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. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
This chapter of Paul’s 1st letter to Corinth begins the apostle’s answers to questions previously submitted by the Christians 7:1a
When including this chapter in the M/D/R discussion, it is good to remember the verse that may well be its theme Ù v. 26

4. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
Paul addresses “the married” v. 10a
This is in contrast to his earlier teaching in v. 8
He said he was “…giving instructions, not I but the Lord”
It was not his opinion, but was as always the Lord’s commandment cp. 4:17 7: :37

5. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
Paul’s instructions Ù do not divorce v. 10b
Most of v. 11 is “parenthetical” and can be viewed somewhat as an “exception” to the basic rule
It harmonizes with what Jesus taught Mt 19
The “structure” of this passage is comparable to what is found in 1 Jn 2:1-2

6. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
Given Paul’s words in v. 12… “But to the rest…” [addressing believers married to unbelievers], we conclude vv is addressed to believers married to other believers
Whether the marriage is with believers or infidels, the rule re: divorce does not change

7. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
“Depart” or “Leave” doesn’t refer to simply leaving the house or separating
It means “To separate, divide, part, put asunder; to sever or disunite; to divorce” cp. Mt 19:6
If this happens, it results in someone being “unmarried” v. 11

8. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
We also know what type of divorce Paul is discussing
This passage does not address all divorce situations
The context demands it must be discussing an unlawful (unscriptural) divorce

9. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
This passage does not apply to spouses who divorce their mates for the cause of fornication
Jesus gives the innocent spouse permission to divorce and remarry another Mt 19:9
Such a one does not have to “remain unmarried” or “be reconciled”

10. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
This text refutes the “Mental Divorce” doctrine

11. Illustrating “Mental Divorce”
BOUND
Rom 7:2
Married
Jill
Jack
Divorce
(Unlawful)
Susan

12. Illustrating “Mental Divorce”
Jack
Jill
Susan
Fornicates

13. Illustrating “Mental Divorce”
Married
Bound
Ted
Adultery
Married
Jill
Jack
Susan
Put Jack away
Divorce
Adultery

14. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
This text refutes the “Mental Divorce” doctrine
When an unscriptural divorce has taken place, Paul refers to such a one as “unmarried”
The Mental Divorce doctrine is technically referred to as the “Post-Civil Divorce Biblical Putting Away”
An attempt to distinguish between what ungodly civil courts allow and what God forbids

15. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
This text refutes the “Mental Divorce” doctrine
Advocates claim ungodly courts cannot undo what only God can cp. Acts 4: :29
The problem is that the Scripture knows nothing about a 2nd putting away, even after an unscriptural divorce
Therefore, it is “mental” Ù only in the mind…the courts will not grant another legal divorce

16. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
This text refutes the “Mental Divorce” doctrine
Notice what Paul does not advocate
He does not teach a “post-civil divorce” after the original spouse either remarries or fornicates
He teaches for one to remain unmarried so that the marriage can be rightfully reconciled…remember, the original divorce was unlawful

17. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
This text also does not give “2 viable options”
Some claim this passage teaches it is okay to divorce as long as one does not remarry
Paul mandates what Jesus mandates Ù NO divorce
Remember…divorce negates God’s original marriage law and creates undesirable conditions Mt 19: Mal 2:16 Mt 5:32b

18. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
This text also does not give “2 viable options”
Paul is teaching what must be done if divorce is sought anyway
A sinful situation has already happened (Divorce)
The only remedy is reconciliation
This would require remaining unmarried so that one would be in a position to be reconciled

19. DIVORCE – A Testament To Failure
1 Cor 7:10-11
This text also does not give “2 viable options”
Such a “marital mess” must not be further complicated by a subsequent unlawful marriage
What if the original spouse previously divorced has no interest in reconciling?
Celibacy is the only option available to the one unlawfully put away cp. Mt 19:12