Is Divorce Sin?

2004012

Topic: # 2219

Introduction:

A. Many different outlooks, perspectives, & motives behind the teaching of the doctrine of Christ.

1. These things affect the purity of the church

2. When it comes to divorce & remarriage – there seems to be a spirit of compromise among us.

a) Many have changed their teachings & beliefs on this matter.

b) There’s a word of warning we need to heed: whatever makes us willing to change in one area will make us willing to change others.

c) Paul’s warning – 2 Tim. 4:3

3. We must hold fast to the pattern of sound words – 2 Tim. 1:13

B. What is God’s desire for marriage?

1. One man; one woman for life. Permanence is associated with marriage.

2. Expressed by Jesus’ teaching – Mt. 19:6b

3. and by the teaching in 1 Cor. 7:10-11

C. Divorce creating problems with families inside the church.

1. Distressing & heartbreaking.

2. Divorce is the end result of one/both parties failing to live up to God’s standards of marriage.

a) It happens when one/both fail to consider commitment made b/f God & witnesses.

3. Divorce happens when one/both fail to consider the condition of their soul.

4. When a divorce happens – SIN has occurred! It is not the status symbol society has made it out to be.

I. How should we approach this subject?

A. This is a subject that many feel should be handled subjectively.

1. Subjective: proceeding from or taking place within an individual’s mind rather than the external environment.

a) This is the line of thinking that goes from feelings.

b) Feels right? Seems right? OK.

2. Objective: not influenced by emotion or prejudice; impartial. “an objective account.”

a) What does the Bible say?

b) We are recipients of the message & must listen to Him.

3. Aware of the fact that personal or family circumstances can move us from the objective to the subjective.

B. The bible speaks objectively in this matter.

D. Mal. 2:15b-16a

1. Mt. 5:31-32 – Is divorce approved of or condemned in this passage?

2. What about in Mt. 19:6-7?

a) Once causes his mate to sin by putting them in a position where they could commit adultery.

I. God’s design for marriage:

A. Mt. 19:4-6.

1. 19:5 - Fundamental law – spouses to cleave to one another. (“To glue” or “stick together.”)

2. 19:6 – permanence of the relationship is stressed here.

1. w/God – marriage is not trivial. Commitment all in that! Till death do you part.

B. 19:6 – God joins man/woman together in marriage. Hebrew expression: “yoke together” Therefore:

1. one restrained from sexual relations w/another person besides his spouse – Rom. 7:2-3

C. Since God joins 2 people together – God alone has authority to free one from this yoke.

1. Marriage MORE than an agreement between man & woman – it involves 3 – man/woman/God.

D. 19:9 - Divorce is NOT permissible EXCEPT in case of fornication.

1. Read leaving out the EXCEPTION clause.

2. Conclusion: if a man divorces wife b/c of fornication – he does not commit adultery if he chooses to marry another person.

3. Conclusion: The ONLY acceptable MOTIVE for divorce is fornication on the part of the GUILTY spouse.

4. Conclusion: Divorce should NEVER come up in a marriage UNLESS adultery has been committed on the part of the guilty spouse.

E. This is the WORD OF THE LORD in this matter. What right have we to argue w/God? What right have we to take this in any other way than in an objective manner?

II. More instructions on marriage – 1 Cor. 7.

A. In 1 Cor. 6 – Paul deals with sexual expression outside the marriage relationship.

1. Some in Paul’s day believed it OK to engage in fornication w/temple prostitutes – to satisfy natural desires. Behavior condemned.

2. Chapt. 7 deals with flip side.

a) Is celibacy to be preferred? Celibacy while married?

b) Is separation an option?

c) Should Christian separate from unbelieving mate?

