Being the Church – When Can We Divorce?
Pastor Malcolm
Matthew 19:1-12
March 17, 2019
The Pharisee’s Question Behind the Question
- Their question is, can we justify divorce however we like
- Their question is not for information, but set as a trap
Jesus’ First Response – A Biblical Definition of Marriage
- Marriage is God’s
– God it, He gets to it - Marriage is between
and Our sexuality is of divine ordinance and intended for a monogamous relationship
- Marriage is the greatest
human beings know – more than convenience - Marriage is
to be a , life-long union on
The Pharisee’s Appeal to Moses (19:7)
- The reference to the Mosaic Law is from Deuteronomy 24:1-4
- The Pharisees
divorce as a of the will of God in the married state
Jesus’ Second Response – Correction of False Assumptions (19:8-9)
- Jesus corrects the Pharisees false teaching – Moses does not command, he
for divorce is a concession, not a part of God’s provision - The
given is for sexual immorality, marital unfaithfulness - Exception does not mean
, nor does it give - Biblically,
is possible for the offended, but not for the offender
Jesus’ Third Response – Grace for the Single and Married (19:10-12)
- The Disciple’s response recognizes the seriousness weight Jesus gives to marriage
- If you’re single, maximize your singleness to
the gospel - If you’re married, love your spouse in ways that
the gospel
Closing Thoughts
- Take your marriage and vows seriously
- Considering divorce, exhaustively apply the gospel of grace to your marriage
- Divorced for a biblical reason and single, rest in the gospel
- Divorced for an unbiblical reason and single, repent and rely on the gospel
- Divorced for an unbiblical reason and remarried, repent and reflect the gospel