GODLY HOMES In an ungodly world (5) An ongoing study of the Home as God’s Word teaches.

Divorce and remarriage (3)

In Previous Lessons  Divorce ALWAYS involves sin!  Marriage intended for life  He hates divorce (Mal. 2:13-16)  You cannot divorce for just any reason (Matt. 5:32- 32, etc.

In Previous Lessons A very divisive subject. Primarily because of the emotions involved. The problem is that man doesn’t like what God’s word says about the subject.

In Previous Lessons There are marriages that God doesn’t recognize Matt. 14:3-4, Ezra 9-10, Matt. 5:31-32, 1 Cor. 5:1-2

Who Can Remarry? Scriptural reasons for remarriage Death of a spouse – Rom. 7:3 For the cause of fornication Matt. 19:8-9 –

Who Can Remarry? The “cause of fornication” “Therefore what God has joined together, do not let man separate” Matt. 19:6 THIS IS THE RULE!!!!

Who Can Remarry? The “cause of fornication” In Matt. 19:8-9, Jesus gives a single exception, “and I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another commits adultery.”

Manipulating the Text The Law Only Applies to Believers Reasoned that since baptism washes away sins, previous divorces (i.e. sinful) are repented of and therefore removed when one obeys the Gospel.

Manipulating the Text The Law Only Applies to Believers Answer: “From the beginning it was not so” Matt. 19:8. Such disregards what repentance is

Manipulating the Text It was part of the Old Law Since Jesus lived under Old Law, this passage dealing with the Law of Moses.

Manipulating the Text It was part of the Old Law Answer: Jesus was teaching more than the Old Law. “From the beginning it was not so” Matt. 19:8. “And I say to you” Matt. 19:9 Gospels written FOR Christians What about Romans & 1 Cor.?

Manipulating the Text Distinguished between putting away and divorce Argued that there is a difference between putting away and divorce. Some say Jesus was condemning a wife not divorced, but simply “put away”. ( Cf. Deut. 24:1-4,… )

Manipulating the Text Distinguished between putting away and divorce Answer: Jesus was answering questions about divorcing for ANY reason. Note: Such not permitted under Old Law ( cf. Deut. 22:19, 28 ) What Jesus answered is NOT part of Old Law.

Manipulating the Text “Mental Divorce” Reasoned that when one divorces according to law (for reasons other than fornication) they can wait for their spouse to commit fornication (i.e. adultery) and then divorce them in God’s eyes (mentally put them away).

Manipulating the Text “Mental Divorce” Answer: NOT supported ANYWHERE in scripture! Consider Matt. 5:32, 1 Cor. 7:1-5. The “waiting part” is NOT innocent!

Manipulating the Text If innocent party can remarry then so can the guilty party Reasoned that since the marriage is “sundered” in God’s eyes, both parties are free to remarry.

Manipulating the Text If innocent party can remarry then so can the guilty party Answer: Again note that the texts make NO provisions for guilty party to remarry Consider Matt. 5:32, 19:9 The one acted AGAINST cannot remarry Where in scripture does God approve of sin to escape consequences??????

Manipulating the Text Repent of past divorce(s) Reasoned that while divorce is sin, when you “repent” you are free to remarry or stay in our present (previously unscriptural) marriage.

Manipulating the Text Repent of past divorce(s) Answer: This misunderstands what repentance involves! Consider 2 Cor. 7:10-11

Manipulating the Text Lust is a cause for divorce Matt. 5:27-28 speaks of committing adultery in the heart. Therefore one who views pornography (etc.) can be divorced.

Manipulating the Text Lust is cause for divorce Answer: Pornography IS sinful and requires one to repent! Context of sermon on the mount - Jesus using extreme examples to develop proper motives cf. Matt. 5:21-22, The point: Address motives BEFORE you sin.

Manipulating the Text Lust is cause for divorce Answer: BUT, fornication is a physical act in which the marriage bed is defiled. Pornography does NOT meet that standard! NOTE: Do NOT trivialize the sin of pornography. IT does damage! cf. 2 Tim. 2:22, 1 Pet. 2:11, Job. 31:1

Manipulating the Text What the text says is plain, whether we like it or not! NOTE: Do we firmly believe that such arguments are perversions of scripture? If so, we should STAND UP and defend the truth and AVOID those who teach such errors!

Manipulating the Text What the text says is plain, whether we like it or not! If you know of a brother in sin you go to him – Jas. 5:19-20, Gal. 6:1 This subject is a matter of moral conduct ( 1 Cor. 5:1-7 )

Manipulating the Text What the text says is plain, whether we like it or not! If a congregation will not stand for the truth on this subject (or any other) it is UNSOUND and should be avoided Eph. 5:11, 2 John 9-11

What if… One is in an unscriptural marriage? Understand that God does NOT recognize the marriage! Cf. Matt. 5:31-32, 19:8-9

What if… One is in an unscriptural marriage? You MUST repent. NOT simply saying, “I’m sorry.” It involves making circumstances right! 2 Cor. 7:10-11

What if… One is in an unscriptural marriage? You MUST repent. Why is a sinful marriage any different than any other sin? Example: Unscriptural marriages dissolved Ezra 10:1-4, 44

What if… One is in an unscriptural marriage? “But you are dissolving a loving relationship when previous marriage was a mistake.” Emotional appeal! Subjective! Prov. 14:12, Ac. 26:9

What if… One is in an unscriptural marriage? Such does NOT change what the Bible says! Do NOT risk your salvation on what you THINK God might accept! Also consider the dilemma this put your brethren in endangering their souls.

May we live so that these issues do not become an issue!