3. Important: Remember 1 Cor. Paul dealing w/specific questions the Corinthians had raised.

4. Paul no where altering Jesus’ teaching in Mt. 19:9. Everything taught here harmonizes with law of Christ!

5. Those who come to 1 Cor. 7 looking for an out in marriage WILL NOT find one here!

B. 7:1-9 – celibacy is not “holy” in & of itself.

1. Those who are married have a responsibility.

a) 7:2 – to avoid fornication

b) 7:3 – each spouse has affection due them.

c) 7:4 – each spouses’ body belongs to the other. Can’t take from them what is legally & morally theirs.

d) 7:5 – each mate has resp to provide for needs of each other.

1) Failure? Guilty of sin of depraving & defrauding the other.

C. 7:10-16 – spirit’s instructions to the married.

1. 7:10-11 – do not consider divorcing – this is a lifelong relationship. READ THESE TWO VERSES W/O the PARENTHESIS. This is God’s desire for marriage.

a) 7:10 - the wife should not leave her husband.

b) 7:11 – the husband should not divorce his wife.

c) Remember husband/wife bound for life. Rom. 7:2-3

Marriage is not a TRIAL run.

2. Rather – it is a permanent institution in eyes of God & to those who honor God.

3. What about the parenthesis in 7:10-11?

a) Some will disregard God’s law for marriage - & leave anyway.

b) What are their options?

1) Remain unmarried – or be reconciled.

2) Such persons would need to REPENT of the sin of divorce & seek to be reconciled.

c) Consider 1 John 2:1 – this passage does not give permission or allow sin.

1) But if it happens – John states what should take place.

4. What about separation? 1 Cor. 7:5 – only passage in Bible dealing w/separation. 1 reason given – fasting/prayer. Separate for any other reason? SIN!

a) Even w/this – there are conditions!

1) “with consent” (Both must agree)

2) “for a time” (not an indefinite time period)

3) “come together again” (not to be permanent)

b) In case of abuse? No one denies right to defend self.

c) Remove oneself from the danger BUT

d) Always look for opportunity to reconcile.

e) ABUSE IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO PURSUE A DIVORCE!

D. 7:12-16 - those in mixed marriages. (Believers married to nonbelievers)

1. 7:12-13 – no option given to believer to divorce unbelieving mate.

2. Why? 7:13-14 – believer may bring unbeliever to salvation.

1) Stay together? Family relationship continues.

2) One man; one woman; father & mother w/children. God’s designed family.

3. 7:15 – if unbeliever content to stay in marriage – then believer has no right to terminate marriage.

1) What about “not under bondage?” Does this give an out for divorce & remarriage?

2) By definition: phrase means “is not a slave.”

3) Nothing in this context indicates phrase “not under bondage” refers to remarriage.

a) Usage of “bondage” here is different Greek phrase than in 7:39 & Rom. 7:2.

4) Unless context defines the expression – we have no right to devise our own definition.

4. Not under the bondage of:

1) the “duty” of 1 Cor. 7:3-4

2) Christian not called to subject self to abuse in order to stay w/a nonbeliever.

3) Believer NOT a slave & doesn’t have to accept demands of one leaving.

E. Throughout 1 Cor. 7 – there is no hope, no promise, no mention, or no word of remarriage.

1. 7:11 – only mention of remarriage – to remain unmarried.

2. 7:14-16 – who does the leaving? Not the Christian!

3. 7:39 – marriage is a lifelong commitment – DEATH breaks bond – not desertion.

Conclusion:

A. It is a fact that bible teaching on this matter has been neglected for last few generations.

1. God has spoken plainly on matter of divorce.

B. Mk. 8:36-37 – nothing in this life as important as your soul.

1. Yet many fool self daily – not willing to work at making marriages better.

2. When problems come in marriage – must fully commit self to working out problem in godly fashion.

C. Somewhere wife has husband cheating on her.

D. Somewhere children subjected to constant fighting of parents – wonder when it will all end – so can have happy family again.

