GODLY HOMES In an ungodly world (3) An ongoing study of the Home as God’s Word teaches.

Divorce and remarriage (1)

Marriage is for Life Marriage intended “till death do us part.” Gen. 2:24, Matt. 19:4-6 Romans 7:2-3 1 Cor. 7:39 Our study of marriage must respect this!

Divorce in America Marriage today is not given the high respect of times past. Pew Research survey released Nov, 2010 stated that 39% of Americans believe that marriage is becoming obsolete.

Divorce in America Marriage is not given the high respect of times past seen in -  No fault-divorce  Cohabitation – choosing to say, “I don’t”  Some states – no divorce statistics (why?)  “Till death do us part”  Removed from wedding vows

Divorce in America Divorce rate higher than previous decades For every 2 marriages, there is approx. 1 divorce in America (in a given year) IF this trend continues, the divorce rate could reach 50%

Divorce in America The negative effects of divorce:  Higher probability of problems requiring professional help: “Intact” family – 90% of children in “normal range” Divorced family – 74% boys & 66% girls in “normal range”

Divorce in America The negative effects of divorce:  Higher probability of problems: - Parental loss - Economic loss - More stress - Parental adjustments - Parental incompetence - Conflict between parents The effects of divorce on children, 2009, Robert Hughes

Divorce in America The negative effects of divorce:  Higher probability of problems: - Higher probability of divorce - Health problems - Higher crime rates

The Bible & Divorce Where there is divorce, sin is ALWAYS involved! NEVER looked upon favorably (tolerated under Old Law – Matt. 19:8 ) Permitted NOW for one cause – Matt. 19:9, 5:32

The Bible & Divorce Malachi 2:13-16, “For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence.”

The Bible & Divorce Matthew 5:31-32, “…But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”

The Bible & Divorce Matthew 19:8-9, Similar in statement of 5:31-32, but allows provision for remarriage for the one divorcing his wife.

The Bible & Divorce Mark 10:1-12, Account of same occasion as Matt. 19:1-9, but he doesn’t deal with the exception. He does mention that it applies to both husband and wife.

The Bible & Divorce 1 Cor. 7:10-16, “…A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife”

The Bible & Divorce 1 Cor. 7:10-16, Vs The RULE stated. Vs. 11 – “But if she does depart.” NOT permission (but it happens). Cf. 1 John 2:1 concerning sin.

The Bible & Divorce 1 Cor. 7:10-16, Vs. 11 IF she departs – remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband.

The Bible & Divorce 1 Cor. 7:10-16, Vs Deals with spiritually mixed marriages (believer-unbeliever). Vs NOTE that preference is NOT to divorce. Vs. 14 – unbeliever & children “sanctified”

The Bible & Divorce 1 Cor. 7:10-16, Vs IF the unbeliever departs, a brother or sister is “not under bondage”. Not permission to remarry, but not bound to fulfill marriage vows (i.e. not responsible for adultery). NOTE who departs!

Divorce is something we ought to seek to avoid – BEFORE we enter into marriage!