The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT)
Issues in Christian Homes
LESSON 11: 12/5/2019
DIVORCE AND RE-MARRIAGE
Devotional Reading: Mal. 2:14-16
Topic for Adults: Till Death Do us Part
Topic for Youths: For Better for Worse
Topic for Intermediate: Look Before You Leap
Lesson Scriptures: Matt. 5:31-32, 19:1-8; Mal. 2:13-16; 1 Cor. 7:1-11
MEMORY VERSE; “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matt. 19:6) NKJV.
BACKGROUND
God the originator of marriage and family does not approve divorce and re-marriage.It contradicts God’s plan and violates divine injunction on marriage. Believers must know
the predisposing factors to divorce and re-marriage and learn how to avoid them, accept
each other and continue to stay together in marriage. This week’s lesson focuses on divorce
and re-marriage.
NOTES ON THE TEXT
PART 1: THE MEANING AND COMPLICATION OF DIVORCE - MATT. 5:31-32,
19:1-8
The word translated ‘divorce’ in Old Testament is the Hebrew word ‘Kerat’ which
means “to cut off”. That exactly is what divorce means. It cuts off the marriage covenant
and the relationship of the couple joined together by God. In the New Testament, the word
‘apostasion’ translated “divorce” means “a defection”. The dictionary meaning of defect is
“to forsake a party”. God places the responsibility of leaving and cleaving on the man. He
leaves and cleaves to his wife. Divorce occurs when he is not able to cleave tightly enough
to become inseparable. Marriage rests on the shoulders of the man, just the same way
divorce also does. Whatever happens in the home is the man’s responsibility, although it
may not be his fault. (Gen. 2:24).
Broken homes break the heart of God and inflict un-ending pains on all parties
involved. Happiness and harmony are destroyed and the parties involved are spiritually and
emotionally wounded. Vows and commitment are broken, iniquities are committed and
there are tremendous incurable pain, a permanent scar, a distress and depression. Marriage
vow is unto death, it is the responsibility of Christians to keep their marriage vow (Eccl.
5:4,5; Pro 18:14,19; Pro. 17:4).
PART 2: THE CAUSES OF DIVORCE - MAL. 2:13-16
Many people have invested enormous energy in their families and their future, yet, some
marriages failed. Some factors responsible for divorce include the following: Ignorance,
inadequate knowledge of God’s word and God’s principles that make marriage work. Some
of the factors that can lead to divorce are (Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor. 7:10,11).
Selfishness: Many go into marriage because of the benefits they intend to derive from
it not thinking of the cost (1 Cor. 7:3,4).
Incompatibility: The union can be endangered due to the incompatibility of the
couples either spiritual, biological, educational or personality (Amos 3:3).
Lack and Hardship: Poverty or mismanagement of limited financial resources can
cause problems that may lead to divorce.
Marital Infidelity: Being unfaithful, disloyal and deceitful in marriage could lead to
mistrust and a breakdown of the union.
Domestic Violence: The presence of physical, verbal and emotional abuse is a serious
threat to the sanctity of marriage.
Barrenness: Some people allow the situation of childlessness to degenerate to
separation and divorce.
Third party influence: Undue interference from family, friends and foes e.g. too
much parental influence and control and too much dependence on extended family
members.
Poor interpersonal relationship and communication.
Others include bad behaviors and attitude, unresolved hurts and offences, demonic
influence, long separation etc.
PART 3: GETTING ALONG IN MARRIAGE - 1 COR. 7:8-17
From all indications, divorce is not acceptable to God. It is not an option and even
when it happens, the Holy Bible does not permit re-marriage (1 Cor. 7:10,11). The only case
when re-marriage is allowed is when one of the spouse dies. (1 Tim. 5:11-14). Forgiveness
can solve the problem of sexual immorality on the part of one of the spouses. Therefore,
Christian couples should learn how to get along no matter the situation, bearing in mind
that if re-marriage or singlehood is considered, you will probably encounter the same
problem again. Regret will hurt you in your lifetime. It is also going to be a stigma. You
may always suffer from a broken and wounded spirit, bitterness and deep seated resentment
which will have a negative effect on your spiritual and prayer life and hinder you from
making heaven. Your children will be affected greatly. They may also end up having broken
homes.
CONCLUSION
God is the architect, the designer, the initiator and creator of the oldest institution
called marriage. He is the only one that can help in making marriage work. His plans and
purposes are for us to comfort each other, enjoy life to the fullest and not to endure it. Give
Him a chance to manage and control your home. Get along in your marriage at all cost,
avoid factors that lead to marriage failure and tenaciously hold your marriage from failing.
QUESTIONS
1. What is divorce?
2. What are the factors that can lead to divorce?
3. Is there anything a believer can benefit from divorce?
4. What are the pains associated with divorce?
5. How can we prevent divorce in our marriage?
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