E. Somewhere two people more willing to commit adultery rather than work out problem in marriage.

1. Ought not be so. Don’t have to.

F. Make commitment that you will serve God w/all heart & learn to be His kind of person.

G. Not a FP lesson. Meant for mature in Christ.

1. But ALL need to consider these principles. Young or old.

2. How is your relationship w/God?

H. Get it started today! I N V I T A T I O N



Is Divorce Sin? 2004012 Topic: # 2219 Introduction: A. Many different outlooks, perspectives, & motives behind the teaching of the doctrine of Christ. 1. These things affect the purity of the church 2. When it comes to divorce & remarriage – there seems to be a spirit of compromise among us. a) Many have changed their teachings & beliefs on this matter. b) There’s a word of warning we need to heed: whatever makes us willing to change in one area will make us willing to change others. c) Paul’s warning – 2 Tim. 4:3 3. We must hold fast to the pattern of sound words – 2 Tim. 1:13 B. What is God’s desire for marriage? 1. One man; one woman for life. Permanence is associated with marriage. 2. Expressed by Jesus’ teaching – Mt. 19:6b 3. and by the teaching in 1 Cor. 7:10-11 C. Divorce creating problems with families inside the church. 1. Distressing & heartbreaking. 2. Divorce is the end result of one/both parties failing to live up to God’s standards of marriage. a) It happens when one/both fail to consider commitment made b/f God & witnesses. 3. Divorce happens when one/both fail to consider the condition of their soul. 4. When a divorce happens – SIN has occurred! It is not the status symbol society has made it out to be. I. How should we approach this subject? A. This is a subject that many feel should be handled subjectively. 1. Subjective: proceeding from or taking place within an individual’s mind rather than the external environment. a) This is the line of thinking that goes from feelings. b) Feels right? Seems right? OK. 2. Objective: not influenced by emotion or prejudice; impartial. “an objective account.” a) What does the Bible say? b) We are recipients of the message & must listen to Him. 3. Aware of the fact that personal or family circumstances can move us from the objective to the subjective. B. The bible speaks objectively in this matter. D. Mal. 2:15b-16a 1. Mt. 5:31-32 – Is divorce approved of or condemned in this passage? 2. What about in Mt. 19:6-7? a) Once causes his mate to sin by putting them in a position where they could commit adultery. I. God’s design for marriage: A. Mt. 19:4-6. 1. 19:5 - Fundamental law – spouses to cleave to one another. (“To glue” or “stick together.”) 2. 19:6 – permanence of the relationship is stressed here. 1. w/God – marriage is not trivial. Commitment all in that! Till death do you part. B. 19:6 – God joins man/woman together in marriage. Hebrew expression: “yoke together” Therefore: 1. one restrained from sexual relations w/another person besides his spouse – Rom. 7:2-3 C. Since God joins 2 people together – God alone has authority to free one from this yoke. 1. Marriage MORE than an agreement between man & woman – it involves 3 – man/woman/God. D. 19:9 - Divorce is NOT permissible EXCEPT in case of fornication. 1. Read leaving out the EXCEPTION clause. 2. Conclusion: if a man divorces wife b/c of fornication – he does not commit adultery if he chooses to marry another person. 3. Conclusion: The ONLY acceptable MOTIVE for divorce is fornication on the part of the GUILTY spouse. 4. Conclusion: Divorce should NEVER come up in a marriage UNLESS adultery has been committed on the part of the guilty spouse. E. This is the WORD OF THE LORD in this matter. What right have we to argue w/God? What right have we to take this in any other way than in an objective manner? II. More instructions on marriage – 1 Cor. 7. A. In 1 Cor. 6 – Paul deals with sexual expression outside the marriage relationship. 1. Some in Paul’s day believed it OK to engage in fornication w/temple prostitutes – to satisfy natural desires. Behavior condemned. 2. Chapt. 7 deals with flip side. a) Is celibacy to be preferred? Celibacy while married? b) Is separation an option? c) Should Christian separate from unbelieving mate? 3. Important: Remember 1 Cor. Paul dealing w/specific questions the Corinthians had raised. 