Marriage AND Divorce
A lesson about marriage, divorce, and topics concerning them.
INTRODUCTION
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
CONCLUSION
As you read this lesson, be sure to hover over the the Bible verses to read them or look them up in your own copy of the Bible. When the Bible passage is longer, you need to click on “more” in the bottom right corner of the pop-up window.
Introduction
Welcome! The Bible has much to say about this interesting topic. You may find it helpful to invite a mature Christian from your church to study this topic with you. You may have a lot of questions that are not answered here. Maybe there are ideas here that seem hard to understand. Do not get overwhelmed! You can contact us with any questions that you may have. The elders of your local church can help you as well.
Remember that learning the content about this topic is helpful, but knowing the information will not truly change you. For you to benefit fully from this topic, you must…
Become born-again by securing a personal relationship with God the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, through faith by grace. This information cannot change you until the Holy Spirit of God gives you a new heart that is able to apply it to your life. To begin a personal relationship with God, it is imperative to understand and believe the following:
God is separated from you, because He is good, pure, and holy. 1 John 1:5-6
You are sinful, impure, and unholy because you do not measure up to God’s holiness. Romans 3:10-12 You are a descendent of Adam and Eve who rebelled against God. Romans 5:19
Your sinfulness provokes God’s anger and separates you from Him because He is holy. Romans 5:12 As a result, you deserve to be thrown into the Lake of Fire forever. Revelation 20:14-15
God the Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth. Jesus is God in the flesh. He lived a sinless life. He was nailed to the cross, shed His blood, and died in your place for your sins. He was buried, rose again, and went to Heaven to prepare a place for all who believe. He will return one day for those who believe. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Only the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is enough for you to be accepted forever by God the Father the moment you believe. John 3:16 God does not accept you on the basis that you try to be a good person and do good works. Romans 4:5 He accepts you fully and forever the moment you abandon your sins and call on Jesus to save you. John 3:36
As you understand, meditate on, and believe the information presented here about this topic, you must also do what the Bible says. James 1:21-22 Only by trusting and obeying God’s Word regarding this topic will you experience the full benefits of this information. James 1:23-24 Trusting and obeying God’s Word will change you as you learn this. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 You will be happy as a result of your obedience. James 1:25
Seek and heed the advice of your church leaders regarding this topic. Hebrews 13:17
Depend upon the Holy Spirit to change you. Galatians 3:1-3 You cannot change without Him enabling you. John 15:5 He will change you in His time and way; but not apart from your faith and obedience to God’s Word. Trust Him to do His work in your heart. Philippians 2:12-13
Allow the joy that you experience from obeying God’s Word to transform how you interact with others. James 2:12-20
WHAT IS Marriage?
Marriage is a legal covenant Malachi 2:14 between one man and one woman Genesis 2:24 before God Matthew 19:6 and other witnesses Ruth 4:9-12 in which both the man and the woman voluntarily agree Ruth 3:9-13 to be devoted solely to one another on every level. Song of Songs 6:3; Song of Songs 7:10; Song of Songs 8:6-7
what is the purpose of marriage?
The purpose of marriage is…
To glorify God better as a couple than you could as individuals. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
To display Christ’s love for the church and the church’s respect for Christ. Ephesians 5:31-33
To enjoy life together. Ecclesiastes 9:9
To find sexual satisfaction in one another within marriage rather than to commit sexual immorality. 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; 1 Timothy 5:11-15
What are some benefits of Marriage?
To enjoy companionship. Genesis 2:18-25
To enjoy one another sexually at the appropriate time and place. Proverbs 5:15-20; Song of Songs 1:2-17; Song of Songs 2:8-17; Song of Songs 4:1-16; Song of Songs 5:1; Song of Songs 7:1-13; Song of Songs 8:1-5; Song of Songs 8:13-14; Leviticus 18:19; Ezekiel 18:5-9; Numbers 15:16-33
To raise any children to glorify God. Psalm 127:3-4
When does Marriage Begin?
Marriage begins the moment the couple recites their vows before God and witnesses. Ruth 4:11-13; Genesis 24:67; Song of Songs 8:6-7
HOW long does Marriage Last?
