God's Grace in Marriage and Divorce
Summary
In this sermon, the pastor explores the complex and sensitive topic of marriage and divorce, emphasizing the importance of aligning with God's teachings rather than societal norms. He begins by discussing the biblical perspective on marriage and divorce, focusing on the teachings of Paul in Corinthians and Jesus in Matthew. The pastor underscores the significance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and God's grace in dealing with marital challenges. He uses the story of a man jailed over a small debt as a metaphor for the importance of forgiveness in relationships, reminding us that we have been forgiven a debt we could never repay.
The pastor then addresses the casual and flippant attitude towards divorce prevalent in society. He acknowledges that divorce is a sin that needs repentance but emphasizes that it is not the unforgivable sin. He encourages couples to work hard to make their marriages healthy and strong, reminding them of the biblical instructions for husbands to love their wives and for wives to submit to their husbands. He also discusses the importance of staying married, especially in households with unbelievers, as the presence of a believer can provide a special opportunity for them to hear and witness the gospel.
The pastor also delves into Jesus' stance on divorce, explaining that Jesus aligns himself with the conservative position, stating that divorce should only be permitted in cases of sexual immorality. He goes further to say that if someone divorces and remarries, their new marriage is considered adulterous in God's eyes. This teaching challenges us to view marriage as a reflection of God's unconditional love.
Finally, the pastor addresses the impact of divorce on individuals and families within the church. He acknowledges that divorce is a painful experience and suggests that it should be mourned like a death. He encourages the congregation to approach scripture with humility, courage, and gospel hope as they navigate the difficult waters of divorce. He concludes by reading passages from the Bible that provide guidance on marriage and divorce, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and peace.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor uses the story of a man jailed over a small debt as a metaphor for the importance of forgiveness in relationships. We have been forgiven a debt we could never repay, and nothing that others do to us can compare to what Jesus has forgiven us of. This understanding of God's grace gives us the ability to deal with those who disappoint and hurt us. ([23:45])
- The pastor discusses the importance of staying married, especially in households with unbelievers. The presence of a believer in the household sets them apart and provides a special opportunity for them to hear and witness the gospel. This perspective encourages believers to see their marriage as a mission field, where their faithfulness and prayers can lead to the salvation of their entire family and future generations. ([35:12])
- The pastor addresses the issue of divorce in society, focusing on the casual and flippant attitude towards divorce that is prevalent. He encourages couples to do the hard work necessary to make their marriages healthy and strong, reminding them of the biblical instructions for husbands to love their wives and for wives to submit to their husbands. This perspective challenges the congregation to take a firm stance on marriage and protect God's design for it. ([47:30])
- The pastor discusses the context and significance of Jesus' stance on divorce. He explains that Jesus aligns himself with the conservative position, stating that divorce should only be permitted in cases of sexual immorality. He goes further to say that if someone divorces and remarries, their new marriage is considered adulterous in God's eyes. This teaching challenges us to view marriage as a reflection of God's unconditional love. ([59:15])
- The pastor addresses the topic of divorce and its impact on individuals and families within the church. He acknowledges that divorce is a painful experience and suggests that it should be mourned like a death. He encourages the congregation to approach scripture with humility, courage, and gospel hope as they navigate the difficult waters of divorce. This perspective challenges us to view divorce not as an unforgivable sin, but as a painful experience that requires healing, reconciliation, and peace. ([1:12:30])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 38 #!!46:29!!#
2. 1 Corinthians 7 #!!01:17!!#
3. Matthew 9 #!!02:41!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What is the context of the divorce mentioned in Jeremiah 38?
2. How does 1 Corinthians 7 address the issue of divorce?
3. What is Jesus's stance on divorce as mentioned in Matthew 9?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the divorce between God and Israel in Jeremiah 38 relate to the concept of divorce in human relationships?
2. What principles can we draw from 1 Corinthians 7 regarding the sanctity of marriage and the circumstances under which divorce is permissible?
