Is Divorce Sin?

Introduction:

There are many different outlooks, perspectives, & motives behind the teaching of the doctrine of Christ. When it comes to divorce & remarriage – there seems to be a spirit of compromise among us. Many have changed their teachings & beliefs on this matter. Whatever makes us willing to change in one area will make us willing to change others. What is God’s desire for marriage? One man; one woman for life. Divorce is the end result of one/both parties failing to live up to God’s standards of marriage. When a divorce happens – SIN has occurred!

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.

2. Objective: not influenced by emotion or prejudice; impartial. “an objective account.” What does the Bible say?

B. The bible speaks objectively in this matter.

A. Mal. 2:15b-16a; Mt. 5:31-32 – Is divorce approved of or condemned in this passage?

I. God’s design for marriage:

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

B. God alone has authority to free one from this yoke.

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

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

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

A. Paul no where altering Jesus’ teaching in Mt. 19:9. Everything taught here harmonizes with law of Christ! Those who come to 1 Cor. 7 looking for an out in marriage WILL NOT find one here!

B. 7:1-9 – Those who are married have a responsibility.

1. 7:2 – to avoid fornication; 7:3 – each spouse has affection due them.

2. 7:4 – each spouses’ body belongs to the other. 7:5 – each mate has resp to provide for needs of each other.

C. 7:10-11 – do not consider divorcing. What about the parenthesis in 7:10-11?

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

2. Their options? Remain unmarried – or be reconciled.

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

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.

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

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 = lifeelong commitment.DEATH breaks bond – not desertion.

Conclusion:

A. God has spoken plainly on matter of divorce.

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

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



Is Divorce Sin? Introduction: There are many different outlooks, perspectives, & motives behind the teaching of the doctrine of Christ. When it comes to divorce & remarriage – there seems to be a spirit of compromise among us. Many have changed their teachings & beliefs on this matter. Whatever makes us willing to change in one area will make us willing to change others. What is God’s desire for marriage? One man; one woman for life. Divorce is the end result of one/both parties failing to live up to God’s standards of marriage. When a divorce happens – SIN has occurred! 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. 2. Objective: not influenced by emotion or prejudice; impartial. “an objective account.” What does the Bible say? B. The bible speaks objectively in this matter. A. Mal. 2:15b-16a; Mt. 5:31-32 – Is divorce approved of or condemned in this passage? I. God’s design for marriage: A. Mt. 19:6 – permanence of the relationship is stressed here. B. God alone has authority to free one from this yoke. C. 19:9 - Divorce is NOT permissible EXCEPT in case of fornication. 1. Conclusion: Divorce should NEVER come up in a marriage UNLESS adultery has been committed on the part of the guilty spouse. II. More instructions on marriage – 1 Cor. 7. A. Paul no where altering Jesus’ teaching in Mt. 19:9. Everything taught here harmonizes with law of Christ! Those who come to 1 Cor. 7 looking for an out in marriage WILL NOT find one here! B. 7:1-9 – Those who are married have a responsibility. 1. 7:2 – to avoid fornication; 7:3 – each spouse has affection due them. 2. 7:4 – each spouses’ body belongs to the other. 7:5 – each mate has resp to provide for needs of each other. C. 7:10-11 – do not consider divorcing. What about the parenthesis in 7:10-11? 1. Some will disregard God’s law for marriage - & leave anyway. 2. Their options? Remain unmarried – or be reconciled. 3. In case of abuse? No one denies right to defend self. 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. 3. 7:15 – if unbeliever content to stay in marriage – then believer has no right to terminate marriage. 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 = lifeelong commitment.DEATH breaks bond – not desertion. Conclusion: A. God has spoken plainly on matter of divorce. B. Mk. 8:36-37 – nothing in this life as important as your soul. 1. ALL need to consider these principles. Young or old.