What God has joined, let no one amputate: Matthew 19:3-9
Dr. Kevin D. Glenn – Lead Pastor

Today, we’re looking to the Scriptures on the devastating nature of divorce. The goal is to take these biblical principles to heart for the good of ourselves, our friends, our families, and for the flourishing of our world.

How should we understand divorce?

1. Divorce is best seen as an

. – Matthew 19:6
• There is no such thing as a “no-fault” divorce. It is the brutal dismemberment of a covenant.

2. Divorce is a drastic measure that should not be

taken. - Matthew 19:3, 7-8
• Every divorce is the result of sin, but not every divorce is sinful.

3. Divorce is sometimes

. – Matthew 19:8
• In some marriages the toxic nature of the covenant’s death make divorce a necessity.
• Adultery
• Abandonment –

Reveal Answer

violation of the marriage covenant through abuse, or through abdication of one’s covenant responsibilities (protect, provide, honor).
• If a spouse commits adultery, or abandons the covenant, the offended party is permitted to seek divorce and free to remarry.
o Regarding a non-Christian spouse. - 1 Corinthians 7:10-15
o Regarding a “professing” spouse whose actions are indicative of spiritual death and have therefore, brought death to the covenant. - Romans 7: 1-4

What then is the good news? How can marriages be saved, divorced singles find hope in future marriage, and unmarried singles be wise in who they choose as a spouse?

Learn from previous experiences. Understand and enter marriage according to the design of its Creator.

Questions to Ponder
• Talk about divorce as an amputation. How does this metaphor (taken from the word “separate”) help clarify the severity of divorce? How does it contrast with the relative ease by which a divorce can be sought in our culture?

• How do you respond to the stats Kevin shared? Here’s the link- http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/marital-status/divorcedseparated/

• Talk about the distinction between the Pharisees’ saying Moses “commanded” divorce and Jesus’ correcting them by saying that Moses “permitted” divorce. Why is this important?

• What is your response to the brief overview of abandonment in the sermon? Had you heard of abandonment (including abuse and abdication of responsibility) as a grounds for divorce?

• For your marriage to become healthy, what needs to start and what needs to stop?