“Love For a Lifetime” Matthew 19:3-9

I. God’s Design (3-5) “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”

I. God’s Design (3-5) God created them male and female. –They were made to complement each other. Woman was to be a helpmeet for man. They were to populate the earth (Genesis 8:17). –They were made to be compatible with each other. Our differences complete each other. Our differences help to mold our character.

I. God’s Design (3-5) Men are to leave fathers and mothers and be united to their wives. –They become one flesh. –They are no longer two, but one. “Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate.” (verse 6)

II. Man’s Distortion (6-9) “Why then did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

II. Man’s Distortion (6-9) Divorce was permitted because of hardened hearts. –Selfish –Stubborn –Unforgiving –Giving up

II. Man’s Distortion (6-9) Divorce is breaking faith with one’s spouse. –“... You have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” –Malachi 2:14

II. Man’s Distortion (6-9) Divorce is breaking faith with one’s spouse. –“When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.” – Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

II. Man’s Distortion (6-9) Divorce is breaking faith with one’s spouse. –“ ‘I hate divorce,’ says the Lord of Israel...” Malachi 2:16

II. Man’s Distortion (6-9) Divorce is breaking faith with one’s spouse. –The marriage covenant is broken –Remarrying another, except for marital unfaithfulness, commits adultery. Marital unfaithfulness is an act of adultery Porneia is the word used here.

Conclusion If you are contemplating marriage: –God expects your marriage to last for life! If you are married and struggling: –God wants you both to work through the problems and stay married. If you have been divorced: –God forgives. He loves you and cares. Let Him work in your life.