The concept of divorce
Text
Matt 19:1-11
Aims
to study the concept of divorce in relation to biblical injunction,
to expose the gravity of adultery in a marital Lifestyle and
to establish the biblical injunction and antidote to divorce.
Introduction
Divorce usually entails the cancelling or reorganising of the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage, thus dissolving the bonds of matrimony between a married couple under the rule of law of the particular country or state. It can be said to be a legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other competent body. However, Jesus’ injunction negates divorce in marriage and upheld the ideal of permanent marriage, making clear that divorce is equivalent to adultery in breaking the oneness of marriage. Initiating divorce or marrying a divorced person produces adultery. (Matt 19:9). In the beginning there was no divorce and no polygyny. The first polygyny was the race of Cain (Ge 4:19).
Study guide
Define divorce and the biblical injunction concerning it in Mal 2:13-16, Matt 19:4-9.
Why is adultery so grievous as to warrant divorce? Lev 20:10; Prov 5:1-6 compare with Judg 16:4-5;
Discuss treachery and God’s injunction to it in the context of Deut 21:1 and Mal 2:13-16 and relate with gender violence in marriages especially with women as victims.
What is the antidote of divorce? Psa 19:8; Eph 5;25-26; Rom 12:9-10.
Conclusion
Treachery is the basis for hardness of heart in any relationship. As Christian couples, we must apply the antidote of genuine love for each other by obeying all the covenanted laws of God and abiding by them in other to neutralise the poison of divorce in our marital life.
Food for thought
The poison of marriage is divorce and the antidote of divorce is genuine love for God and for spouse.
Memory verse
Mal 2:16 "For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says the LORD of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit that you do not deal treacherously."