The Epic Life - Bob Hallman

Matthew 19:1-15 - Part 2: The Divorce Dilemma - Part 1

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Introduction

I  Review: “The Divorce Dilemma - Part 1”

A summary of Jesus’ teaching (Mt 5:31-32; 19:8-9; Mk 10:10-12; Lk 16:18):

  1. Marriage is, first and foremost, a binding promise made to God and cannot be broken – despite what the culture might say, what the legal system allows or what our desires dictate.
  2. Sexual immorality is the only exception that Jesus allows for divorce! Having said that, the ideal response is to pursue biblical reconciliation leading to ultimate restoration!
  3. If a man divorces his wife (unbiblically) and remarries someone else: a. The man and his new wife are guilty of adultery

    4.           b. The innocent wife and her new husband are guilty of adultery

     

    Two events that permit biblical divorce and remarriage:

    1. Physical death: Romans 7:1-3
    2. Virtual death:
      • The penalty for adultery was death - Lev 20:10; Dt 22:22
      • Grace was evidenced in both the OT and NT:
      • OT: David and Solomon
      • NT: Woman caught in adultery and woman at the well
      • But the fact that the penalty for adultery was sometimes ignored, doesn’t nullify the law or its effects.
      • Consequently, adultery becomes the basis for treating an unfaithful spouse as “if dead”, therefore releasing the innocent spouse to divorce and remarry in the Lord.

        • Why I believe 1 Cor 7 does not allow for Christian divorce and remarriage:

        1. Jesus has already clearly stated there are only two grounds for remarriage:  1) Physical death of a spouse;  2) Virtual death of a spouse by the act of adultery
        2. This passage in 1 Cor 7 is not adding to the teaching of Jesus, but rather addressing a specific application issue facing the church of Corinth:
          • A man and a woman were married as unbelievers
          • One became a believer and the unbeliever [apistos] rejected the newfound faith of the spouse and pursued a divorce

            • In other words, this is not applicable to a couple where both husband and wife are “pistos” or of the faith. 

            1. The believing spouse is no longer “under bondage [doulos] in such cases -- God has called us to peace.”

              2. Note: The passage says nothing about having the privilege to remarry another.  Instead, she is to be at peace.

              1. Paul’s teaching in 1 Cor 7:10-40 begins/ends with:
                • A command: Do not divorce
                • A fact: Only death terminates marriage - 1 Cor 7:39

                  • 1 Cor 7:39  “A wife is bound [Deo = “To bound, knitted or tied”] by law as long as her husband lives, but if her husband dies:

                  • She is free to be married to who she wishes
                  • But she must marry only a believer

                    • (2014)

                    May God bless you through this message! 

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