Marriage Divorce Re-marriage Terry Sanders
Marriage-Divorce-Remarriage
Matthew 19:3-9
Using KJV [more on this later]
Introduction: The question asked of Jesus is very revealing. It tells us that this was a problem in NT times (almost 2000 years ago). It shows us that this is not new to our time. Changes have occurred in the last 50 years that have dramatically affected all aspects of MDR. There are few families that have not experienced some of this problem (a little or a lot). As it is a problem today, then what is found in the Scriptures will help us in this regard.
1) An issue in NT times.
Matthew 19:3
Tempting Him (The Pharisees intended to back Jesus into an unfavorable position among the people)
For every cause (This was a prevalent problem in the first century - - like today)
Therefore, this exchange deals with:
Putting away (divorce)
Implies marriage
For every cause?
Pharisees are concerned with Deut. 24:1-4—the “uncleanness” and the “writing of divorcement”
Historical evidence shows the diversity of thought among Jews as to the cause (“uncleanness”)
Scholars are unable to determine what the “uncleanness” is. It is not adultery since that sin was punishable with death (Deut. 22:22; Lev. 20:10)
The Rabbis:
Rabbi Shammai: “...he has found some unchastity in her, for it is written, ‘Because he hath found in her indecency in anything’”
Rabbi Hillel: “He may divorce her even if she spoiled a dish for him, for it is written, ‘Because he hath found in her indecency in anything’”
Rabbi Akiba: “find no favor in his eyes” meant that he had found another more favorable to him and could divorce the first for the second
2)The answer of Jesus
Matthew 19:4-6a
In the beginning (Gen. 1:27; 2:24)
3)What is marriage/divorce?
Marriage
Private agreement
Public acknowledgement
Joining together
Betrothals (Matt. 2:18; Lk. 2:5)
Wedding feasts (Jn. 2:1-2; Mat. 25:10)
Divorce (using Deut. 24:1 as a guide)
Private problem
Public acknowledgement
She is publicly sent from the house
4)The question of Matthew 19:3
For any cause?
Jesus’ answer was “No!”
Wasn’t lawful in the beginning
Wasn’t lawful under Moses
Is not lawful under Christ
Jesus’ answer:
Was not according to the Rabbis
Goes back to the beginning
Offers one exception:
5)Centering our attention on “the exception cause” its timing as per Matt. 19:9
Matthew 19:3 – the cause
Different translations
KJV -- “for every cause”
ASV -- “for every cause”
NKJV -- “for just any reason”
NASB -- “for any reason at all”
NIV -- “for any and every reason”
ESV -- “for any cause”
The answer of Jesus (Matthew 19:9)
“except it be for fornication”
Clause removed and no re-marriage at all
Exception
KJV -- fornication
ASV -- fornication
NKJV -- sexual immorality
ESV -- sexual immorality
NASB -- immorality
NIV -- marital unfaithfulness
6)Fornication definitions
English
Webster - - Sexual intercoursebetween two persons other than a man and his wife: sexual intercourse between a spouse and an unmarried person
Koine Greek
Thayer - - PORNEIA Illicit sexual intercourse: from 1 Cor. 6:12ff, we learn how leniently converts among theheathen regarded this vice and how lightly they indulged in it.
Arndt & Gingrich - - PORNEIA prostitution, unchastity, fornication, of every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse
7)Usage in the New Testament
It is a sin (1 Cor. 6:9-11, 18; 2 Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19-21)
Transgression of law (1 Jn. 3:4)
New Testament reveals as:
Homosexuality (Jude 7)
Adultery (Matt. 19:9)
Pre-marital sex (1 Cor. 7:1-2)
Incest (1 Cor. 5:1-2)
8)What about. . . . . ?
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Marriage Divorce Re-marriage Terry Sanders
I’m not happy
Mate is a slob
Won’t provide
Is abusive
I don’t love him/her
anymore
In the way
Can’t get along
Go home to Mama
Change in appearance
Immature
Hasn’t grown with me
Has different interests
Selfish
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Marriage Divorce Re-marriage Terry Sanders
9)The answer of Jesus was essentially “No!”
10)Application
The exception (fornication) only allows divorce and re-marriage for the innocent Divorce w/o exception is not approved
Re-marriage w/o exception is not approved
11)Alternative in Matthew 19:12
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