God’s Will on Divorce
FILING INFORMATION:
2001053
Subject: sermon on the mount; divorce
Preached Originally:
09/16/01 – Rapid City, SD
Introduction:
A.
Must remind ourselves of the context.
1. 5:20 – He contrasted His true religion with their superficial rituals.
2.
He gives 6 statements to illustrate 5:20.
a)
this = 3rd statement.
b)
Killing/adultery studied so far.
c)
Tonight: God’s will on
divorce.
B.
Divorce has become a trivial thing in society. At least on the surface…
1. Some here can testify of its devastating effects.
2.
Hard to go through it involuntarily.
C.
Tonight’s lesson: Simple/straightforward.
1. What was Moses’ teaching?
2.
What were the Pharisees practicing?
3.
What is God’s will on this matter?
I. Moses’ Teaching:
A.
Deut 24:1-4
1. Husband could give wife certificate of divorce.
a) certificate stated fact that she had been his wife & that he had dissolved the marriage.
2. Two schools of thought among Jews: some said divorce allowed for any cause others only in case of adultery.
B.
Moses’ object was to control divorce.
1. men held low view on women & were divorcing them from trivial reasons.
2.
Probably boiled down to lust/passion – of which Jesus has just got
through discussing in 5:27-31.
3.
condition had become grossly unfair to women.
C.
Law of Moses had 3 principles for divorce:
1. it limited divorce to certain causes.
a) Deut 24:1 – only if some uncleanness found.
b)
All frivolous excuses not allowed as just cause.
c)
This law given to control divorce.
2. Note also from 24:1 that husband had to give her a certificate of divorce. B/f this he could just put her out.
3.
He also could not remarry her – 24:3-4.
a) purpose – to emphasize that this was not a trivial matter.
b)
One cannot walk in/out of marriage at will.
c)
One would need to think seriously before divorce.
II. What were the Pharisees Practicing?
A. There were most concerned w/the legal matter – not the spirit of the law.
1. As a result, they sought to avoid & circumvent God’s law.
B. Mt. 19:7 – said that Moses commanded divorce.
1. Law did not command it. Said if one wanted to divorce his mate he could on certain conditions.
2.
Law added – b/c of the hardness of their hearts. 19:8
a) only a temporary expedient growing out of a special state of things & not designed to be perpetual.
C. Even in days of Jesus – hearts of people hard – still hard for that matter.
1. Probably fell back to all kinds of inadequate reasons.
2.
Can you imagine how they interpreted “uncleanness?”
III. God’s will in this matter:
A.
Jesus’ statements on the matter found in 5:32 & 19:4-9
B.
Here = some basic principles we must understand!
1. He stresses the sanctity of marriage.
a) 19:4-5 – all way back to Eden.
b)
God’s view of marriage where two b/c one. This phrase used throughout the bible and used to describe
bond b/t hus/wife.
2.
See also 19:6.
a)
marriage not just a legal contract
b)
not a church ordinance; sacrament.
c)
An act of God – something that cannot be dissolved!
3. God has never anywhere commanded divorce.
a) only … if it were to come … bill of divorcement had to be granted.
b)
Must get away from idea: “He/She has ruined my life; I don’t love
him/her, I must divorce him/her.”
C. We also see one legitimate cause for divorce:
1. Mt. 19:9 – for unfaithfulness on part of one marriage partner.
2.
Note: even here divorce is
not a command – but permission.
D. What is the effect of Jesus’ teaching?
1. under law of Christ – divorce permitted only in case of adultery.
2.
Jesus annulled what Moses allowed.
3.
HE also established the legitimacy of divorce in case of adultery.
Conclusion:
A. If we not faithful to our most sacred bonds and vows – no wonder that other vows are lightly regarded.
B.
Problems in marriage? Do your
best to get them worked out.
1. God’s will is for happy marriages & happy families.
2.
Problems – make an effort to put the pieces back together the best
you can.
C. I N V I T A T I O N