God’s Word On Divorce Matthew 19:3-10

God’s Word on Divorce We continue our study on the subject of marriage and divorce in the Bible It’s important that we understand what God says on the matter We know and hear everyday in our society what the world thinks of marriage and divorce

God’s Word on Divorce What we need to do is open our ears to what God’s word says about it It’s not an easy subject to discuss, simply because it affects so many people We must not avoid any biblical subject, no matter how tough it may be

Conflict of Law In the minds of many, divorce doesn’t seem like such a bad thing or a bad option That thought is different than what the Bible teaches Why has there been such a departure from the attitude of the scriptures?

Conflict of Law As is the case with many other things, we have gone the way of the society around us In other words, we allow society to dictate our feelings and thoughts toward things instead of God’s word Ex. decency in radio, television, etc.

Conflict of Law There are two sets of law that at times are in conflict with one another One is the law of the land which we live in That law says that a man and woman can get divorced for any reason (or no reason)

Conflict of Law Then there is God’s law which gives us 2 reasons that God recognizes a divorce or separation: God separates because of death (Rom. 7:1-3; Matt. 22:23-30) God separates because of sexual immorality (Matt. 19:8-9)

Conflict of Law So what do we do? The apostles said “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) The marriage law that we live under is not U.S. law, but rather God’s law How different things would be if people lived by this law!

God’s Word In Malachi A few weeks ago we looked at God’s thoughts and feelings on divorce Malachi 2:11-16 God is a witness to our vows and our joining together with our spouse We are not to deal treacherously with our spouse

God’s Word In Malachi God Himself says “that He hates divorce” (v. 16) If God hates something, we should have the same feelings towards it (Prov. 6:16-19) I try not to spend too much time doing the things that I hate

Jesus’ Thoughts It should be of the utmost importance to us to see what Jesus said on the matter Jesus spoke twice on this issue Matthew 5:31-32 God’s word is pretty cut and dry

Jesus’ Thoughts Again Jesus was questioned about this same thing Jesus answer followed in Matthew 19:4-9 This seemed to be such a difficult command to follow that the disciples thought it better not to marry

Jesus’ Thoughts The command given by Jesus here that originated with God from the beginning is not difficult to understand The problem lies with those who do not wish to follow God’s law Would that not fall under willful sin in Hebrews 10:26?

What about Paul? Paul spoke further on the matter in I Corinthians 7 Vs. 10-11 speaks to the married in general It commands no divorce However, if one leaves, they cannot remarry

What about Paul? Paul even encourages one with an unbelieving spouse to stay (vs. 12-14) v. 15 – “under bondage” means the commands to serve or be subject to one another Allegiance to God should always trump allegiance to our spouse

What about Paul? No where here does Paul give permission to remarry Living as you were called does not mean that we continue living in sin (Rom. 6:1-2) It is more in reference to things done under the old law vs. new