The Oxymoron of Divorce Part 1

Marriage (Review Slide – 3 previous classes)

1. Marriage was instituted by God at creation Gn 1:26-28, 2:15-25, 5:1-2

2. It was ordained for reproduction, population and subduing the earth

3. God designed marriage to illustrate Redemption

4. Marriage provides mankind delight and companionship

5. The Bond of Marriage: One Flesh

6. The Essence of marriage: a Conventional Union before God

7. The Scope of marriage is insoluble for life: “until death do us part”

Divorce is a Biblical Oxymoron

Let’s start by reading Scripture

1. It stands in diametric contradiction with God’s purposes for marriage

   • The Bond of Marriage: An Illustration of God’s Nature (plurality in unity)

   • The Covenant of Marriage: An Illustration of Redemption

   • The Scope of Marriage: United for life

2. God’s opinion about divorce is explicit: “For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel.” Mal 2:16

3. The synoptic gospels recollected Jesus’ statement on divorce 5 times. Only once, an exception clause is listed Mt. 19

I - Divorce in the Gospels
a. The Synoptics: Mark
b. The Synoptics: Luke
c. The Synoptics: Matthew in 5:31-32

II - Divorce in the Law
a. What was it that Moses allowed?
b. What else did Moses write?

III - Divorce in the NT
a) Paul’s regulations in 1 Co 7:10-17
b. The exception clauses: Immorality & divorce initiated by an unbeliever

Divorce: Conclusions
Practical Issues: