Tough Divorce Malachi 2 15 16 We must

Tough Divorce Malachi 2: 15 -16 • We must work from the same standpoint as Jesus. • Passion for Truth • Compassion for people • We can’t become legalists and work from pronouncements. • Romans 8: 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

The Mind of Christ • • Matthew 23: 4 They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. By speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4: 15

The Purpose of Preaching • • • Not to utter “pretty nothings” There is nothing pretty about divorce. Interact with scripture Challenge to deeper thinking More careful living

God’s Plan Genesis 1 and 2 • • • 26 Let us make man in our image 27 Male and female he created them Man from dust Woman from man’s rib Perfect match Perfect plan

Simplest terms • 2: 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh • Between man and woman • The couple was brought together by God. • Live the relationship God’s way

God’s Plan Genesis 2: 24 -25 • Severance - A man must leave his father and mother • Permanence - Be joined to his wife • Unity - And they shall become one flesh • Intimacy - The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame

What Went Wrong? • SIN • Set in motion an avalanche of destruction • Sin took its toll on: – Permanence – Unity – intimacy

The Church • Christians divorce at about the same rate as non-Christians. • Sad and disturbing fact • Take the lead in building solid marriages

Two sides • Innocence - peace, harmony, joy, open communication, desire to obey God, love, affection, care, security, sacrificial commitment. • Sinfulness –Conflict, strife, hatred, closed communication, selfishness, desire to please me, to blame you if you don’t make me happy, or blame God, demands, anger, competition, low self-esteem.

Jesus Matthew 19 • • • Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason? “ 3 Deuteronomy 24: 1 -4 Indecency Any indecency or an indecency Erwat Dabar

Jesus’ Answer • • Back to Malachi 2: 16 “I Hate Divorce” The original intent - 4 Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. "

Notice His Exact Words • • • They Ask: "Why then, " they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away? “ 7 He Answers: 8 "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives. But it was not this way from the beginning.

The Exception • 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery. “ • Porneia – Immorality • Anything dirty or evil that violates the marriage vows. • It is an utter disregard for the marriage covenant.

The Reaction • • • "If this is the situation between a husband wife, it is better not to marry. " 10 Not everyone can accept this word If single and like it enjoy it. If you marry, take the vows seriously. Commitment adds muscle when romance suffers fallout of fatigue.

Let Jesus Counter our Sinful Nature • He is the answer – seek him! • He is the remedy – Seek him! • When both seek the power of Christ good things happen. • Don’t go through the tough stuff of marriage without him • He won’t storm the citadel of your heart uninvited.

If you have suffered through a brutal divorce • • • You have been abuse and beaten down Your self-image has been darkened You feel lost and betrayed Jesus cares! He knows the stings of rejection This church cares!

Tough Divorce • Work hard to make your marriage work. • Unless it is absolutely essential for your survival, don’t go there.

Lessons to remember • Marriage demands personal commitment • Commitment can be weakened by our sinful nature. • Jesus wants to counter our sinful nature. • Don’t go through the tough stuff of marriage without Him!