Sermon # 6 - What God Has Joined Together Series

We read in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (ESV)

The word of God admonishes us to think on those things that are true, but every day we receive so many mixed messages that confuse us with what is true, and what is not. The one thing that is enduring and steadfast is God’s word, and we can therefore go back to it every time to understand what is true.

We looked at the aspect of family in the last sermon which we will continue to discover more about the same. Since God established the family, we will try to fathom how and why God designed the family. These are days when there is a huge shift on what family is all about. Society is changing, and the one establishment that is most jolted is that of the family. The reason for this is that since God instituted marriage, the devil is all out to destroy this divinely ordained institution. However, if we are aware of the enemy’s schemes, we will be well equipped to handle all his attacks, and safeguard our families from all harm.

The question on divorce

We read in Matthew 19:3, The Pharisees were intent on putting Jesus to the test with difficult questions, so they approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” (TPT)

The question that the Pharisees posed to Jesus was if a husband can divorce his wife for any reason. Isn’t it interesting to note that for those of us who think that divorce is an issue that is prevalent today, we realize that this was a serious issue over two thousand years ago even when Jesus was here on the earth? The problems of marriage and divorce are therefore not new, but have been there in the past from generation to generation. These Pharisees who asked Jesus this question were religious leaders who were well versed with the scriptures, and who also taught others. One can imagine that if there was confusion in the minds of those who taught, how much more confusion would have been in the minds of those who heard them.

We read in Malachi 2:7, “For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and the people should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.” (AFV)

The duty of the priest was to utter words of knowledge so that the people receive the right instruction from his lips. It is therefore of utmost importance that the leaders we go to seek counsel should be godly ones, who have a close relationship with God, and a deep understanding of God’s word. If not, the counsel they give would be worldly counsel, and not one that God approves of.

Seek godly counsel

We live in times where there are many who promulgate that the bible is not practical for our life today. The word of God reminds us that heaven and earth may pass away, but God’s word will never fail or change. Therefore, if we want to be good counsellors, and help others walk in God’s way, it is possible only if we remain in God’s word, and have a close walk with Him every day.

One mistake that many people make when they have conflict in their marriage is to go to their ungodly friends, and seek their advice. These friends will give counsel as they see fit, based on their own experiences, which would often prove detrimental to the marriage relationship. There are also those who will give suggestions which they themselves would not have tried, which would cause greater confusion in the family. Let us be cautious about who we seek counsel from in matters pertaining to our relationship with our spouse or in matters pertaining to our family.

The man of God who is called to preach or teach His word, should be careful to only teach based on the word of God, and should not use any form of fabrication of the truth.

Don’t test the Lord

In Matthew 19:3, the Pharisees got together just to test Jesus. These kind of people always functioned as groups. They were annoyed that the people who were listening to their teaching, were now thronging to hear the words of Jesus. By trapping Jesus they thought they could gain the respect of the people who were flocking after Him.

Sadly, even today there is a group of people who are fault-finders, whose only goal is to find out what is not right with others. As children of God we should avoid such groups, as they would be worthless, and would result in us losing our blessings as well.