August 9, 2014
Following on from last week’s study on ‘Marriage’ this week we look at….
‘Divorce’
When you hear the subject of divorce what thoughts come to mind?
Do they come from personal experience or from someone/family you know closely who has been through a divorce? Share in your group.
Read Matthew 19:2-12.
· When Jesus was asked about divorce what did he immediately refer to?
Where do you find answers?
· Though the Pharisee’s motive was wrong (‘trying to trap Jesus’) and their focus was on divorce what did Jesus do? What was His focus?
Let’s as a reminder from last week’s study look at how Jesus describes what marriage is.
In Matthew 19:4-9 find the main points Jesus makes on God’s intention/ideal for marriage. (There are at least five).
· When marriage ends in divorce highlight which of these points are violated.
How do people these days ‘justify’ divorcing their spouse?
· What point does Jesus make in v.6b?
Discuss in your group the reason(s) for the high divorce rate in Australia today (also among Christians) compared with years ago.
Read 1st Corinthians 7:10-16.
· What does Paul say in v.10-11?
· If a Christian is married to an unbeliever what does he say they should do?
What is the reason(s) he gives? Read also 1st Peter 3:1-2.
· What does Paul mean when he says the Christian husband or wife will ‘…bring holiness into the marriage’?
How could this happen? Give examples.
Do you know of any marriages where this has happened? Share with other members of your group.
Are there any reasons mentioned in the passages above, eg: Matthew 19:2-12 or 1st Corinthians 7:10-16 where God permits divorce?
Are there any other reasons you believe a spouse should not remain married, eg: different forms of abuse (physical, psychological, etc.)?
What does Paul say in 1st Corinthians 7:11?
How do (or would) you feel towards a Christian(s) who attends our church and they divorced for reasons that are not according to God’s Word? What attitude should we have? Should we welcome them into our Fellowship?
If you have issues in your marriage and need help seek out a Christian counsellor or a mature Christian couple who have a godly marriage to draw from.