Lesson # 8: Divorce & Remarriage

It is reported that America leads the world in divorce and sending missionaries to the world. Does that sound like a spiritual contradiction? 

The divorce rate in America was under 2% per 1000 population until 1945. In 1960, there were 393,000 divorces. In 1970, there were 708,000 divorces. In 1980, there were 1.2 million divorces. While divorce has doubled since 1970, it has increased by 290% among baby boomers. “Baby boomers are committing themselves in masses to causes, but not intimate relationship.” (Baby Boomers by Carol Keeney)

The number of single-parent households has increased by 100% since 1970. The mother heads 9 out of 10 single-parent households. One (1) out of four (4) will immediately slip into poverty because of the loss of the father’s income. One (1) out of two (2) will remain below the national family poverty line. (U.S. Census for 2000; “Portrait of an American”, Newsweek, Jan. 1983). These are typical statistics of a morally and spiritually declining nation.

“At the time when divorces were granted most frequently among the Romans, marriages were most rare and Augustus was obligated by penal law to force men of fashion into marriage.” (Pulpit Commentary, pg.384)

The historian Hume believed that frequent divorces “blunt the issue of the sacredness of marriage and leads to licentious living.”

Some religious leaders in a similarly declining nation asked Jesus to explain why there was a divorce clause in the Mosaic law of Deut.24:1-4 (Matt.19:3-12). Jesus answered them in two parts. 

Jesus began by explaining the divine institution of marriage to them. (Matt.19:3-6)  Then He added: “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”

They were not satisfied with the discussion on marriage. So they pressed Him on the issue of divorce (Matt.19:7). Jesus explained that Moses permitted divorce because of “hardness of heart.” Then He added: “But from the beginning it has not been this way.”(Matt.19:8) 

His point?

When God instituted marriage, He didn’t institute a clause for divorce (Gen.2:18-25).

Moses permitted divorce because of hardness of hearts towards marriage as a divine institution.

The key to marital longevity is a healthy spiritual relationship with God.

Principle:

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Eph.5:22)

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her. (Eph.5:25)

There are six passages on divorce and remarriage that should be studied before getting married or divorce.

Let me tell you that God can do the IMPOSSIBLE! ”For nothing will be impossible with God.”(Luke 1:37)

Stop here for a moment and pray this prayer: “Father, my marriage is in trouble and my heart has become callous. I feel so embittered and emotionally numb. I want to surrender both my marriage and my heart to you, but I will need YOU to do the impossible. In Jesus name.” 

Now read 1 John 5:14-15 and understand that it is God’s will to restore your marriage. “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” (Matt.19:6)

After reading, Col.3:12-19, what things does Paul tell you to put on, before you put on LOVE?

How much of this can you control? So don’t focus on what you can’t control! 

Malachi viewed divorce as breaking faith with the wedding vows (Col.2:10-16) “I hate divorce, says the Lord of Israel, and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garments, says the Lord Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.” (Col.2:16)

The following five Biblical words are used to explain the dissolution of the Divine Institution of marriage.

 

1. The Greek word (apostasion) refers to certificate of divorce (Matt.5:31; 19:7).

 

2. The Greek word (apoluo) refers to being released from marriage with rights for remarriage (Matt.5:31).

 

3. The Greek word (aphiemi) refers to legal separation with purpose of reconciliation (1 Cor.7:10-11).

 

4. The Greek word (chorizo) refers to unbeliever’s choice to leave giving rights for remarriage (1 Cor.7:15).  When this word is used with Believers, it is not grounds for divorce or remarriage    (1 Cor.7:10-11) [send away].

Therefore, great care should be used when entering or leaving the Divine Institution of marriage. Prior to the apostate Exodus generation, no certificate of divorce was issued. Moses permitted it because of the Exodus generation hardness of their hearts towards the teachings of God resulting in spousal abuse.

The subject of divorce and remarriage is always a big topic in a morally and spiritually declining generation.  It was true of Moses, Jesus and Paul and it is still true today: “Now concerning the things about which you wrote.” (1 Cor.7:1)

Let me encourage you to NOT throw out the baby (marriage) with the dirty bath water (marital problems). The baby is worth the effort of saving. 

If you haven’t yet divorced, there are seven things I would like you to do: (1 Pet.3:1-7)

Here are five things that every Christian should understand about marriage, divorce, and remarriage.

A wonderful Christian lady once told me that a wheel turns in two directions. It can travel forward or backward. It is up to the driver which direction it travels. Let me encourage you to travel FORWARD, in God’s direction for grace healing.

“Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”(Heb.4:16)

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