3. How does Jesus's teaching in Matthew 9 inform our understanding of divorce and remarriage?
Application Questions:
1. How can we apply the principles from 1 Corinthians 7 to strengthen our own marriages or relationships?
2. In what ways can we support those in our community who are going through a divorce or have experienced one?
3. How can we uphold the sanctity of marriage in a society where divorce is common?
4. How can we extend grace and forgiveness to ourselves or others who have experienced divorce, in light of God's forgiveness towards Israel in Jeremiah 38?
5. How can we demonstrate love and commitment in our relationships, reflecting Christ's love for the church as mentioned in Matthew 9?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Forgiveness in Marriage
In our relationships, especially in marriage, we often struggle with forgiveness. This struggle often stems from a lack of understanding of the magnitude of God's forgiveness towards us. When we truly grasp the enormity of our debt that God has forgiven, it empowers us to forgive those who have wronged us, no matter the pain or betrayal we've experienced. This understanding can soften the hardest hearts and bring healing to our relationships ([40:42]).
Matthew 18:21-22 - "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you struggled to forgive someone. How does understanding God's forgiveness towards you change your perspective on that situation?
Day 2: The Impact of Hardened Hearts
The root cause of many marital issues is not the fights or frustrations, but the hardened hearts of the individuals involved. It's our hardened hearts that kill the marriage. However, the gospel brings hope to this situation. Jesus has the power to soften the hardest hearts, bringing transformation and healing to our relationships ([41:22]).
Ezekiel 36:26 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: In what ways have you seen hardness of heart affect your relationships? How can you invite Jesus into this situation to soften your heart?
Day 3: The Role of the Church in Marital Struggles
The church plays a crucial role in supporting couples through marital struggles. We need to be better at intergenerational mentoring, offering wisdom and advice to those navigating difficult seasons in their marriage. This kind of support can be a lifeline for couples in crisis ([45:51]).
Titus 2:3-5 - "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children."
Reflection: How can you seek out or offer intergenerational mentoring within your church community?
Day 4: The Unforgivable Sin is Not Divorce
Divorce is not the unforgivable sin. Even if there was sin involved in your divorce, the cross and resurrection of Jesus offer forgiveness for the sins done by us and healing for the ones done to us. The empty tomb is the answer to the empty soul ravaged by divorce ([47:07]).
Micah 7:18-19 - "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."
Reflection: How does understanding God's forgiveness and healing power impact your view of divorce and its aftermath?
Day 5: The Impact of Divorce on Others
Paul encourages spouses in unfulfilling marriages to consider the positive effects of remaining in the marriage on their spouse and children. The decision to divorce has far-reaching effects, especially on children. As we navigate these difficult decisions, we must consider not only our own feelings but also the potential impact on others ([42:09]).
Malachi 2:16 - "The man who hates and divorces his wife," says the LORD, the God of Israel, "does violence to the one he should protect," says the LORD Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful."
Reflection: How can considering the impact of your decisions on others guide you in navigating difficult situations in your marriage?
Quotes
"If you are struggling with unforgiveness in your marriage, unforgiveness in your friendships, in your life, chances are you've probably lost all concept of how much God has forgiven you. You and me are the person who was given 1 billion and then forgiven of that debt that we could have never repaid, and nothing that anyone does to you or does to me could ever come close to what Jesus has forgiven us of." [40:42]
"Paul urges spouses stuck in an unfulfilling marriage to an unbeliever to lift their eyes beyond themselves to the positive effects of remaining in the marriage that they will have on their spouse and kids. Children of Divorce are four times more likely to have social problems, two times more likely to drop out of school, and three times more likely to need psychological help." [42:09]
"Divorce is a sin and we have to admit that and it's a sin that needs to be repented of, but I want you to hear this, it's not the unforgivable sin." [03:26]
"Jesus came down pretty decidedly on the side of the conservative position...if you divorce them and then you get remarried after, he now considers your new marriage as adulteress at least at the beginning because in God's eyes you are still married to that first person." [24:11]
"Divorce should be mourned like a death, that's how serious it is." [06:10] This quote highlights the gravity of divorce and acknowledges the pain it brings to those involved. It encourages empathy and understanding towards those who have experienced divorce.
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