I AM CONCERNED ABOUT ...
February 25, 2001 AM
Sermon Outline
INDIFFERENCE TO BIBLICAL TEACHING ABOUT MARRIAGE
Gen 2:21-24
INTRO: That divorce is one of the great social problems of our time is not arguable. Try as we might, we cannot escape the fact that divorce negatively touches lives, people, circumstances in an alarming number. Whats wrong? It may sound simplistic, but I believe the problem is a growing indifference to Biblical teaching about marriage ... even morality. With indifference there comes growing ignorance! With ignorance there comes conflict and confusion. We sometimes wish God had said more - but it may be that we need to accept that He did not!
I. A DEFINITIVE PASSAGE MT 19:3-9
A. A problem among the Jews - divorce
1. yes, Mosaic covenant had permitted divorce - Deut 24:1-4
2. but that permission had been grossly abused
3. Jesus refers to Gen 2:24 and the beginning - not to Mosaic permission
4. He then states Gods position - 19:6
B. But why did Moses ... (they continued to debate)
1. and Jesus goes back to the beginning again
2. the beginning is where the marriage law is found ... and to the beginning Jesus refers - 19:8b
3. for me (and, I hope, for you) this simple fact is critically significant
4. for the kingdom of God the beginning of the marriage law is Gods design
C. Yet, Gods graciousness permits a single exception
1. that exception does not require divorce - and may not, in fact, be far off from the Mosaic permission
2. the exception passage has given rise to speculation which is used almost as the for every cause of v.3!
3. Mal 2:16 is the general attitude of God
4. so, forgiveness and going forward is a wise, viable, healthy alternative
II. THE NEED FOR POSITIVE PREVENTION
A. Prevention begins early
1. certainly, it begins in a childs family
2. and it carries through in early years of marriage
3. using Biblical teaching, counsel from day one
B. Mt 7:12 is a simple, wise rule
1. yes, it is of all relationships
2. but is it not critical in the close relationship
3. this rule in marriage will greatly enhance and strengthen the relationship
C. Mt 22:39 is, again, such a simple rule
1. neighbor is anyone ... not just the neighborhood
2. does not ones spouse count in this love?
3. absolutely, yes - but do others receive more care and consideration than ones spouse? it often appears so
D. Gal 5:13,14 the manifestation of love?
1. minister, serve one another selflessly
2. does this teaching belong everywhere but in marriage? certainly, it belongs in marriage
3. when husbands and wife selflessly serve one another, the marriage is growing, is strengthening, is safe!
E. 1 Pet 3:5-7 mutual respect, honor
1. if the first three things weve noted are growing in practice in the marriage, this mutual honoring will grow, too
2. such respect is manifested in thoughtful, kind words, actions
3. an aside here? cannot be in a wrong relationship with spouse and a right relationship with God!
CLOSE: Fathers and mothers, the marriages of your children are very much in your hands. Husband and wives, divorce proof your marriages with positive Biblical prevention.
25 February 2001
Cecil A. Hutson