Godly Wisdom for Gospel Living: Session 16 – Handling Marriage Issues Biblically

God's Design for Marriage: Navigating Divorce and Remarriage Are you struggling with questions about marriage, divorce, or remarriage? You're not alone. These topics can be complex and emotionally charged, especially when our experiences don't align with God's ideal plan. But there's hope and guidance in God's Word, even for the messiest of situations. Let's dive into what the Bible teaches about these crucial life issues and how we can apply God's wisdom to our relationships. God's Original Plan for Marriage Before we tackle the tough questions about divorce and remarriage, it's essential to understand God's original design for marriage. As I explained in the sermon: "Marriage is defined as a covenant relationship between a man and a woman for a lifetime of fidelity. Marriage is God's idea. He designed it to picture Christ's relationship with the church." This foundation is crucial because it shapes how we approach the challenges that can arise in marriage. God's intention was for marriage to be lifelong and God-honoring. When Divorce Becomes a Question So, should a believer ever get divorced? Let's look at what Jesus taught in Matthew 19:3-9. When the Pharisees tried to trap Him with a question about divorce, Jesus redirected their focus: "He answered and said unto them, Have ye not read that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?" Jesus emphasized that God's original plan was for marriage to be permanent. However, He did allow for one exception: "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery" (Matthew 19:9). The Biblical Grounds for Divorce Based on Jesus' teaching and Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 7, we can identify two Biblical grounds for divorce: 1. Sexual immorality (adultery) 2. Abandonment by an unbelieving spouse It's important to note that these are allowances, not commands. Even in these situations, reconciliation should be the first goal if possible. Marriage to an Unbeliever What if you're a believer married to an unbeliever? Should you seek divorce? Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 7:12-14: "If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him." Being married to an unbeliever is not grounds for divorce. In fact, your faithful living might be the very thing God uses to draw your spouse to Him. As Peter advises believing wives with unbelieving husbands: "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives" (1 Peter 3:1). Remarriage After Divorce The question of remarriage after divorce is where many people struggle. Based on the Biblical teaching, here's a summary: 1. Those who divorce for unbiblical reasons are not permitted to remarry. 2. Those who have been divorced due to their spouse's adultery are free to remarry. 3. Believers who have been abandoned by an unbelieving spouse are not bound to the marriage and may remarry. Remember, these are general guidelines. Each situation is unique, and it's important to seek godly counsel when navigating these difficult waters. Life Application: Walking in God's Grace No matter where you find yourself in relation to marriage, divorce, or remarriage, here are some practical steps you can take: 1. Seek God's Will: If you're single, carefully consider God's plan for your life. Marriage is for most people, but not everyone. "You're not inferior if you're single," I want to emphasize that. 2. Choose Wisely: For those considering marriage, be careful about who you date. "Dating is practice for marriage," so make sure you're practicing the right things. 3. Strive for Reconciliation: If you're experiencing marital difficulties, seek godly counsel and work towards reconciliation whenever possible. 4. Live Out Your Faith: If you're a believer married to an unbeliever, let your transformed life be a witness. As Peter advised, sometimes it's better to let your life do the preaching rather than your words. 5. Embrace God's Grace: If you've experienced divorce, remember that God's love and grace are still available to you. "There is redemption and life and grace and peace in Christ." Remember, no matter how complicated your situation might seem, "God can be with you in your mess and he can help you through your mess. 'I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.'" Trust in His unfailing love and guidance as you navigate these challenging areas of life.