"Industrial Marriage - Continued"

31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.
The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.

Outline

1. In what circumstances can I divorce and remarry?
Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:1-12; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16.

2. Who is in charge of my life?
1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

3. How can I stay happily married?
Ephesians 5:22-33.

Life Group Discussion Questions

1. Why is marriage/divorce a sensitive topic?

2. Has divorce caused people in your group great pain? Your parents? If someone is willing to share it might be helpful for others. Knowing the trouble may help others to put more effort into their marriage.

3. What are the kinds of foolish things people do that contribute to divorce?

4. Do people just naturally grow apart in their marriage?

5. What can children do to help their parents’ marriage?

Quotes for Thought

“the gospel is the lifeblood of Christianity, and it provides the foundation for countering culture. For when we truly believe the gospel, we begin to realize that the gospel not only compels Christians to confront social issues in the culture around us. The gospel actually creates confrontation with the culture around—and within—us.” The gospel creates confrontation through its most outlandish and offensive claim:

[T]the most offensive and countercultural claim in Christianity is not what Christians believe about homosexuality or abortion, marriage or religious liberty. Instead, the most offensive claim in Christianity is that God is the Creator, Owner, and Judge of every person on the planet. Every one of us stands before him guilty of sin, and the only way to be reconciled to him is through faith in Jesus, the crucified Savior and risen King. All who trust in his love will experience everlasting life while all who turn from his lordship will suffer everlasting death.

--David Platt