Lesson 25 Marriage Divorce and Remarriage Marriage Divorce

Lesson 25: Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage I. Having a Biblical Understanding of This Subject (MDR) Is of Critical Importance! A. First of all, it is a matter of eternal significance! B. This matter has a national significance! C. This matter has a church significance! D. This matter has a Biblical significance! E. This is not an insignificant subject! We need to know and follow God’s truth on it!

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage II. Studying Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage Must Be Entered with the Proper Attitude! A. Studying and teaching this subject is a very sensitive matter! B. Proper study must include a proper attitude toward marriage itself! C. Proper study must include a proper attitude toward God Himself! D. Proper study must include a proper attitude toward God’s Word! E. Proper study must include a proper attitude toward one another!

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage III. Studying Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage Must Be Entered with the Proper Authority! A. When it comes to the subject of MDR, which standard shall we use? B. Proper Authority Option #1: Fickle Emotions C. Proper Authority Option #2: Family Situations D. Proper Authority Option #3: Fellow Brethren E. Proper Authority Option #4: Flawless Word of God F. When God’s authority is rejected, then anything and everything becomes acceptable.

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage IV. It Is Critical to Understand Marriage in the Eyes of God (the Only View That Matters)! A. God gave the plan for marriage (the only plan that matters)! B. God gave the participants for marriage. C. God gave the priority for marriage. D. God gave the provisos for marriage. E. God gave purpose to marriage. F. God gave permanence to marriage.

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage V. It Is Critical to Understand Divorce in the Eyes of God (the Only View That Matters)! A. Understanding how seriously God views marriage lays the groundwork for how seriously one can expect God to view the matter of divorce. B. Man’s view of divorce is very different from God’s view of divorce. C. The New Testament Greek word for divorce is apoluo. D. Marriage involves a contract/covenant between three parties: man, woman, God. E. God’s plan for marriage (from the beginning) never included or intended divorce at all. F. God’s marriage laws are not bound, loosed or altered by what man approves or legislates.

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage VI. It Is Critical to Understand Remarriage in the Eyes of God (and Key Terms Associated with It). A. Having an understanding of how seriously God views marriage and how severely God views divorce should assist a Bible student in understanding how God views remarriage. B. God’s general rule regarding marriage, divorce and remarriage is vital to understand. C. Besides the death of a spouse (1 Cor. 7: 39; Rom. 7: 2 -3), God allows only one exception to His general rule for marriage, divorce and remarriage (Matt. 19: 9; 5: 31 -32).

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage VI. It Is Critical to Understand Remarriage in the Eyes of God (and Key Terms Associated with It). D. In a study of MDR, it is crucial to understand the term “fornication” as God uses it. E. In a study of MDR, it is crucial to understand the term “adultery” as God uses it. F. In a study of MDR, it is crucial to understand the term “repentance” as God uses it. G. In a study of MDR, it is crucial to understand accept God’s view and God’s laws.

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage VII. It Is Critical to Understand the One Exception in the Eyes of God (the Only View That Matters)! A. In the beginning, God created man, God created woman and God created marriage. B. Consider the parallel passages of Matthew 19: 9 and their unique emphases. C. The Pharisees’ question gives insight into the teaching and practice of that day (19: 3). D. Jesus’ response to the Pharisees was a restoration of the original plan of God (19: 4 -6). E. The Pharisees mistakenly thought they had Jesus cornered and in conflict with Moses (19: 7 -8).

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage VII. It Is Critical to Understand the One Exception in the Eyes of God (the Only View That Matters)! F. Jesus gave one and only one exception to God’s original plan for a lifelong marriage (19: 9). G. Matthew 19: 9 stands as a central text in God’s authority on the subject of MDR.

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage VIII. Many False Doctrines on MDR Have Arisen, Which Must Be Answered from the Bible. A. Various teachings contrary to divine law have been advocated. B. Matthew 19: 9 is not amenable to Christians today. C. Matthew 19: 9 is amenable ONLY to Christians. D. A spouse who commits fornication may be put away and marry again. E. The desertion of an unbelieving spouse allows for remarriage. F. Upon baptism, one may remain in their current marriage, regardless of any past marriages and divorces.

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage IX. Conclusion A. Marriage is a sacred institution created by God. B. Divorce was never a part of the original, eternal will of God. C. Remarriage is severely limited by God. D. Marriage, divorce and remarriage is not some “side issue” that doesn’t really matter. E. God’s marriage laws are admittedly strict and rightfully so! F. Understanding the divine basis for marriage can help us understand God’s strictness. G. Marriage, as designed by God, is a sacred institution and a divine blessing to enjoy! H. Let us respect God’s design for it, study God’s design for it, follow God’s design for it and teach God’s design for it!