Is Divorce Sin?

Introduction:

There are many different outlooks, perspectives, & motives behind the teaching of the doctrine of Christ. When it comes to divorce & remarriage – there seems to be a spirit of compromise among us.  Many have changed their teachings & beliefs on this matter. Whatever makes us willing to change in one area will make us willing to change others.  What is God’s desire for marriage? One man; one woman for life.  Divorce is the end result of one/both parties failing to live up to God’s standards of marriage. When a divorce happens – SIN has occurred! 

I.  How should we approach this subject?

A.    This is a subject that many feel should be handled subjectively. 

1.     Subjective:  proceeding from or taking place within an individual’s mind rather than the external environment.

2.     Objective:  not influenced by  emotion or prejudice; impartial. “an objective account.”  What does the Bible say?

B.  The bible speaks objectively in this matter.

A.    Mal. 2:15b-16a; Mt. 5:31-32 – Is divorce approved of or condemned in this passage?

I.  God’s design for marriage:

A.  Mt. 19:6 – permanence of the relationship is stressed here.

B.      God alone has authority to free one from this yoke.

C.      19:9 - Divorce is NOT permissible EXCEPT in case of fornication.

1.     Conclusion: Divorce should NEVER come up in a marriage UNLESS adultery has been committed on the part of the guilty spouse. 

II. More instructions on marriage – 1 Cor. 7.

A.      Paul no where altering Jesus’ teaching in Mt. 19:9.  Everything taught here harmonizes with law of Christ! Those who come to 1 Cor. 7 looking for an out in marriage WILL NOT find one here!

B.       7:1-9 – Those who are married have a responsibility.

1.     7:2 – to avoid fornication; 7:3 – each spouse has affection due them.

2.     7:4 – each spouses’ body belongs to the other. 7:5 – each mate has resp to provide for needs of each other.

C.       7:10-11 – do not consider divorcing.  What about the parenthesis in 7:10-11?

1.     Some will disregard God’s law for marriage - & leave anyway. 

2.     Their options? Remain unmarried – or be reconciled.

3.     In case of abuse?  No one denies right to defend self. 

D.       7:12-16 - those in mixed marriages.  (Believers married to nonbelievers)

1.     7:12-13 – no option given to believer to divorce unbelieving mate.

2.     Why?  7:13-14 – believer may bring unbeliever to salvation.

3.     7:15 – if unbeliever content to stay in marriage – then believer has no right to terminate marriage.

E.       Throughout 1 Cor. 7 – there is no hope, no promise, no mention, or no word of remarriage.

1.     7:11 – only mention of remarriage – to remain unmarried.

2.     7:14-16 – who does the leaving?  Not the Christian!

3.     7:39 – marriage = lifeelong commitment.DEATH breaks bond – not desertion.

Conclusion:

A.    God has spoken plainly on matter of divorce.

B.    Mk. 8:36-37 – nothing in this life as important as your soul.

1.     ALL need to consider these principles.  Young or old.