Divorce

O. T. #51 "Divorce"

April 18, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 21

LET IT GLOW

There are 6 practical application of genuine Christian character to ture spiritual living that Jesus teaches:

1. Murder/anger
2. Adultery/lust
3. Divorce/commitment
4. Oath-taking/speaking truth
5. Retaliation/forgiveness
6. Hating your enemy/loving your enemy. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

So far, we have learned that anger is a hart matter, if not resolved, leads to murder. We are to be reconciled with our brother before giving our offering to God; adultery stems from lust, so we need to be careful what our eyes see, mind thinks, and we say or do.

The third topic Jesus covers is the matter of divorce. Moses' law allowed divorce whenever a wife is unfaithful, disgracing him. (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) 

The Jewish religious leaders had varying understandings of divorce. some thought you could divorce for any reason but Jesus limited divorce. Marriage vows are to be viewed as sacred and permanent. It is the person seeking the illegitimate divorce who is blamed for the sin-not the woman who remarries. (Tony Evans)

Now Jesus tells us that when a man divorces a wife (except for her unfaithfulness, adultery), causes her to commit adultery, as well as the man who marries her afterwards.

Fornication means indulge unlawful lust (of either); harlotry (include adultery and incest); sex idolatry.

If the divorce is not for sexual immorality, then any remarriage is adultery because God does not acknowledge the divorce. (MacArthur)

LET IT GROW

Divorce is as hurtful and destructive today as in Jesus' day. god intends marriage to be a lifetime commitment (Gen. 2:24) When entering into marriage, people should never consider divorce an option for solving problems or a way out of a relationship that seems dead. Jesus attacks those who purposefully abuse the marriage contract, using divorce to satisfy their lustful desire to marry someone else. (Life Application Study Bible)

Are our actions today helping our marriage grow stronger, or are we tearing it apart?

LET IT GO 

May we have a forgiving spirit, a loving marriage, and honor You in all we do, Jesus.