4. Paul no where altering Jesus’ teaching in Mt. 19:9. Everything taught here harmonizes with law of Christ! 5. Those who come to 1 Cor. 7 looking for an out in marriage WILL NOT find one here! B. 7:1-9 – celibacy is not “holy” in & of itself. 1. Those who are married have a responsibility. a) 7:2 – to avoid fornication b) 7:3 – each spouse has affection due them. c) 7:4 – each spouses’ body belongs to the other. Can’t take from them what is legally & morally theirs. d) 7:5 – each mate has resp to provide for needs of each other. 1) Failure? Guilty of sin of depraving & defrauding the other. C. 7:10-16 – spirit’s instructions to the married. 1. 7:10-11 – do not consider divorcing – this is a lifelong relationship. READ THESE TWO VERSES W/O the PARENTHESIS. This is God’s desire for marriage. a) 7:10 - the wife should not leave her husband. b) 7:11 – the husband should not divorce his wife. c) Remember husband/wife bound for life. Rom. 7:2-3 Marriage is not a TRIAL run. 2. Rather – it is a permanent institution in eyes of God & to those who honor God. 3. What about the parenthesis in 7:10-11? a) Some will disregard God’s law for marriage - & leave anyway. b) What are their options? 1) Remain unmarried – or be reconciled. 2) Such persons would need to REPENT of the sin of divorce & seek to be reconciled. c) Consider 1 John 2:1 – this passage does not give permission or allow sin. 1) But if it happens – John states what should take place. 4. What about separation? 1 Cor. 7:5 – only passage in Bible dealing w/separation. 1 reason given – fasting/prayer. Separate for any other reason? SIN! a) Even w/this – there are conditions! 1) “with consent” (Both must agree) 2) “for a time” (not an indefinite time period) 3) “come together again” (not to be permanent) b) In case of abuse? No one denies right to defend self. c) Remove oneself from the danger BUT d) Always look for opportunity to reconcile. e) ABUSE IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO PURSUE A DIVORCE! D. 7:12-16 - those in mixed marriages. (Believers married to nonbelievers) 1. 7:12-13 – no option given to believer to divorce unbelieving mate. 2. Why? 7:13-14 – believer may bring unbeliever to salvation. 1) Stay together? Family relationship continues. 2) One man; one woman; father & mother w/children. God’s designed family. 3. 7:15 – if unbeliever content to stay in marriage – then believer has no right to terminate marriage. 1) What about “not under bondage?” Does this give an out for divorce & remarriage? 2) By definition: phrase means “is not a slave.” 3) Nothing in this context indicates phrase “not under bondage” refers to remarriage. a) Usage of “bondage” here is different Greek phrase than in 7:39 & Rom. 7:2. 4) Unless context defines the expression – we have no right to devise our own definition. 4. Not under the bondage of: 1) the “duty” of 1 Cor. 7:3-4 2) Christian not called to subject self to abuse in order to stay w/a nonbeliever. 3) Believer NOT a slave & doesn’t have to accept demands of one leaving. E. Throughout 1 Cor. 7 – there is no hope, no promise, no mention, or no word of remarriage. 1. 7:11 – only mention of remarriage – to remain unmarried. 2. 7:14-16 – who does the leaving? Not the Christian! 3. 7:39 – marriage is a lifelong commitment – DEATH breaks bond – not desertion. Conclusion: A. It is a fact that bible teaching on this matter has been neglected for last few generations. 1. God has spoken plainly on matter of divorce. B. Mk. 8:36-37 – nothing in this life as important as your soul. 1. Yet many fool self daily – not willing to work at making marriages better. 2. When problems come in marriage – must fully commit self to working out problem in godly fashion. C. Somewhere wife has husband cheating on her. D. Somewhere children subjected to constant fighting of parents – wonder when it will all end – so can have happy family again. E. Somewhere two people more willing to commit adultery rather than work out problem in marriage. 1. Ought not be so. Don’t have to. F. Make commitment that you will serve God w/all heart & learn to be His kind of person. G. Not a FP lesson. Meant for mature in Christ. 1. But ALL need to consider these principles. Young or old. 2. How is your relationship w/God? H. Get it started today! I N V I T A T I O N