2. Biblical Examinations Of An Emotional & Controversial Subject
Marriage,
Divorce,
& Remarriage D I V O R C E
Biblical Examinations Of An
Emotional & Controversial Subject

3. REMARRIAGE – An Option For Some
1 Cor 7:12-16
“But to the rest I say, not the Lord…” v. 12a
The “rule” clearly stated again Ù NO divorce vv. 12b-13
When a believer marries an unbeliever, the unbeliever’s “consent” means he/she knows about the believer’s convictions

4. REMARRIAGE – An Option For Some
1 Cor 7:12-16
“But to the rest I say, not the Lord…” v. 12a
The believing spouse cannot later put away the unbelieving spouse solely because there is not a sharing of faith in Christ
This was known when the marriage began…it cannot now be used as a reason for divorce

5. REMARRIAGE – An Option For Some
1 Cor 7:12-16
What if the unbelieving spouse is not content to dwell with the believer? v. 15a
Remember the instructions to the believing spouse vv
Yet, the unbeliever can act on his/her own
They have no moral or spiritual compulsions

6. REMARRIAGE – An Option For Some
1 Cor 7:12-16
What does Paul teach the believing spouse?
“Let him depart” v. 15b
This is not an approval of the divorce, but a realistic acceptance of it cp. 14:38 Rev 22:11
The disciple should try to save the marriage, convince the unbelieving mate not to so act

7. REMARRIAGE – An Option For Some
1 Cor 7:12-16
What does Paul teach the believing spouse?
“Let him depart” v. 15b
This is not an approval of the divorce, but a realistic acceptance of it cp. 14:38 Rev 22:11
Yet, the disciple cannot “save the marriage” at the expense of faith, discipleship to Christ

8. REMARRIAGE – An Option For Some
1 Cor 7:12-16
The believing spouse is “not under bondage” in such a case v. 15b
This is not the same idea as “bond” in vv. 27, 39 and Rom 7:2-3 …it’s not even the same word
The idea is one of servitude, slavery…serving another’s needs [Thayer]

9. REMARRIAGE – An Option For Some
1 Cor 7:12-16
The believing spouse has never been under such a “bondage” whether divorce occurs or not
An argument can be made & substantiated from the Greek…the phrase is in the perfect tense
This denotes past action with ongoing present results
The disciple has never been “enslaved” to a mate to save the marriage cp. Mt 6: :37

10. REMARRIAGE – An Option For Some
1 Cor 7:12-16
God has “called us to peace”
Obviously, not discussing “marital” peace
If so, that would have been sought with the unbeliever who has threatened to leave the marriage
“Peace with God” is never to be subjugated to “peace” in our earthly relationships…no matter what happens Rom 5:1-5