1. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject

2. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject

3. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject Lesson 1 – General Introduction  Cultural evidence abounds that Biblical respect for marriage is no longer common  When marriages fail, the “storm” leaves behind a devastating trail of destruction  Spouses wounded often beyond recover  Children left hurting, deprived of a “full-time” parent

4. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject Lesson 1 – General Introduction  Local churches, too, are “drawn into the fray”  Evangelistic efforts are often made more difficult  Within churches are occurrences of divorce and remarriage…both scriptural and unscriptural  Differing ideas among brethren are common  Teaching is sought that will conform to particular situations cp. 2 Tim 4:3-4

5. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject Lesson 1 – General Introduction  Local churches, too, are “drawn into the fray”  Elderships sometimes must sort out “tangled webs” of brethren, their marriages  When trying to apply Biblical principles re: M/D/R they often long for “Solomon’s wisdom”  They do this to help erring brethren, protect the church 1 Cor 6:9-10 Gal 5:19, 21 1 Cor 5:6-7

6. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject Lesson 1 – General Introduction  This subject is extremely sensitive…we’re dealing with life’s most intimate relationship  Hearts have been pledged, opened up  Promises have been made publicly & before God  Expectations have been fairly raised  Our hearts do go out to those who have been deeply wounded by marital unfaithfulness

7. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject Lesson 1 – General Introduction  However, we cannot be guided solely by sentiment and emotion  We still must respect and apply what God says in His word  This topic is really not that hard to know  This topic becomes harder when we create all those difficulties by our sinful conduct

8. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject Lesson 1 – General Introduction  Our approach in these studies…  MARRIAGE Ù Understanding God’s rules for a successful marriage (For both husband & wife)  DIVORCE Ù Accepting God’s view of divorce as well as seeing the Divine exception

9. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject Lesson 1 – General Introduction  Our approach in these studies…  REMARRIAGE Ù An available option for some…not for all Those who do have the right to remarry must still adhere to the Lord’s restrictions

10. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject Lesson 1 – General Introduction  Studying what Bible teaches on M/D/R will not be enough  Sadly, we must also examine the doctrines men have invented cp. Mt 15:6  A necessity because these doctrines result in erroneous conclusions…lead people astray

11. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  The first human started out all alone  God also reveals to us how He felt about that Gen 2:18  When the Bible reveals a discussion about marriage, it points back to what took place “at the beginning” cp. Mt 19:8

12. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject God’s 3 “Divine Institutions” The Gov’t Gen 14 Rom 13:1-2 The Home Gen 2 Matt 19:4,6 The Church Acts 2 Matt 16:18

13. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  The home is God’s first original “Divine Institution”  The home is the training ground for society  It is where we learn our social skills  It is where we learn our civil responsibilities  It is where we learn our spiritual obligations

14. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  Gen 1:26-27 gives the impression man & woman were created simultaneously  Gen 2 obviously provides more detailed information about God’s creative activities re: man on Day 6

15. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  It was “not good” Adam was alone Gen 2:18  Compare to Gen 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31  This does not suggest God erred re: Adam  It simply emphasizes that God recognized Adam was incomplete…in need of a partner  “Meet” or “Suitable” = corresponding to; comparable; a “help of his (Adam’s) likeness”

16. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject MARRIAGE – Love Designed By God  It was “not good” Adam was alone Gen 2:18  God did not “parade the animals” before Adam in the hopes he would find his companion  God knew what He was doing  He wanted Adam to realize, after seeing the animals paired off together, how badly he himself needed a companion and mate

17. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject