Lesson 1

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• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• The kingdom of God is a spiritual domain Jn
  1836 Rom 1417
• Yet, it exists in a physical realm, and its
  citizens are engaged in physical relationships
  Jn 1715 1 Cor 510
• Marriage is one such relationship Mt 2230

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• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• Citizens of heavens kingdom must operate at a
  higher level than unbelievers in these physical
  relationships 1 Cor 51 1 Tim 58
• Early on we must dispel the false notion A
  marriage/divorce in Gods sight A
  marriage/divorce in mans sight

5

• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• Statements made to argue marriages and/or
  divorces are not really marriages and/or divorces
• The Scripture never uses this terminology
• Even unscriptural marriages/divorces were still
  called marriage and/or divorce

6

• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• The attitudes brought to this relationship by
  both the man woman is critically important
• Does their level of respect match how God views
  their relationship? cp. Heb 134
• Our society, as a whole, no longer shares the
  Divine view of marriage

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• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• The notions of virginity and staying together,
  committed to marriage for life are mocked and
  held in contempt rather than honor
• As with all sin, weve lost our sense of shame
  Ezra 96 Jer 615 812 1 Tim 29

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• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• We can only conclude a huge shift has occurred
  re the paradigm of marriage
• The Divine origin of marriagethe family
• The Biblical definition of a family
• The determination to regulate marriage to what is
  found in the Bible

9

• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• Cultural evidence abounds that Biblical respect
  for marriage is no longer common
• When marriages fail, the storm leaves behind a
  devastating trail of destruction
• Spouses wounded often beyond recover
• Children left hurting, deprived of a full-time
  parent

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• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• Local churches, too, are drawn into the fray
• Evangelistic efforts are often made more
  difficult
• Within churches are occurrences of divorce and
  remarriageboth scriptural and unscriptural
• Differing ideas among brethren are common
• Teaching is sought that will conform to
  particular situations cp. 2 Tim 43-4

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• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• Local churches, too, are drawn into the fray
• Elderships sometimes must sort out tangled webs
  of brethren, their marriages
• When trying to apply Biblical principles re
  M/D/R they often long for Solomons wisdom
• They do this to help erring brethren, protect the
  church 1 Cor 69-10 Gal 519, 21 1 Cor
  56-7

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• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• This subject is extremely sensitivewere dealing
  with lifes most intimate relationship
• Hearts have been pledged, opened up
• Promises have been made publicly before God
• Expectations have been fairly raised
• Our hearts do go out to those who have been
  deeply wounded by marital unfaithfulness

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• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• However, we cannot be guided solely by sentiment
  and emotion
• We still must respect and apply what God says in
  His word
• This topic is really not that hard to know
• This topic becomes harder when we create all
  those difficulties by our sinful conduct

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• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• Our approach in these studies
• MARRIAGE Ù Understanding Gods rules for a
  successful marriage (For both husband wife)
• DIVORCE Ù Accepting Gods view of divorce
  as well as seeing the Divine exception

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• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• Our approach in these studies
• REMARRIAGE Ù An available option for
  somenot for all Those who do have the
  right to remarry must still adhere to
  the Lords restrictions

16

• Lesson 1 General Introduction
• Studying what Bible teaches on M/D/R will not be
  enough
• Sadly, we must also examine the doctrines men
  have invented cp. Mt 156
• A necessity because these doctrines result in
  erroneous conclusionslead people astray

17

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The first human started out all alone
• God also reveals to us how He felt about that Gen
  218
• When the Bible reveals a discussion about
  marriage, it points back to what took place at
  the beginning cp. Mt 198

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Gods 3 Divine Institutions
19

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The home is Gods first original Divine
  Institution
• The home is the training ground for society
• It is where we learn our social skills
• It is where we learn our civil responsibilities
• It is where we learn our spiritual obligations

20

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• Gen 126-27 gives the impression man woman were
  created simultaneously
• Gen 2 obviously provides more detailed
  information about Gods creative activities re
  man on Day 6

21

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• It was not good Adam was alone Gen 218
• Compare to Gen 14, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31
• This does not suggest God erred re Adam
• It simply emphasizes that God recognized Adam was
  incompletein need of a partner
• Meet or Suitable corresponding to
  comparable a help of his (Adams) likeness

22

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• It was not good Adam was alone Gen 218
• God did not parade the animals before Adam in
  the hopes he would find his companion
• God knew what He was doing
• He wanted Adam to realize, after seeing the
  animals paired off together, how badly he himself
  needed a companion and mate

23

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• God let Adam fully experience his loneliness
• Even though Gods wisdom was evident within each
  animal before Adam (Rom 118-21), Adams
  companion was not before him
• This realization should help modern man be more
  appreciative of the suitable helper God has
  provided cp. Heb 134 1 Pet 37

24

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• God put Adam to sleep before creating Eve
• God solved Adams problem of loneliness without
  any assistance or interference from man
• If given the chance, what kind of help would
  Adam have requested?
• Mans help was made according to Divine wisdom
  and not according to what man thought, wanted

25

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The significance of the first woman is seen in
  the timing of her appearance
• She appeared only after everything was ready
• A home Gen 28-10
• Provision for her maintenance Gen 215
• A husband who needed her, would appreciate her
  worth Gen 219-20

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• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• Adams reaction to his helper Gen 223
• He recognized her uniquenessnot like anything he
  had already seen v. 19
• She was indeed suitable or comparable
• She was bones of his bones and flesh of his
  fleshan acknowledgement of their likeness and a
  required loyalty cp. Gen 2914 Judg 92

27

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• Moses states a universal law for all marriages of
  all time to be successful Gen 224a
• Adam had no parents to leave
• For this cause Ù the Divine purpose for
  male-female companionshipthe necessity of it
• So strong is this relationship that it supersedes
  any ties between parents and children

28

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• Moses states a universal law for all marriages of
  all time to be successful Gen 224a
• There must be a leaving
• A termination or subjugation of an existing
  loyalty.
• This leaving must be physically, emotionally,
  and economically.

29

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• Moses states a universal law for all marriages of
  all time to be successful Gen 224a
• There must be a leaving
• In many cases, the problem doesnt seem to be
  daughters who havent left their fathers
• The problem in many early marriages is that a
  son has not left his mother

30

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• Moses states a universal law for all marriages of
  all time to be successful Gen 224a
• There must also be a cleaving
• To be glued, cemented, or fastened firmly
  together. This is now the primary relationship.
• Other Biblical references where this is quoted
  Mt 195 Mk 107-8 1 Cor 616 Eph 531

31

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• Man Woman become one flesh Gen 224b
• This signifies the closeness at which they are to
  operate, exist, function in their relationship
• It certainly includes their sexual intimacy
• It would also include their oneness in terms of
  their goals and joint-purposes for all decisions
  re their family cp. Jn 1030 1711, 21-22

32

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The physical one flesh Gen 225
• There must be present between a husband and his
  wife a close, physical intimacy
• Our bodies are not our own
• They belong to our spouses to fulfill legitimate
  sexual appetites 1 Cor 72b-4
• There is no shame in marriage nakedness

33

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The Biblical definition of marriage Gen 2
• This text must be seen as the primary defining
  passage on marriage in all the Scripture
• It is where the family has its beginning
• It is the reference Jesus used in discussing the
  topicalluding to at the beginning Mt 194
  and from the beginning Mt 198

34

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The Biblical definition of marriage Gen 2
• This is important because efforts have long been
  underway succeeding in re-defining marriage
• Current social and political events point to this
• It is seen in government acceptance when taxes
  are paid or a census is taken Ù co-habitation
• God has other views about this Heb 134

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• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The Biblical definition of marriage Gen 2
• This re-definition is even more evident from
  the homosexual movement
• Through their powerful political lobbying
  efforts, they have already succeeded in gaining
  discrimination and hate speech legislation to
  establish protection

36

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The Biblical definition of marriage Gen 2
• This re-definition is even more evident from
  the homosexual movement
• Now, they are seeking (and succeeding) in states
  recognizing same sex marriages to legitimize
  their behavior and for them to gain access to
  monetary benefits reserved for traditional
  families

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• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The Biblical definition of marriage Gen 2
• This re-definition is even more evident from
  the homosexual movement
• God has other views about this Gen 1820
  Jude 5-7 1 Cor 69-10 Rom 124-28
• The Biblical family must be respected and
  defended

38

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship God takes very seriously
• We must be impressed with how serious God views
  marriage
• If we want our marriages to be successful and
  ones that God approves, our view of marriage must
  equal His and be as serious as His

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From Mal 214 Mt 196b, 8b we learn God is a
witness to the oath we take when we marry
another and to the covenant we enter into.
40
From Mal 214 Mt 196b, 8b we learn God is a
witness to the oath we take when we marry
another and to the covenant we enter into. we
learn that from the beginning God expects man
to marry a woman, and that He authorizes no man
to put asunder what He alone joins.
41
Despite Gods clearly understood views, man
regularly shows his ignorance and disrespect for
the Bibles clear teaching on marriage. From the
strange category
42
News From 11/13/07

• Indian man marries female dog in traditional
  Hindu ceremony
• He stoned 2 dogs to death hung their bodies
  from a tree 15 yrs. ago
• Hindu astrologers convinced him this was the only
  way to rid himself of his curse

43
Despite Gods clearly understood views, man
regularly shows his ignorance and disrespect for
the Bibles clear teaching on marriage From the
strange category From the common everyday
department
44
Marriage Divorce statistics suggest man does
not view marriage as seriously as does God
45

• Nationally
• Of those who are married, 42 of women and 46 of
  men have been married more than 1 time
• On average, 1st marriages ending in divorce last
  about 8 years
• Median time between divorce and a 2nd marriage is
  about 3½ years

Source U.S. Census Bureau
46

• Nationally
• In recent years, there has been a slight decline
  nationally in the number of divorces
• Marriage counselors herald this as an improvement
• What it does is mask the growing number of people
  co-habiting

Source U.S. Census Bureau
47
The Barna Research Group conducts primary
research, produces media resources pertaining to
spiritual development, and facilitates the
healthy spiritual growth of leaders, children,
families and Christian ministries. Located in
Ventura, California, Barna has been conducting
and analyzing primary research to understand
cultural trends related to values, beliefs,
attitudes, and behaviors since 1984.
Source Barna Research Group www.barna.org
48

• Nationally
• Co-habitation is becoming increasingly more
  popular
• An increasing trend even among born again
  Christians
• During their single years, 1 out of every 3
  adults (33) has lived with someone of the
  opposite sex

Source Barna Research Group www.barna.org
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• Nationally
• Co-habitation is much more common among men than
  women
• Men - 39 Women - 28
• A persons faith leanings are related to
  co-habitation statistics
• Born again Christian 25
• Atheists 51

Source Barna Research Group www.barna.org
50

• Nationally
• People are entering marriage later in
  lifeanother indicator of the co-habitation
  factor
• Born again Christians are just as likely to get
  a divorce as are non-born again adults
• Born again Christians 33
• Non-born again adults 34

Source Barna Research Group www.barna.org
51

• Nationally
• Geography also is a factor in the divorce rate
• The Northeast has the lowest rate
• Northeast 28
• Midwest 32
• South 35
• West 38

Source Barna Research Group www.barna.org
52

• Locally
• Marriage Divorce numbers are also not
  impressive in Athens and Limestone County
• Through October, 2007 (10 mths.)
• 522 marriage licenses applied for (Source
  Limestone Co. Probate Judge)
• Over 600 divorces filed for (Source
  Limestone Co. Circuit Court Clerk)

53
What this reminds us of is that, on a wholesale
level, man no longer agrees with Gods serious
view about the marriage relationship He
instituted long ago.
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• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship for which we should prepare
• How much preparation for a marriage license?
• We require more training for secular careers than
  for lifes most important human relationship
• Proper preparation for marriage on the part of
  both parents and children is necessary for
  successful marriages

55

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship for which we should prepare
• Parents are concerned whom their children will
  eventually marry cp. Gen 241-4
• Abraham arranged the marriage for Isaac
• His did not want a daughter-in-law from among the
  Canaanite peoplehe desired a wife for Isaac from
  among his own people, relatives

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• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship for which we should prepare
• It is not recorded what Abrahams concerns were
• Our first thoughts would most likely be idolatry
• However, there may have been other cultural
  indicators that made the patriarch worry about
  his sons future marriage

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• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship for which we should prepare
• Even though parents today cannot arrange their
  childrens marriage, principles from Abrahams
  actions certainly can be applied
• It is not sinful, wrong for our children to marry
  unbelieversCanaanites around them 1 Cor
  712-13 1 Pet 31-2, 5

58

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship for which we should prepare
• However, marrying unbelievers is dangerous
• Becoming one with such a spouse is quite often
  a recipe for disaster Mt 196a
• Yet, the answer is not simply Marry a Christian
• Some who have obeyed the gospel also would not
  make good marriage partners for our children

59

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship for which we should prepare
• Parents should help their children look for and
  date those with honest and good hearts ones
  who will help them do right and share their goals
  Lk 815
• This preparation is not only spiritualparents
  also have physical concerns Song of Sol 88-9

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Parapet
61

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship for which we should prepare
• The teaching of Song of Sol 88-9
• Some girls are a wall Ù they can say NO
• With such a daughter, parents build upon her a
  battlement or parapet (reinforcements)
• Made of silver Ù indicates her preciousness
  that must be guarded, defended

62

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship for which we should prepare
• The teaching of Song of Sol 88-9
• Some girls are a door Ù they cant say NO
• With such a daughter, parents barricade her
  with walls until she can learn to protect herself
  and guard her reputation
• These concerns are equal re our sons

63

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship for which we should prepare
• Parents should begin early teaching their
  children these important principles that will
  help prepare them for when they eventually marry
• What helped the Shulammite learn to say NO was
  her mothers instruction Song of Sol 82

64

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The importance of dating courtship
• Because parents do not arrange their childrens
  marriages, dating is a necessary topic to teach
• The only real love our children know during their
  growing up years is parental love
• Then, hormones eventually kick inmembers of
  the opposite one day are no longer gross

65

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The importance of dating courtship
• Dating is the final challenge parents face before
  their children leave home
• The real purpose of dating must be taught
• Today, many young people are encouraged to date
  for popularity, premarital sex, fun
• Dating is for finding a compatible, suitable
  mate

66

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The importance of dating courtship
• The Song Of Solomon speaks to this necessity
• The theme is stated 3 times 27 35 84
• Do not arouse nor awaken love until it
  pleases. NASV
• The Shulammite warns Solomons harem that she
  should not be rushed into marrying the king

67

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The importance of dating courtship
• The only way to allow love to be aroused (grow)
  is during the dating/courtship process
• Dating provides the time and opportunities to
  really get to know someones suitability
• Of course, one cant learn everythingbut,
  generally speaking, one can learn enough

68

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• The Biblically stated purposes for marriage
• The relationship by which the human race is
  propagated Gen 128
• The solution to mans problem of loneliness and
  lack of companionship Gen 218
• The legitimate place for man to satisfy the
  God-given sexual appetite 1 Cor 72-5 Heb 134

69

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• For a marriage to be successful, marital partners
  must behave in ways that harmonize with Gods
  regulations
• Remember Ù marriage is a relationship built upon
  promises made to God and to another
• Marital conduct will be judged 2 Cor 510

70

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• One of the most used marriage texts Eph 5
• Pauls subject matter Christ and the church,
  not marriage v. 32
• Marriage offers the example to illustrate the
  importance and beauty of this relationship
  vv. 22-33

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• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Husbands must love their wives Eph 525a
• Love agape (sacrificial love shown for the
  best interest of another) Jn 316 Rom
  58
• Wives must love their husbands Titus 24
• Love phileo (emotional affection or good
  will shown to another) Mt
  1037 Jn 1136

72

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• The different types of love commanded for
  husbands wives bears evidence of their
  individual strengths brought to the relationship
• Men Ù task driven love shown in sacrificial
  deeds done for the wifes benefit
• Women Ù relationship driven love shown in
  emotional support for the husband

73

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• The husbands example Christ Eph 525
• He loves his wife as Christ loved the church
• A love shown by giving of himself for her benefit
• Such a love will prevent him from becoming
  embittered against his wife Col 319
• He will know his wifes worth Prov 1822
  Gen 218
• This will also help her show submission

74

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• How did Christ obtain a bride that is such a
  blessing to Him? Eph 526-27
• By totally sacrificing for her
• What if a husband wants this kind of wife today?
• He wont get lucky and fine onehe will have to
  sacrifice for her just as his Jesus did for His

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• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• This giving up of himself for his wife doesnt
  just mean he is willing to die for her
• There are several ways a husband can give up
  himself for his wife besides physically dying
• He will deny himself so that his wife can have
  what she needs wants

76

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Husbands need to love their wives to the degree
  they love themselves Eph 528-30
• Pauls teaching harmonizes with what happened at
  the beginning Eph 531 Gen 224
• Since a husband wife are one fleshhe will
  love his wife as he loves his own body

77

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Husbands must also live with their wives in an
  understanding way 1 Pet 37
• Many men exclaim I cant understand my wife!!
• This passages refutes that notion
• Husbands must know their wives needs wants
  how she thinksher strengths weaknesses
• This will enable him to lead herlove her

78

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Just because the husband is portrayed as the
  stronger vessel does not mean he is superior
• He must remember his wife is also his fellow
  heir of the grace of life 1 Pet 37
• There is no distinction in Christ Gal 328
• A failure to recognize this hinders his prayers

79

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Interesting observationwives are not taught to
  understand their husbands
• We believe this implies women possess a greater
  intuitive strength in understanding a spouse
• This emphasizes her contribution to the marital
  relationshipa wise husband recognizes this

80

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Wives must submit to their husbands Eph 522
• Because it is as unto the Lord
• Because it is fitting in the Lord Col 318
• Her husband is her headjust as Christ is Head of
  the church Eph 523
• As the church is subject, so is the wife Eph
  524

81

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• The wifes example is the church Eph 524
• The church is subject to Christ in everything
  so should the wife be to her husband
• This is not a statement of her inferiority
• It is a Divine declaration re her role as mans
  suitable helper

82

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Some believe, teach the womans submission is
  attributable to Eves actions Gen 316
• If woman was made submissive to her husband
  because of the first sin, what does that imply
  before Adam Eve committed sin?
• They would have been marital equals or peers

83

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Husband Wife enjoying equal roles prior to sin
  is not the teaching of the Scripture
• Submission is based upon creation, not sin 1
  Tim 212-15 1 Cor 113, 8-10
• God was reminding the woman of her place when He
  spoke what is recorded in Gen 316

84

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Obviously, this is not politically correct
• Were concerned with eternal truth, not politics
• Mans authority over woman is God-given
• Womans authority is usurped 1 Tim 212

85

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• The love required between husband wife is
  defined in 1 Cor 131-8a
• Actions toward another without love are
  meaningless vv. 1-3
• Marital love is always thoughtful toward the
  other vv. 4-6

86

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• The love required between husband wife is
  defined in 1 Cor 131-8a
• Marital love bears up under injusticebelieves
  the best in the otherhopes for the bestendures
  when the best doesnt happen v. 7
• Marital love never quits v. 8

87

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• N.T. Christians are fully aware of the importance
  of civil authority its role in daily living
  Mt 2215-22 1 Pet 217 Rom 131-6
• There may exist a difference between Divine
  authority human authority on an issue
• In such cases, Gods will rules Acts 419
  529

88

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• This is equally true re the marriage
  relationship
• Even though marriage is a Divinely regulated
  relationship, human civil regulations are
  involved
• Cultural requirements dictating when how one is
  married must also be considered
• Requirements that must be respected Rom 132, 5

89

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Throughout the centuries, different customs have
  been observed that constitute when 2 people are
  considered married
• Isaac and Rebekah Gen 2467
• Jumping the broom
• Modern-day civil customs social ceremonies

90

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• When these customs are observed, the man
  woman are considered married
• This union may or may not have Divine approval...
  however, it is a marriage Mt 199 Mk
  1011-12
• The reverse argument re divorce is equally true

91

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• A relationship regulated by God
• Important point to remember, realize
• Just because a civil law doesnt agree with
  Divine law doesnt mean the human
  actions regulated and approved by that
  civil law didnt really happen and arent real
• An important point for our next discussion

92

• MARRIAGE Love Designed By God
• One final questionWho May Marry?
• Those who have never been married before Gen
  218 1 Cor 78-9, 25-28, 36
• Those whose mates have died Rom 72-3 1 Cor
  78-9, 39
• Those whose mates were unfaithful and were put
  away (divorced) Mt 199

93

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Man has habitually set aside the commands of God
  for the sake of his traditions Mt 156
• Marriage is also affected by this mindset
• Marital conduct is outlined in the word of God
• Yet, husbands wives show discontent with this
  standardbehave in ways of their own choosing
• Divorce often is the end result

94

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• It is a declaration of marital failure
• Even if sought obtained for the reason the Lord
  sanctions, 1 or both spouses still failed
• Biblical texts can be found in both the O.T.
  N.T. that address the subject of divorce
• Well begin with selected O.T. texts

95

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Deut 241-4
• Even before the Israelites entered their promised
  home, they were already divorcing contrary to
  Gods original marriage law found in Gen 2
• God was attempting to regulate this behavior
• It is not to be understood as Divine approval for
  divorce for any cause cp. 1 Jn 21-2

96

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Deut 241-4
• The 2 textual clauses must be seen, understood
• The conditional clause (protasis) is vv.
  1-3 This is the if portion of the
  proposition
• The conclusion clause (apodosis) is v.
  4 This is the then portion of the
  proposition
• Seeing this helps us properly understand what the
  passage really teaches

97

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Deut 241-4
• The 2 textual clauses must be seen, understood
• The conditional clause (protasis) is vv.
  1-3 This is the if portion of the
  proposition
• The conclusion clause (apodosis) is v.
  4 This is the then portion of the
  proposition
• It also helps us see the Jews error when they
  discussed it with Jesus in Mt 19 Mk 10

98

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Deut 241-4
• The remarriage of a woman to her husband who had
  divorced her was expressly forbidden v. 4
• What was not expressly forbidden was her
  remarrying another man after the 1st husband had
  put her away v. 2
• However, this does not imply Gods approval

99

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Deut 241-4
• The passage was given through Moses because of
  hard hearts Mt 198 Mk 105
• This showed Gods tolerance cp. Acts 1730
• The womans defilement
• It was not her second divorce v. 3
• It had to have been her second marriage

100

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Deut 241-4
• The indecency NASV v. 1
• It was not sexual sin cp. Lev 2010 Deut
  2213-27
• It could have been some moral or ceremonial
  uncleanness cp. Deut 2314
• This passage indicates God was trying to regulate
  behavior that did not have His approval

101

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Deut 241-4
• Jesus words to His questioners also show this
  passage did not reflect Gods original intentions
  re marriage Mt 194, 8 Mk 106-8 cp.
  Gen 2
• Yes, this text offered some protection to the
  woman
• However, it was never meant to be used the way
  the Jews in N.T. days were treating itdivorce
  at will

102

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Ezra 9-10
• Even after spending 70 years in captivity, the
  exilic Jews once again took up some old sins
• Ezra was forced to deal with some unpleasant
  marriage situations
• This text emphasizes our relationship with God
  over all other relationshipseven marriage

103

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Ezra 9-10
• After coming home from Babylonian captivity, the
  exiles had not separated themselves from the
  unbelieving pagans around them 91
• The post-exilic Jews were intermarrying with
  these pagan women 92a
• First foremost in this sin were the leaders
  92b

104

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Ezra 9-10
• This behavior was in direct rebellion to what the
  Law commanded cp. Deut 71-5 Ex 3416
• In his prayer, Ezra cites this passage 912
• To think about all Judah had been through
  (captivity), that they would start back down that
  same road with these marriages was unthinkable
  913-15

105

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Ezra 9-10
• For reconciliation with God to occur, they were
  going to have to put these wives away 101-4
• They had been unfaithful to God v. 2a
• Yet, there was still hope v. 2b
• This would be a process and would not happen
  overnight 109-14. 16-17

106

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Ezra 9-10
• Ezra faced opposition in this decision 1015
• However, what he commanded was the will of God
  and the people had to do it 1011
• We must not be naïvethis would not be easy
• Several emotional arguments could have been
  made re this decision 103, 44

107

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Ezra 9-10
• Emotional arguments do not change nor sway what
  the word of God plainly says on a subject
• Relationships, Salvation, Work of the kingdom,
  etc.
• What does repentance demand?
• Repentance requires a complete cessation of all
  activity from a sinful relationship or situation

108

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Ezra 9-10
• Sadly, this passage parallels situations we
  encounter today
• We sometimes encounter people interested in the
  gospel only to later discover they are in
  marriages that God does not approve
• If they truly want to be saved, repentance
  demands they do as the Jews in Ezras day had to
  do

109

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Ezra 9-10
• Sadly, this passage parallels situations we
  encounter today
• Emotional arguments wont changed present-day
  situations, either
• Jesus reminds us of what may have to happen if
  one really desires eternal life cp. Mt 1912

110

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Ezra 9-10
• This passage also reminds us of the importance of
  choosing ones spouse
• Remember our discussions re courtship, dating
• We must know the Lords teachings re M/D/R
  BEFORE entering marriage if we want to avoid the
  heartache experienced by those in Ezras day

111

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mal 210-16
• Again, the Jews displayed a willingness to repeat
  previous mistakescommit the same sins
• Despite Ezra having addressed this just 13 to 15
  years earlier, intermarriage with pagans plagued
  the post-exilic Jews again

112

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mal 210-16
• This text emphasizes two important truths about
  marriagetruths as relevant under the 2nd
  covenant as they were under the 1st covenant
• God is witness when a man enters into a
  marriage covenant with a woman v. 14 cp. Gen
  224
• God hates divorce v. 16 cp. Mk 109

113

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mal 210-16
• The remnant Jews were
• profaning the covenant of their fathers v.
  10
• dealing treacherously with their brothers v.
  10
• The situation Malachi had to address was
  jeopardizing the Jews national distinction of
  being Gods people

114

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mal 210-16
• The sin at the root of the Jews problems was
  their intermarriages with foreign women v. 11
• They were also in danger of judgment v. 12
• They were not only guilty of violating the Lords
  commandment re intermarrying pagans
• They were guilty of something equally important

115

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mal 210-16
• The Jews were also guilty of breaking the hearts
  of the wives they had put away (divorced) in
  order to marry the pagan women v. 13a
• Tears covering the altar belonged to their
  wives
• This also affected their worship v. 13b
• Principle Ù an O.T. parallel to 1 Pet 37?

116

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mal 210-16
• The Jews were in denial to Malachis preaching
• The style of the entire prophecy indicates this
• Technically called Didactic-Dialectic public
  speaking
• An assertion (charge) is madean objection is
  raised to that chargeevidence (proof) is given
  as support
• Ten times this happens 12, 6, 7, 12, 13
  214, 17 37, 8, 17

117

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mal 210-16
• The Jews say to Malachi For what reason? was
  God no longer accepting their worship 214a
• The proof was the putting away of their wives
  labeled as treacherous treatment against the
  wife of your youth and companion and wife by
  covenant 214b

118

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mal 210-16
• Gods role as Witness in marriage is an ageless
  principle for ALL marriages of ALL time
• He does the joining Mt 196
• He is an active Partner in the marriage
• Any spouse treated unfairly suffers knowing God
  is fully aware of such treacherous behavior

119

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mal 210-16
• 215a has various good translationsdetermining
  exactly what is being said is difficult
• The point from 215b is easier to determine
• It is an exhortation to refrain from such
  treacherous treatment of ones spouse

120

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mal 210-16
• Gods own feelings are stated in 216
• He hates putting away (divorce)
• Such is covering ones garment with wrong
• Knowing how strongly He feels about this should
  have stopped divorce in both Ezras Malachis
  day and in our day, too!!

121

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• As we prepare to examine N.T. passages, what have
  we learned from the O.T.?
• The O.T. supported Gods original demands of
  marriage from the beginning
• Yesthere was a concession because of hard
  hearts Deut 24 cp. Mt 198
• Yet, the rule has always been the same

122

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 531-32
• In this section of His Sermon On The Mount, Jesus
  is not correcting Moses as many believe and teach
  521-48
• He defends the Law 517-19 cp. Gal 321-24
• The problem was shallow Jewish righteousness and
  skewed rabbinic interpretations 520

123

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 531-32
• You have heard it said refers to Deut 24
• Another reference to the existence of rampant
  divorce among 1st century Jews
• The prevailing doctrine Ù divorce was okay or
  permissible as long as the legalities were
  attended to (certificate of divorce written, put
  into the wifes hand, and her being sent away)
  v. 31

124

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 531-32
• But I say to you re-establishes Gods original
  marriage law v. 32
• Divorce leads to adultery
• RememberDeut 24 implied the 2nd marriage of the
  woman previously put way defiled her
• Jesus actually states what was previously implied
• Jesus also states the 1 exception Ù fornication

125

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 531-32
• But I say to you re-establishes Gods original
  marriage law v. 32
• It is also important to recognize the kind of
  divorce Jesus is discussing
• Jesus mention of the exception forces us to
  conclude He is speaking of an unlawful
  divorceone that was not for the cause of
  fornication

126

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 531-32
• Jesus teaching assumes a situation most likely
  to occur Ù the womans subsequent remarriage
• The 1st marriage had been put asunder for an
  unlawful reason
• Any subsequent marriage would be adulterous and
  therefore not Divinely approved

127
BOUND
Divorce
Why?
128

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 531-32
• makes her commit adultery v. 32a
• The 1st husband did not make her remarry
• However, the 1st husband put his wife in a
  vulnerable position when putting her away
  unlawfully
• She would likely do as most wouldremarry
• Thus, the nature of stumbling blocksthey help
  others toward sin cp. Mt 186-7 Lk 171-2

129

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 531-32
• The divorce under consideration UNLAWFUL
  (one not for the cause of fornication)
• Obtaining a LAWFUL divorce would not make her
  commit adultery
• Putting her away for fornication would not make
  her guilty of what she had already becomean
  adulteress

