-
The Sayings Of Jesus Part 6 Series
Contributed by Martin Holland on Nov 20, 2013 (message contributor)
Summary: Jesus speaks on a very difficult subject divorce. The subject is difficult not because of God, but the hardness of man's heart.
The Sayings of Jesus Part 6
Matt. 5:31-32
Jesus speaks concerning the law expounds upon it with “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time” “But I say unto you”
He expounds upon the 6th and 7th commandments “Thou shalt not kill” and “Thou shalt not commit adultery” and in doing so He speaks on a very delicate subject “Divorce”. This topic today is viewed from several perspectives.
Key Statistics:
• Today 53% of marriages are ending in divorce and the percentage is higher on second and third marriages.
• The percentage of men and women who had admitted to having an affair in any relationship 57% and 54%.
• 31% of these marriages last after an affair is admitted
With the recent sitcoms on television and other media sources this type of behavior will only rise.
Point: These statistics should have no bearing on how God feel about marriage, but we need to take a look at the full perspective of the scriptures.
See: Matt. 5:31-32 Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement…
I received some literature from a church in west Texas a couple of years ago on marriage and divorce and they taught that the only the woman could not remarry because she would commit adultery.
See: Matt. 19:3-10 put away her for any cause
Statement: It is very important for us to know that God is not in favor of divorce at all
See: Luke 16:18
“Saving for the cause if fornication”
Speculations: Some says the reason for divorce are as follows
• A single act of adultery
• Unfaithful doing the betrothal (Matt. 1:19)
• Marriage to a near kin (Lev. 18:6-18)
• An unrepentant lifestyle of unfaithfulness
Because of the opinions on this subject It is important to approach this passage from the Old Testament and other New Testament teachings on this subject.
See: Deut. 24:1-4 Here it tells us under the law she could marry and he could not take her back again after she has.
Point: We still see a key condition stated “Uncleannness” (This is the same as fornication)
Several Things:
See: Matt. 19:10-12 It is not good to marry was the response by those who heard. Then Jesus response to what was said.
• All cannot live as Eunuchs
See: 1 Cor. 7:1-2, 7-9 It is better to marry than to burn (burn in your lust)
• She leaves him
See: 1 Cor. 7:11 “Let not the husband put away his wife”
Romans 7:2 The woman is bound to the husband as long as he liveth
Also see: Vs.15 if the unbelieving depart… (Notice if the unbeliever leaves he says we are to be at peace)
This for every cause could fits the modern day question “Can I divorce him because he was lost when I married him?”
See: 1 Cor. 7:12-14 These verses answers that question
• Should there be other reasons for divorce i.e. Abuse, Alcohol and drug abuse etc..,
My personal position on marriage and divorce:
John chapters 4&8 The woman who had five husbands and living with a man and adulterous woman. Jesus handles these situations without condemning, but by sharing the Gospel and restoring.