Divorce on SermonAudio

Many young people enjoy playing basketball in high school and college. But only a few of them are able to play in the NBA. One of those who did was Shaquille O'Neal. He played for six teams during his 19-year career. During that career, he won 4 NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 3 finals MVPs, and 15 All-Star selections. But all of these accolades came with a cost. His dedication to the game required him to be away from home for long periods of time and eventually led to a divorce. In a recent video, Shaq told his son that playing in the NBA would take complete dedication. If he wanted to be successful, nothing else could get in the way. Shaq wanted to know if his son was really willing to do that. Today's message involves a similar choice. When a number of people wanted to see Jesus, He made it clear that following Him was a choice that would affect their lives in notable ways. Were they willing to give up their lives for Him or was this just a temporary fascination?

The sermon argues that true happiness is found in a relationship with God rather than in human relationships, using marriage as a primary example. It examines biblical passages from Ephesians, Deuteronomy, and Matthew to define marriage as a covenant reflecting Christ's love for the church. The preacher addresses the complexities of divorce, acknowledging it as a consequence of sin but sometimes necessary for protection against persistent unfaithfulness or abuse. Emphasis is placed on the purpose of marriage being sacrificial love and unity, rather than merely personal fulfillment. Ultimately, the message calls believers to view their marriages as instruments for glorifying God and finding their deepest joy in Jesus Christ.

The sermon examines Malachi 2:10-16 to expose two critical betrayals within the covenant community: intermarriage with idolaters and the unjust divorce of faithful wives. It argues that these actions profane the Mosaic covenant, violate the bond of companionship established by God, and disrupt the unity of believers. The text emphasizes that worship is rejected when accompanied by treacherous behavior, highlighting God's hatred for divorce as an act of violence against one's spouse. Drawing parallels to the New Covenant, the message urges believers to marry only within the faith and to honor marriage vows as sacred covenants witnessed by God. Ultimately, the preacher calls the congregation to reject individualism, recognize their interconnectedness in the body of Christ, and trust in God's wisdom regarding relationships.

Teaching about what Jesus says about divorce Matthew 19:1-12

The sermon explores the tension between Christian liberty and the responsibility to protect weaker believers from spiritual harm. It emphasizes that freedom in Christ is not a license for selfishness but a call to govern actions by love and the Lordship of Jesus. The preacher warns against allowing personal rights to become stumbling blocks that cause others to fall into sin or apostasy. By examining the context of 1 Corinthians, the message highlights that influence through example often carries more weight than verbal instruction. Ultimately, true spiritual maturity is demonstrated by willingly limiting one's freedom to preserve the faith and well-being of others.

A bride purchases her gown and puts it on for just one day. After, she will change into regular clothes, and her white wedding dress is put away. In the new covenant, the way we see a bride for just one day is the way God sees us every day of our lives in Christ. This is a covenant sealed and consummated forever by the blood of the Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. He has given us a garment of salvation, a robe that is white with the righteousness of Christ. And He is working in us the love and affection suitable for such a bride to such a husband. This covenant will not end in divorce, for it is made effectual by God Himself. So long as we both shall live, He will be our God and we will be His people.

In this exposition of 1 Peter 3:1-6, we learn how wives should respond to disobedient husbands. We discuss the meek and quiet spirit, authority, and the valuable role women have in making the home a happy place of joy and refreshment.