It lasts until the death of a spouse or a divorce. Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, 27-28; Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40
Whom can we marry?
A believer in Jesus can marry only another believer who is of marital age and of the opposite sex. 1 Corinthians 9:5; 1 Corinthians 7:24-38
Israelites under the law were to marry someone from their own tribe to ensure that the land was divided according to each tribe’s inheritance. Numbers 36:1-10 The Israelites were forbidden to marry people from other nations who worshipped other gods so that the Israelites themselves would not be tempted to worship those gods. Exodus 34:10-16; Deuteronomy 7:1-8; Joshua 23:11-13; 1 Kings 11:1-2; Ezra 9:10-12; Nehemiah 10:28-30 Under specific circumstances, however, they could marry people from other nations Deuteronomy 21:10-14 and were blessed by God for doing so. Joshua 6:22-25; Ruth 4:9-22; Matthew 1:1-16 God even used Samson’s disobedience for His purposes. Judges 14:1-4 The patriarchs (before the Law was given) would not marry people from certain nations. Genesis 24:2-4; Genesis 24:37-38; Genesis 28:1-9. Conversely, even Moses himself married someone who was not Jewish. Exodus 2:15-22 Also, God punished Moses’ sister, Miriam, for complaining about him marrying a non-Jewish person. Numbers 12:1-15 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
The Israelite priests had even stricter criteria concerning whom they could marry in order to maintain the holiness of the Jewish priesthood. Leviticus 21:7-15; Ezekiel 44:22 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
Whom ARE we NOT ALLOWED TO marrY?
A believer in Jesus cannot marry or remarry…
Someone who does not believe in Him. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Someone who is already married. Leviticus 18:20; Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 5:18; Proverbs 6:32-35 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
Someone who has been divorced on unbiblical grounds. Luke 16:18
Someone of the same sex. Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Romans 1:26-32 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
Themselves or an animal. Leviticus 18:23-30; Leviticus 20:15-16 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
A close relative. Leviticus 18:11-17; Leviticus 20:11-12; Leviticus 20:14; Leviticus 20:17-21; Deuteronomy 22:30; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Genesis 35:22; 2 Samuel 16:20-23; Ezekiel 22:1-16 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
Someone who is not of marital age. Ezekiel 16:7-8; Song of Songs 8:8-10; Ruth 1:11-13 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
An additional spouse. Leviticus 18:18; Deuteronomy 17:14-17; Deuteronomy 21:15-17; Romans 7:3; Matthew 5:27-30 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
WHAT IS divorce?
It is a releasing of both the man and the woman from the legal obligations and benefits of their covenant to one another. It frees them to marry someone else Deuteronomy 24:1-4 or to remain single. Deuteronomy 21:10-14 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
God hates divorce, Malachi 2:16 sexual immorality, and adultery. Hebrews 13:4 Although divorce is lawful, Mark 10:2-5 God did not permit it until after the Law of Moses was given to Israel at Mount Sinai. Matthew 19:8 Even then, He only allowed it because of the hardness of men’s hearts Matthew 19:7-8 who would sin against their wives Malachi 2:16 and send them away for any reason at all. Matthew 19:3; Malachi 2:16-17 He allowed the certificate of divorce to protect the women from committing adultery by marrying someone else. Mark 10:10-12 This was so they could be protected, but God’s desire is that divorce never take place. Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9
Some claim that Moses permitted divorce, but God did not. Matthew 19:7-8 Yet, even Jesus permitted divorce on the grounds of sexual immorality. Matthew 19:9-10; Matthew 5:31-32 Divorce was permitted only for particular reasons.
Sometimes divorce can be the righteous thing to do. For example, God divorced Israel for her infidelity. Jeremiah 3:8-9; Isaiah 50:1; Hosea 2:1-2 Joseph was planning righteously to divorce Mary privately. Matthew 1:19
The act of sexual immorality committed by a spouse permits the innocent spouse to pursue divorce. Matthew 1:18-19; Matthew 5:31-32 A certificate of divorce permits the innocent spouse to marry someone else without committing adultery. Matthew 19:9-10; Matthew 19:6-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18
WHen is divorce permitted?
It is permitted when an unbelieving spouse desires to divorce a believing spouse. 1 Corinthians 7:15
It is permitted to a faithful spouse when the other commits an act of sexual immorality. Leviticus 18:20; Deuteronomy 22:13-21; Numbers 5:11-31 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
when is divorce not permitted?
It is not permitted when an unbelieving (yet faithful) spouse desires to remain married to the believing spouse. 1 Corinthians 7:12-14, 16-17 Notice that God did not tell Job to divorce his wife, even though she told Job to curse God and die. Job 2:9-10; Job 42:12-17
Divorce of a loyal spouse is not permitted…
When the spouse simply wants to be with or marry someone else instead of their loyal spouse. Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:6-9; Mark 10:2-12
When the spouse will not fulfill obligations of the covenant to the loyal spouse. Matthew 19:3-6
who can remarry?
A widow or widower can remarry. 1 Corinthians 7:39-40; In fact, a younger widow is encouraged to remarry. 1 Timothy 5:11-15
If an unbelieving spouse divorces a believer simply for being a believer, then the believer is free to marry another believer. 1 Corinthians 7:15; 1 Corinthians 7:27-28
If a loyal believer was divorced by the initiative of the spouse, then this loyal believer can marry someone else. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
A believer who divorces their disloyal spouse for committing sexual immorality can then marry someone else. Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 22:22; Deuteronomy 22:23-29; Matthew 19:6-9
A believer can remarry their former spouse as long as neither of them married another person after their divorce. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11; Deuteronomy 24:1-4 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
Note that there are varying views about this.
Some churches teach that if you undergo a divorce for any reason at all, then you must remain single or else be reconciled to your spouse. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
Who cannot remarry?
A believer who pursues divorce on unbiblical grounds cannot marry anyone else. If a believer divorces the spouse on unbiblical grounds, remarriage for either would be rendered adulterous. Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:3-6; Matthew 19:7-12; Mark 10:2-12
Some say that remarriage after divorce is automatically adultery, regardless of whether the divorce happened on biblical grounds. In their view, the couple is married in the eyes of God until they die, because there is no biblical permission to divorce. Notice that God makes a distinction, however, between a virgin, a widow, a divorced woman, and a woman who has committed sexual immorality. Leviticus 21:7, 14-15 In other words, a woman who is divorced is not necessarily a sexually immoral woman. Similarly, notice that if a priest’s daughter becomes a widow or divorced woman and she is childless, she may return to live in her father’s home. Leviticus 22:13 If the priest’s daughter profanes herself by committing sexual immorality, she was to be burned to death under the Law of Moses. In other words, a divorced woman was not treated in the same way as a sexually immoral woman. For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
A couple cannot remarry each other if either marries someone else after their divorce. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
what are some consequences of divorce?
A divorce on unbiblical grounds brings shame upon the reputation of Christ and the church. 2 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 2:14
A divorce on unbiblical grounds discourages the impact of the Gospel upon their children. 1 Corinthians 7:14-16
If a believing husband commits sexual immorality, and thus breaks his marriage covenant, or if he does not have eyes for his wife alone, then he is disqualified from serving as an elder or a deacon; whether his marriage ends in divorce or not. 1 Timothy 3:1-2, 12; Titus 1:5-6; Matthew 5:27-30; Proverbs 5:1-20; Proverbs 6:23-35
If a believing husband divorces his wife on unbiblical grounds, then he is disqualified from serving as an elder or a deacon.
An elder or deacon must demonstrate that he is devoted to only one woman, belonging to his wife alone. 1 Timothy 3:1-2, 12; Titus 1:5-6
Note that there are varying views about these passages concerning the qualifications of an elder or deacon:
Some churches teach that if a man has been divorced for any reason at all, he is forever disqualified from being an elder or a deacon.
Some churches teach that a man is only disqualified (concerning marriage) if he got divorced after he was saved.
Some churches teach that he is not disqualified if he did not pursue the divorce.
Some churches recognize the focus of the passage is fidelity, not marital status; however, out of an abundance of caution, they do not permit those who have been divorced to serve as an elder or a deacon.
Some churches teach that a single man cannot serve as an elder or a deacon.
Some churches teach that a widower cannot serve as an elder or a deacon.
Some churches teach that the passage simply means that if a man has multiple wives at once, then he is disqualified from serving as an elder or a deacon.
It is highly unlikely that Paul had divorced men in mind instead of fidelity. Even Jesus said that a man can commit adultery without committing sexual immorality. Matthew 5:27-30; Luke 16:18 He also did not say that adultery was the grounds for divorce; Mark 10:2-12 rather, He said sexual immorality was grounds for the divorce. Matthew 19:6-9 It is the physical act that gives grounds for divorce, not the thoughts of the heart or the look of the eyes. Matthew 5:31-32 Further, the context of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 is about character. Specifically the one woman man/the husband of one wife is a man who does not commit sexual immorality and does not commit adultery in his heart by lusting after other women with his eyes. If the focus was whether a man had ever gone through a divorce, then a man could cheat on his wife, lust after other women, have an open marriage, or have a concubine, and could still be qualified to be an elder/deacon simply because he never had been divorced as long as he met the other qualifications. Obviously, this is not the case. If the focus was on how many marriages a man had in his lifetime, then a widower, who then married someone else, would then be disqualified from being an elder or a deacon because he had more than one wife in his lifetime. This is not the case either.
Consider that a widow is only qualified to receive financial assistance from the church if she was a “one-man woman” or “a wife of one husband” in 1 Timothy 5:9. It is essentially the same as what is required for a man to be an elder or a deacon: “a one-woman man” or “the husband of one wife”.
Especially when we consider what else Paul says about widows (mentioned earlier in the “Who Can Remarry” section), it seems highly unlikely that Paul’s focus was divorce rather than fidelity. In other words, if we understand the phrase “one-woman man/husband of one wife” in regards to marriage, divorce, and the qualifications of an elder/deacon/supported widow, then we must also apply that same understanding to “a one-man woman/woman of one husband”.
Take the case of a believing wife committed sexual immorality with someone, and thus broke her marriage covenant to her husband, or she did not have eyes for her husband alone. Once her husband dies, she then is disqualified from being put on the list of widows who are to be honored with financial assistance from the church. 1 Timothy 5:9-10; Matthew 5:27-30; Proverbs 2:16-19; Proverbs 7:4-27
The qualifications of a widow who is permitted to receive financial assistance from the church emphasize that she must have demonstrated she was devoted to only one man, having belonged to her husband alone while he lived. 1 Timothy 5:9-10
Note that there are varying views about this passage:
Some churches teach that if a widow has ever been divorced for any reason at all, then she is forever disqualified from receiving financial assistance as a widow from the church.
Some churches teach that she is disqualified if she had any prior marriages beforehand.
Some churches teach that she is not disqualified if she did not pursue the divorce.
God will judge those who divorce on unbiblical grounds. Hebrews 13:4
The sexually immoral and adulterers will be thrown into the Lake of Fire unless they repent and believe the Gospel. Revelation 21:8; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5-6; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Timothy 1:8-11
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
Singleness
God has a plan and purpose for singles. Proverbs 16:9; Proverbs 20:24
God desires to bless singles with happiness by using them to bless others in their state in ways a married person may not have the time to do. 1 Corinthians 7:38-40; John 13:12-17; Acts 9:36-39
Being single can be a choice, a gift, or the result of unfortunate circumstances. It can be permanent or temporary. Matthew 19:9-12; 1 Corinthians 7:6-8
Singles can’t change their past or control their future; they must trust in God. Romans 11:36; Job 42:1-2
God recognized that a single person feeling lonely was not good. Genesis 2:18
Singles should not compare their marital status to that of others; rather, they should consider what God wants them to do with their lives for Him. Genesis 2:20
Marriage also comes with its own troubles. 1 Corinthians 7:28
Contentment can be a struggle in and out of marriage. 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; Proverbs 27:20
During times of persecution and for the sake of the Gospel, it might be better to remain single. 1 Corinthians 7:26-27; 1 Corinthians 7:29-35
Past tragedy should not dictate hope for a good marriage. Ruth 1:1-5; 1:19-21; Ruth 4:9-17
Singles should not refuse marriage because of the poor example of other marriages. Proverbs 15:15-18; Proverbs 17:1; Proverbs 27:15-16; 1 Samuel 25:1-42 God can bless us with a marriage that is better than we can imagine. Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 19:13-14; Ephesians 3:20
Singles must find their satisfaction in Christ more than whether they have a spouse or child. Matthew 10:34-39; Luke 14:25-27
Finding a Potential Spouse
Heed the biblical advice of your parents and the elders of your church concerning who you marry. Genesis 27:46; Genesis 28:6-9; Judges 14:1-4
Consider getting premarital counseling from your elders.
