ and the Church.

God has uniquely made us to flourish in community and relationships. Let’s be thankful for our relationships, marriages, friendships, families, and church.