2. Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage, Part 2 “Is it OK to divorce for ‘other reasons’ if one does not remarry?”

3. “Other Reasons” for divorce? First, “other” than what? Let’s be sure we’re on the same page before we go further. The question presumes and accepts a “justified cause/reason” for divorce. What it is it? >What did Jesus say? Matt.5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mk.10:2-13 >What did Paul say? 1Cor.7:10-11 So, a mate guilty of adultery/unchastity, may (not must) be put away and another mate taken in marriage. This is the only cause given by Jesus and Paul in these passages.

4. “Other Reasons” for divorce? Consider: >Both said not to divorce- Paul did not even deal with the exceptive clause (“except for adultery”). >Jesus didn’t either in Mark or Luke. >Both do, however, deal with the consequences of post-divorce behavior: (unlawful divorce) -Jesus said, “Makes her commit adultery”. -Paul said, “remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband”. >There is really no essential difference in the two.

5. “Other Reasons” for divorce? But…. NEITHER SAID IT WAS ‘OK’ TO DIVORCE FOR OTHER REASONS AS LONG AS YOU REMAINED UNMARRIED. Please note: >Jesus was asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause at all?” Mt.19:3 >Where in His answer did He say “yes”??? vv.4-9

6. “Other Reasons” for divorce? “But Paul said in 1Cor.7:11 that “if she does leave, let her remain unmarried”! >“Yes” he did- actually the Lord said it through Paul, v.10. >However, that does not imply that it is acceptable to divorce without just cause provided one remains unmarried! >Verse 10 had just prohibited such. >It just means that one so doing should not further complicate their situation with an adulterous marriage to a second partner!

7. “Other Reasons” for divorce? A relatively new justification for divorce is “for the kingdom of God’s sake”. >Apparently the logic is “I had to leave/divorce my spouse ‘for the sake of the kingdom of God’.” >The “proof” texts are Matt.10:34-38; 19:28-29; Luke 14:26; 18:29-30; 1Cor.7:12-15. >And yet, Peter “left all” with divorcing his wife or causing her to commit adultery! Lk.18:28

8. “Other Reasons” for divorce? Divorce for “the sake of the kingdom” ? (continued) >Jesus nor Paul tell Christians to abandon or divorce their mates “for the kingdom”. >They are simply stating that a Christian may lose his family for doing the right thing in the kingdom! >In other words, your mate may leave you because of your commitment to God. >This does not, however, give you the right to leave an unbelieving mate for “the sake of the kingdom” because of 1Cor.7:10-13!

9. “Other Reasons” for divorce? “But what about physical and/or mental abuse, etc.?” >I am attempting to teach what the N.T. requires of mankind regarding divorce and remarriage. >I am not attempting to become anyone’s conscience. Question: >Was/is divorce the only recourse then or now for an abusive relationship?

10. “Other Reasons” for divorce? Where is the N.T. passage which allows divorce for any reason other than the putting away of an adulterous mate? Mal.2:16, “‘I hate divorce,’ says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘and him who covers his garment with wrong,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.’” Still good information! When Jesus said, “except for unchastity,” that precludes any and all other reasons for divorce as being acceptable to Him.