Divorce In Biblical Perspective Series

Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to discuss a sensitive yet crucial topic: divorce. Divorce is a reality that affects many lives and families, including those within the church. It is essential to approach this subject with compassion, understanding, and a firm grounding in the Word of God. The Bible provides guidance on marriage, divorce, and the sanctity of the marital covenant.

Let us explore what Scripture says about divorce and how we can apply these teachings in our lives.

Main Scripture: Matthew 19:3-9

Let us begin with Matthew 19:3-9 (NIV):

"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?'

'Haven’t you read,' he replied, 'that at the beginning the Creator "made them male and female," and said, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh"? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.'

'Why then,' they asked, 'did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?'

Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.'"

1. The Sanctity of Marriage

Marriage is a sacred covenant established by God. In Genesis 2:24 (NIV), we read, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." This union is designed to be lifelong, reflecting the enduring relationship between Christ and the Church.

Illustration: The Unbreakable Bond

Consider the bond of super glue. Once two pieces are joined together with super glue, separating them can cause significant damage to both pieces. Similarly, marriage forms a deep, spiritual bond between two people, and breaking this bond can lead to profound emotional and spiritual harm.

Application:

As Christians, we must uphold the sanctity of marriage, recognizing it as a divine institution. We should strive to strengthen our marital relationships through love, commitment, and mutual respect, always seeking God’s guidance and support.

2. Jesus’ Teaching on Divorce

In Matthew 19, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce, highlighting that it was not part of God's original plan. He acknowledges that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of people's hearts, but He emphasizes that divorce should be the exception, not the norm.

Illustration: The Heart's Hardness

Think of a hardened heart like dry, cracked soil. It is difficult for seeds to take root and grow in such soil. Similarly, a hardened heart struggles to nurture the love and commitment required for a healthy marriage. Jesus calls us to cultivate soft, receptive hearts, open to God’s love and guidance.

Application:

We must approach marriage with humility and a willingness to grow and change. When conflicts arise, instead of seeking an easy way out, we should strive to resolve issues through prayer, communication, and counseling, always aiming to preserve the marital bond.

3. Grounds for Divorce

Jesus provides a specific ground for divorce: sexual immorality. This term encompasses adultery and other forms of sexual unfaithfulness. In such cases, the marital covenant is broken, and divorce is permitted but not mandated.

Illustration: The Broken Covenant

Imagine a contract between two parties. If one party breaches the contract, the agreement is no longer valid. Similarly, sexual immorality breaks the marital covenant, giving the innocent party the right to seek a divorce. However, Jesus’ teaching also emphasizes forgiveness and reconciliation whenever possible.

Application:

While the Bible permits divorce in cases of sexual immorality, it also calls us to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Each situation is unique, and couples should seek godly counsel to discern the best course of action, keeping in mind God’s desire for restoration.

4. Divorce and Remarriage

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19:9 indicates that remarriage after divorce, except for sexual immorality, constitutes adultery. This underscores the seriousness of divorce and the importance of adhering to God’s design for marriage.

Illustration: The Sacred Vow

Consider a vow or promise made before God. Breaking this vow is a serious matter, and entering into a new relationship without valid grounds undermines the sacredness of the original commitment. Jesus’ teaching urges us to honor our marital vows and approach remarriage with caution and reverence.

Application:

Those considering remarriage after divorce should carefully examine their situation in light of Scripture and seek wise counsel. It is crucial to approach remarriage with a clear conscience and a commitment to honoring God’s standards.

5. Compassion and Support for the Divorced

While upholding biblical principles, we must also extend compassion and support to those who have experienced divorce. The church should be a place of healing and restoration, offering grace and understanding to those in need.