June 18, 2016
What about divorce? How should Christians view it?
The Corinthians had plenty of questions. One was: “Now that I have become a Christian should I divorce my non Christian spouse?”
Today we may ask: “Should a Christian get a divorce at all?”
Last week’s study finished with four Non Biblical reasons for divorce….
Are there any Biblical exceptions?
How does God view divorce? What does He say?
Jesus was asked by about divorce by the Pharisees. Read His reply. Matthew 19:3-9.
In order to find the correct answer what is the first thing Jesus refers to? Matthew 19:4a.
Is this where you go first?
Write down and discuss the four points Jesus makes.
What is God’s goal for marriage?
What does He not want to happen?
Chuck Swindoll says,
If there is one massive blot on the record of human relations since that day (creation) until now it would be the break down of permanence in marriage.
Discuss Chuck Swindoll’s 4 ingredients for marriage.
- Severance
- Permanence
- Unity
- Intimacy
Jesus was asked why Moses allowed divorce. Write down and discuss the four points Jesus made in His reply. Matthew 19:7-9.
Why did Moses allow divorce?
Summarize how God sees marriage and divorce.
What should be the attitude of a Christian whose spouse has been unfaithful? Should he/she automatically seek divorce then?
What is the attitude and mind set we should have toward divorce?
Read and discuss the article below….
Jesus said divorce is not permissible except for unfaithfulness…… The word translated ‘unfaithful’ implies a sexually immoral lifestyle, not a confessed and repentant act of adultery. Those who discover their partner has been unfaithful should first make ever effort to forgive, reconcile, and restore their relationship. We should always look for reasons to restore the relationship rather than for excuses to leave it. *
If marriage was designed, instituted and blessed by God where does anything which attacks and seeks to destroy it (which can lead to divorce) have its roots?
Where does even the thoughts and flow-on desires and actions leading to divorce originate?
Consider the following passages. John 8:44, 1 Corinthians 7:5, Matthew 15:19, James 1:13-17, 1 John 2:15-16, Matthew 19:6, Jude 1:4.
Reread 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 on Paul’s teaching for a Christian who is married to a non Christian. What are the two points he makes?
Discuss the meaning in context of: “….for God has called you to live in peace.’ 1 Corinthians 7:15b.
Conclusion.
Has there been anything which you have learned and found helpful from this study. Share with your group.
* taken from “Life Application Study Bible”