Sermon On The Mount: Marriage, Sacred & Binding?

Furthermore, it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

Matthew 5:31-32 (NKJV)

It has been said too, 'Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a letter of divorce.' But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for cause of fornication, makes her commit adultery, and whosoever marries one that is put away commits adultery.

Matthew 5:31-32 (Darby Translation)

My first marriage lasted 31 years. When my ex-husband left, I found Jesus… but I was divorced! Therefore, I was drawn to the Teacher’s Words on marital splits. They begin in the Sermon on the Mount, and continue in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Divorce is common in Western nations.** But among faithful Christians, it’s lower. Nevertheless…

  • Do some Christians turn to seek greener grass…

  • Than Jesus offers in Psalm 23?

  • Should we pray against selfish temptations?

  • Be content and even appreciative?

  • Continue to seek peace and pursue it?

  • Obey husbands? Love wives? Humble ourselves?

  • Should we study God's Word more closely?

  • Should we stop circling around old problems?

  • Ask God’s guidance amidst confusion…

  • Then follow Him with determination?

  • Perhaps there's no perhaps in the Bible.

Christian scholars continue to debate Christ’s Words on divorce. Most of them agree that it’s warranted in adultery. Some believe it’s also acceptable in abandonment.***

This much we know with Bible certainty: God forgives sins when we ask and repent. Still, honoring commitments is holy.

The Deceiver intends us to honor NO commitment--especially to God.

Whom should we follow?

Sermon On The Mount: Marriage, Sacred & Binding? (Part 11)****

* Matthew 19:1-10: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019:1-10&version=NKJV

* Mark 10:2-12: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2010:2-12&version=NKJV

* Luke 16:18: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2016:18&version=NKJV

** Divorce rates among Christians: https://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/09/25/factchecker-divorce-rate-among-christians/

*** 'The Greek words for "put away" and "divorce" are very different and cannot be used synonymously.

**** 'What Does Jesus Say About Divorce and Remarriage? What is the penalty Jesus advocates for adultery?'

https://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/studies/spiritual/home_study/divorce.htm

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban