OT passages where divorce is tolerated, assumed or even required (11:15
Deuteronomy 24:1-4
Leviticus 21:7, 14
22:13;
Numbers 30:9
Deuteronomy 22:19, 29
Ezra 9-11
Nehemiah 9:2
Matthew 5:31-32
Matthew 19:3-9
1 Corinthians 7:10-16
Practical Application:
What is sexual immorality? (13:35)
What about abuse? Question #1: Divorce is permissible in cases of adultery, but what about cases of abuse (either to the spouse or to the children)? What should be done in cases like this? Question #2: Some have defined the secual immorality exception for divorce in terms other than just sexual sin, such as abandonment and abuse. The words “sexual immorality” seem to suggest a breach in intimacy, so can there be other types of breaches in intimacy that this exception would mean, other than just physical secual sins?” (15:20)
Actively pursue reconciliation (19:40)
What about remarriage? My husband was never married before but I was. I have always struggled with the sin of divorce and tried to justify it with the fact that he and I have now been married 25 years. I can’t help but feel that I am just trying to make God fit my need to feel better. I feel bad enough that I have sinned and can’t really repent for that sin, but feel even worse that I have caused my husband to sin. I never really thought of this, but in essence, our love caused sin. How can that be made right with God? (22:15)
I got divorced for bad reasons. But my spouse has since remarried. What is my obligation at this point? (27:10)
Could God be calling you to remain unmarried? (29:45)
Serving in church leadership (32:20)
Lightning Round:
I'm a single woman who has never been married, but would like to be. The majority of Christian men I meet who are looking for a relationship are divorced. Up to this point, I have not considered dating anyone who is divorced because of Jesus's teachings on the topic. Some people see me as narrow-minded or judgmental for taking this position. Considering Jesus's teaching about divorce and remarriage, what do you see as the application for those of us who have never been married but desire marriage? Are there circumstances in which we should be open to a relationship with someone who is divorced? Is it wrong for me not to consider divorced men as a possibility for dating? (34:05)
I got divorced a few years ago...probably not "justified"....but I want to get married again...would you do my wedding? (36:00)
I am not divorced, but my spouse left...divorce might take a long time. When can I start dating? (37:20)
I got divorced. My ex and I are still unmarried. We did not have Biblical grounds for divorce. Do we have to only date each other? (39:25)
I am not married. Been with the same person for a long time. We have kids. But I became a Christian, they are not. Do I have to marry them? (40:30)
Someone in my life is getting a divorce (parents, kids, friends) and it is totally not justified. What is my responsibility/obligation? (42:15)
Final/Pastoral Thoughts (43:45)
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