God's View on Divorce

Introduction:
Back in 5:20 Jesus contrasted His true religion with the superficial religion and rituals of the Pharisees of His day. From there He would give 6 statements to illustrate how the people’s righteousness would need to exceed that of the Pharisees. Tonight’s subject is the 3rd statement. Divorce has become a trivial thing in society. But its effects can be devastating. What was Moses’ teaching? What were the Pharisees practicing? What is God’s will in this matter? These three questions will be answered in this evening’s lesson.

I. Moses’ teaching on this matter.
    A. Deut 24:1-4—divorce was permissible.
        1. Some allowed divorce for any reason—others only in case of ______________.
        2. Moses wanted to ___________ divorce.
    B. Three principles for divorce in OT times:
        1. Divorce was limited to certain _____________. See Deut. 24:1
            a) uncleanness, etc. Not just any excuse would work.
        2. A __________________ of divorce was needed.
        3. 24:3-4—after a divorce—couple could not be _____________.
            a) emphasized that this is/was not a trivial matter.
            b) one would need to think seriously before divorce.

II. What were the Pharisees practicing?
    A. More concerned with the ________ matter—not the spirit of the law.
        1, Mt. 19:7—said that Moses _____________ divorce.
            a) no command—divorce only if certain conditions met.
        2. Mt. 19:8—law added because of the ___________________ of their hearts.
    B. Reasons for divorce probably fell back to inadequate _________.
        1. Wonder how they interpreted “_________________”

III. God’s will on this matter:
    A. Consider Jesus’ statements in 5:32 & 19:4-9.
    B. Let’s look at some basic principles:
        1. Jesus stresses the ___________ of marriage. 19:4-6
            a) all the way back to creation.
            b) 19:6—marriage not just a legal contract.
            c) not a church ordinance or sacrament….but an
            d) act of God!
        2. God has never anywhere ______________ divorce.
        3. There is only one legitimate ____________ for ___________.
            a) 19:9—for _____________ on part of one marriage partner.
            b) divorce here is not a ____________; but rather _________________.
    C. What is the effect of His teaching?
        1. Divorce is permitted only in case of adultery.
        2. Jesus _____________ what Moses ___________.

Conclusion:
A. Problems in your marriage? Do your best to get them worked out!
B. God’s will is for happy marriages & happy families. Problems? Do your best to put the pieces back together.



God's View on Divorce Introduction: Back in 5:20 Jesus contrasted His true religion with the superficial religion and rituals of the Pharisees of His day. From there He would give 6 statements to illustrate how the people’s righteousness would need to exceed that of the Pharisees. Tonight’s subject is the 3rd statement. Divorce has become a trivial thing in society. But its effects can be devastating. What was Moses’ teaching? What were the Pharisees practicing? What is God’s will in this matter? These three questions will be answered in this evening’s lesson. I. Moses’ teaching on this matter. A. Deut 24:1-4—divorce was permissible. 1. Some allowed divorce for any reason—others only in case of ______________. 2. Moses wanted to ___________ divorce. B. Three principles for divorce in OT times: 1. Divorce was limited to certain _____________. See Deut. 24:1 a) uncleanness, etc. Not just any excuse would work. 2. A __________________ of divorce was needed. 3. 24:3-4—after a divorce—couple could not be _____________. a) emphasized that this is/was not a trivial matter. b) one would need to think seriously before divorce. II. What were the Pharisees practicing? A. More concerned with the ________ matter—not the spirit of the law. 1, Mt. 19:7—said that Moses _____________ divorce. a) no command—divorce only if certain conditions met. 2. Mt. 19:8—law added because of the ___________________ of their hearts. B. Reasons for divorce probably fell back to inadequate _________. 1. Wonder how they interpreted “_________________” III. God’s will on this matter: A. Consider Jesus’ statements in 5:32 & 19:4-9. B. Let’s look at some basic principles: 1. Jesus stresses the ___________ of marriage. 19:4-6 a) all the way back to creation. b) 19:6—marriage not just a legal contract. c) not a church ordinance or sacrament….but an d) act of God! 2. God has never anywhere ______________ divorce. 3. There is only one legitimate ____________ for ___________. a) 19:9—for _____________ on part of one marriage partner. b) divorce here is not a ____________; but rather _________________. C. What is the effect of His teaching? 1. Divorce is permitted only in case of adultery. 2. Jesus _____________ what Moses ___________. Conclusion: A. Problems in your marriage? Do your best to get them worked out! B. God’s will is for happy marriages & happy families. Problems? Do your best to put the pieces back together.