130

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 531-32
• A 3rd party is also addressed v. 32b
• Whoever subsequently marries the one unlawfully
  divorced would also be guilty of adultery
• The PRINCIPLE is thus establishedA put away
  (divorced) person can never marry another
• The type of divorce (lawful or unlawful) does not
  matter

131

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 193-9 Mk 102-12
• Another Jewish attempt to put Jesus at odds with
  Moses and the Lawthus exposing their impure
  motive Mt 193 Mk 102
• Divorce for any cause was already prevalent
• Evidenced by secular historians (e.g. Josephus)
  as well as teachings from popular rabbinic
  schools (i.e. Shammai Hillel)

132

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 193-9 Mk 102-12
• Jesus initial response points the Pharisees back
  to the beginning Mt 194-6 Mk 105-9
• He quotes Gen 127 224
• Because these were the original principles God
  set forth re marriage, this was the logical
  point of reference for a discussion on divorce

133

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 193-9 Mk 102-12
• Jesus conclusion is that divorce is NOT lawful
  for any cause at all Mt 196 Mk 108-9
• Divorce putting asunder what God puts together
• Man is not authorized to do so
• Truths at the beginning Jesus emphasizes
  pre-date the Law of Moses as well as the gospel
  of Christ

134

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 193-9 Mk 102-12
• Based on Jesus initial answer, the Pharisees ask
  a follow-up question attempting to put Him at
  odds with Moses Mt 197-8
• Jesus exposes the failures of their position
• They mischaracterized Moses Ù not a command
  but an allowance or permission

135

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 193-9 Mk 102-12
• Based on Jesus initial answer, the Pharisees ask
  a follow-up question attempting to put Him at
  odds with Moses Mt 197-8
• Jesus exposes the failures of their position
• They failed to see the real problem Ù hard
  hearts that take one away from God cp. Heb
  312-15

136

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 193-9 Mk 102-12
• Based on Jesus initial answer, the Pharisees ask
  a follow-up question attempting to put Him at
  odds with Moses Mt 197-8
• Jesus exposes the failures of their position
• They totally misunderstood Deut 24 Ù they did
  not try to see the passages original purpose
  how it reflected Gods marriage law at the
  beginning

137

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 193-9 Mk 102-12
• Jesus states the rule re marriage and divorce
  Mt 199 Mk 1011-12
• ___________ ________________ ____________
• This has always been the rule
• Matthews account differs from Marks in that he
  records the exception clause Jesus gave re
  divorce

DIVORCE
REMARRIAGE
ADULTERY
138

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 193-9 Mk 102-12
• Jesus states the rule re marriage and divorce
  Mt 199 Mk 1011-12
• ___________ ________________ ____________
• This has always been the rule
• Reading Matthews account without the exception
  clause makes it identical with what Mark recorded

DIVORCE
REMARRIAGE
ADULTERY
139

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mt 193-9 Mk 102-12
• Jesus words except for fornication implies an
  option for the innocent spouse that is available
  without sin Mt 199
• _________________ ___________
• _________________ _________________

DIVORCE
FORNICATION
REMARRIAGE
NO ADULTERY
140

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Lk 1618
• The one who puts away a spouse and remarries is
  addressed in the first half of this passage
• This is identical with the marriage rule as
  stated in Mk 1011-12
• It is also identical when reading Mt 199 without
  the exception clause

141

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Lk 1618
• The one who might marry a put-away person is
  addressed in the second half of this passage
• This repeats the Lords prohibition re a
  put-away person remarrying another cp. Mt
  532b
• Whether the divorce was lawful or unlawful
  a put-away person cannot remarry another

142

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mk 1029-30 Lk 1829-30
• The context is the encounter Jesus had with the
  Rich Young Rulerspecifically, his failure and
  unwillingness to forsake all for the kingdom
• Some are currently using these passages to teach
  it is permissible for one to leave a spouse if
  done so for the sake of the kingdom of God

143

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mk 1029-30 Lk 1829-30
• Such an exegesis would have these passages
  granting another reason for divorce other than
  the only one the Lord gave in Mt 19
• However, these passages do address a relevant
  marital situationone may have to leave an
  unlawful marriage for the kingdom of God

144

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Mk 1029-30 Lk 1829-30
• The situation recorded in Ezra 9-10 mirrors the
  type of situation Jesus describes in these
  passages

145

• DIVORCE A Testament To Failure
• Rom 71-4
• The context is Paul