Take into account the differences of you and your potential partner, such as: culture, roles, and parenting ideals before you marry the person.
Consider your understanding of the past, present, and plans for the future. Make sure that they are compatible with each other and with God’s will before you pursue the person for marriage.
Sex is designed to be enjoyed only within the context of marriage so it is sin before marriage. If you do sin against God and another person by having sex before marriage, you are responsible for your actions. Exodus 22:16-17; Deuteronomy 22:28-29 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
You cannot force yourself upon someone. God considers rape a sin in which the rapist is worthy of death. The victim of rape has committed no wrong. Deuteronomy 22:25-27; Genesis 34:1-31; 2 Samuel 13:1-39; Genesis 19:1-11; Judges 19:1-21:25 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
Under the theocracy in Israel, a believing daughter was under the authority of her father until he gave her away in marriage. Ruth 2:5; Ruth 3:16; 1 Corinthians 7:29-40; Exodus 22:16-17; Genesis 29:15-30; Genesis 38:1-11; Genesis 38:26 If her father was dead, then she was under the authority of her brothers, Genesis 24:29-61; Song of Songs 8:8-9 or an adoptive male relative. Esther 2:7; Esther 2:15 In this age, she answers to the elders of her church Hebrews 13:17 until she is married. If she has no father, male relatives, or church elders, then she is under the sole authority of her mother. Ruth 2:1-5; Ruth 2:2 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
As you trust and obey God’s Word, He will provide the wisdom at the right time for you to choose whom to marry. Genesis 24:1-67; Proverbs 3:5-8
Marriage
The first year of marriage is crucial to learning about and enjoying one another. Deuteronomy 24:5 For more information about how to use the Law of Moses as a Christian, read Using the Law Lawfully.
If you are having trouble in your marriage, it is advisable to seek the help of the elders at your church. In the case of any physical or sexual abuse, consult proper authorities.
For a study concerning the responsibilities and privileges of a husband and wife, consider studying Representing Christ.
Divorce
Although the consequences for sexual immorality, adultery, and divorce on unbiblical grounds cannot be avoided, God’s forgiveness can be obtained from Christ through repentance and faith in His blood. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 2 Samuel 12:1-25; Psalm 51:1-19; Psalm 32:1-11
Although it is permitted to divorce a disloyal spouse for committing sexual immorality, it is not commanded. One may choose to undergo necessary counseling to restore a marriage. Hosea 1:2-9; Hosea 3:1-5; Ezekiel 16:8-63. If a disloyal spouse (who committed sexual immorality) refuses to repent, then the other is not sinning by divorcing. Yet, one should seek to divorce in a righteous manner, without causing publicly shame. Matthew 1:18-19
No one, including God, likes divorce. If one divorces a loyal spouse, then the one receiving the divorce has not sinned. Malachi 2:16
Although divorce on unbiblical grounds is sin, allowing an unbeliever to divorce a believer brings glory and honor to God. 1 Corinthians 7:15
Additional Questions for Reflection
Singleness
How are you using your life to glorify God rather than to please yourself? 1 Corinthians 7:26-27; 1 Corinthians 7:29-35; 1 Corinthians 7:39-40
What do you think are the reasons that you are currently single? Matthew 19:9-12
How are you demonstrating relational contentment right now? 1 Corinthians 7:6-9; 1 Corinthians 7:28; 1 Corinthians 7:38-40
How can you find help from your local church when you struggle with loneliness?
Pursuing a Potential Spouse
How are you developing the qualities that you will need in order to fulfill your role as a husband and father or wife and mother?
How do your current resources compare with what you need in order to fulfill your future duties as a spouse? How long will it take for your to obtain what you need to be ready?
What is your goal in pursuing this person?
What about this person will help you to glorify God better together?
What about you will help this person to glorify God better together?
How are you displaying that the other person does not belong to you until you are married or engaged? Ruth 3:9; Ezekiel 16:8
How are you and this person demonstrating relational contentment right now?
What are appropriate public and private displays of affection that do not lead to committing immorality? 1 Corinthians 7:1; Song of Songs 8:1; Genesis 26:8-9
How are you avoiding situations that provoke temptation? 1 Corinthians 6:13-20
How are you avoiding potential false accusations with this person or other people? Genesis 39:1-20; Ruth 3:12-14
How can you find help from your local church as you look for a potential spouse?
Engagement
What is your goal in marrying this person?
How does your perspective concerning the seriousness of engagement align with how the Bible views it? Matthew 1:18-20; Deuteronomy 20:1-7
How is this engaged other demonstrating the commitment and responsibility needed to fulfill future roles as a spouse and parent?
How are you demonstrating the necessary commitment and responsibility to fulfill your future roles as a spouse and parent?
How do your reasons for waiting to marry each other compare to the values of the Bible?
How do your reasons for thinking now is the time to marry each other compare to the values of the Bible?
How are you demonstrating that you trust God to provide for the physical needs of your future family?
How are you demonstrating that you trust that God will, at the right time, make you into the spouse and parent that you will need to be?
How do the resources that you have right now compare with what you will need to fulfill your future duties as a spouse? How long will it take for your to obtain what you need to be ready?
What are appropriate public and private displays of affection that do not lead to committing immorality? 1 Corinthians 7:1; Song of Songs 8:1; Genesis 26:8-9
What are your views on parenting?
What negative qualities does this person have that you are willing to overlook?
How are you demonstrating relational contentment right now?
How are you guarding yourself from temptation? 1 Corinthians 6:13-20
What do your parents think about you getting married?
What do the elders of your church think about you getting married?
How are you avoiding false accusations with this person or other people? Genesis 39:1-20; Ruth 3:12-14
How can you find help from your local church as you go through your engagement period?
Marriage
What are appropriate public and private displays of affection that do not lead to committing immorality? 1 Corinthians 7:1; Song of Songs 8:1-4; Genesis 26:8-9; Song of Songs 2:4-7; Song of Songs 3:1-5; Song of Songs 6:13;
How are you demonstrating relational contentment right now?
How is your marriage encouraging others to pursue it?
How are you avoiding temptation with other people? 1 Corinthians 6:13-20
How are you avoiding potential false accusations with other people? Genesis 39:1-20; Ruth 3:12-14
Divorce
Can you honestly say that your goal in divorcing your spouse was to glorify God to the best of your ability? Malachi 2:14-17
Do you truly have biblical, God-honoring grounds for divorce? Matthew 5:31-32; 1 Corinthians 7:15
Would it glorify God more if you did not divorce?
How can you find help from your local church as you go through the divorce?
What have you done biblically to fix your marriage?
What do you want most? Can you obtain it without divorcing your spouse? James 4:1-12
What does God want most from you? Can you give that to Him by seeking the divorce?
How are you avoiding temptation or false accusation? 1 Corinthians 6:13-20; Genesis 39:1-20; Ruth 3:12-14
Will the consequences of the divorce be more bearable than your marriage?
Would you reconcile if your spouse repents of their sexual immorality and unfaithfulness?
Conclusion
Now that you have studied this topic, we encourage you to...
Ask us or any of your church leaders about any questions or concerns you still have about this topic.
Pray for yourself to grow in maturity regarding this topic.
Do your best to practice what you have learned.
Tell someone else about what you have studied.
Ask one of your church leaders to help you overcome your weaknesses regarding this topic.
Teach this subject to others.
Consider reviewing this topic once each year.
Commit to growing in this area together with other members of a local church.
Trust the Holy Spirit to change you as He uses His Word, others, and circumstances to make you more like Christ.