JSM | Uprightness .5 | Adultery, Divorce & Vows .2 (9/15/24)

 JSM | Uprightness .5 | Adultery, Divorce & Vows .2
By Rev. Nicholas Sybrowsky
Heb. (נּט רּקהץ מּןביםךשד דּטנרם'דלט)
Gk. (Βψ Ρεω. Νιξηολασ Σψβροωσκψ)

Invocation:

Lord, we come before you to praise you [with song and instrument].  May our voices from within valleys and/or peaks be a satisfying aroma to you our God.  Regardless of where we find ourselves emotionally, we choose to praise you for you are worthy of all praise.]  We worship you because you have created us.  We see your beauty and majesty in all your creation.  Your works are beyond our comprehension.  Your grace and mercy saves us.  You have told us that we are your children.  The love you have for us is indescribable, and for that we praise you.  In the name above all names, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Opening Word & Reading for Worship:

Catharsis.  Release.  Purification. Cleansing. Purging.  Each of these words describes what can happen and often does happen as a result in worshipping God with the love of all our mind, all our strength and spirit (Dt. 6:5).  The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

Let us accept the wounds of Christ upon the crucifixion cross of which Jesus carried and died upon for each individual person here and there.  Let us remember that Jesus Christ overcame death and is seated at the right hand of our Father in heaven.

The altar is open, and we are ready to pray with you during this time of worship.  As an altar worker prays with you at the altar you can expect us to facilitate communion with the Creator.  We’re not in the altar to council you in a specific problem area, but to motivate deep effective prayer.  May you have council from the Holy Spirit Himself and receive the redemptive resurrection power to propel you forward in God’s will.  Our God is the way maker!

In Mt. 11:28-30 Jesus said

“[Matthew 11:28-30 ESV] 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  ~Jesus Christ 

Rules are important and boundaries help us stay in alignment with God’s spiritual law yet knowing the reason behind the do’s and don’ts helps.

Intro:

We continue in the Sermon on the Mount with Jesus seated teaching his disciples and an audience of followers.  We’re currently in the section about some core teachings of which some folks consider case studies in our contemporary lingo.  Adultery, Divorce & Vows.  Last week we concentrated upon Adultery and today we’ll observe Divorce.

Before we get into the main topic today, let me enhance our attention to a pattern that I left out of last week’s message:

(See JSM | Uprightness .4 Point number 2)

Again, Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter by revealing to us HOW and WHY instead of simply telling us to not commit adultery.  Also remind you that I’m not suggesting that the OT doesn’t have any help with the why and how, yet I do suggest that for you to be successful I believe Jesus Christ’s death & resurrection; His Divinity and the reception of His helper the Holy Spirit empower us to practice the law perfectly and empower us to be complete as Jesus describes wholeness in Mt. 5:48.

 Main Text:

"[Mat 5:31-32 KJV] 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." ~Jesus Christ

Corelating verses:

Mt. 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. ~KJV

[Mat 19:9 ESV] 9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery."

1. Translations.  Original languages.  The point.  When you examine ALL of the scripture, we find Abuse to be another justified type of biblical divorce.  Could be an example of our advanced contemporary practices with the privilege of our educated society.  (Believer abandoned by an unbeliever).

Purity prevents disease and death.  Our contemporary experience and education prevents patience to ensure virginity and justification to abstain from sexual activities and relations until formal marriage.  Treatment of disease and prevention of disease.  Not all disease leads to an early death but many of the sexually transmitted diseases do clearly cause a very quick earthly death. {Expound meaning briefly}

[Mat 19:1-12 ESV] 1 Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. 2 And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. 3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?" 4 He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." 7 They said to him, "Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?" 8 He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." 10 The disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry." 11 But he said to them, "Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it."

~Jesus Christ

Corelating verses Continued:

[Mar 10:11-12 KJV] 11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. 12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

1.1 Again, we see that language and translation matter.  Here I highlight “put away” In our KJV the translators describe it as such yet in our ESV they translate “put away” as “divorce”.  

[Mar 10:1-12 ESV] 1 And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them. 2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" 3 He answered them, "What did Moses command you?" 4 They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away." 5 And Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 7 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." 10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 And he said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." ~Jesus Christ

Corelating verses Continued:

[Luk 16:14-18 ESV] 14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 15 And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 16 "The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.  ~Jesus Christ

18 "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery. ~Jesus Christ

 Context in Luke 16:19...The Rich Man and Lazarus.

Arguably three different topic areas yet relevant to each other.

1.2 Authorship matters too!  It’s peculiar that Luke inserts this concept of purity in relationship between a man and woman.  Divorce and Adultery inserted in the text after the topic of The Law and the Kingdom of God and right before the Rich Man and Lazarus.  When we study the profile bibliography of each author, we enrich our understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Each disciple carries within them a unique perspective and writing style.  Short on time I simply point out that learning about the authors of each text empowers greater comprehension and improves accuracy in the perspective of the Image of God and our ability to achieve the reward in each Beatitude.    1.3 Lk 16:16-17 “forces his way into it”. Eisegesis vs. Exegesis.  OT Jesus concealed NT Jesus revealed (Short Expounding Live Stream).

2. Divorce was never something God wanted but through Moses allowed it for the sake of human flesh which is stubborn.

 

God hates divorce.  God never liked divorce, nor will he ever like it.  Just because God permits something to occur doesn’t mean that there won’t be consequences.  God really knows us better than we know ourselves.  God also knows that if we can trust in him and allow his spirit to lead us, we can resolve the conflicts that drive a motive to divorce.  By His grace our hearts can be changed from hardness to be softened by the actions of mercy and forgiveness (fruit of the spirit Gal 5:22-23).

This permission that began with Moses was more of an earthly proverbial wisdom than a commandment from God.  In fact, it’s not a commandment from within the decalogue at all

(Cite 2 Picture Link to excellent video series about the decalogue).

In many cases divorce is a result of not obeying the ten commandments, not suggesting Moses wasn’t obedient (Mk 10:5 ESV ☝).  We desire the divorce because of “hardness of heart”.  Again, it’s “allowed” when biblical yet not commanded by God (Mt 19:8 Marriages of convenience.  Better yet still difficult to find compatibility.  Even with it each must adapt, adjust and change for greater progress within the commitment.) (Briefly expound meaning see live stream).

 

 [Mal 2:16 NKJV] 16 "For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says the LORD of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously."

The covetousness that leads to acting on the lust of the eyes, the flesh and the pride of life is a matter of the heart 

([Pro 6:25 KJV] 25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

[Mat 5:28 KJV] 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.).

[Mat 5:8 KJV] 8 Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

2.  Divorce is not a matter in heaven but a staple on earth.

Remind you of the scriptural account presented by Matthew when the Sadducees believing that there is no resurrection asked Jesus about the topic of resurrection and Jesus points out in one way why they didn’t trust in the resurrection.  Their minds were stuck on the earthly system of checks and balances and their earthly inheritances. 

[Mat 22:23-33 KJV] 23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, 24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. 27 And last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 33 And when the multitude heard [this], they were astonished at his doctrine." ~Jesus Christ

When our mind is only focused on the earthly reality or earthly treasure and reward, the mind struggles to imagine what heaven will be like.  Jesus through Paul and various scripture says that we’re to keep our minds fixed on heavenly things (Jhn 3:12, 31, 2Co 5:1, Phl 3:19 & Jas 3:15 just to list a few).

3. Habitual Divorces corrupt the social habitat (affectively & effectively) and hinder righteousness in the land of the living.

Marriage of convenience instead of marriage covenant (See point 2 ☝).  This in turn causes us to reflect a lifestyle of spiritual deadness instead of spiritual liveliness.  We need standards to improve if we ever want the land to avoid being polluted by evil.  The Lord is very clear here in these passages.  He suggests that each of us settle quickly before running into court.  This reference in Mt. 5:21-26 regarding anger and our response to the emotions we feel applies in the marriage life.

I’ve known a few leaders that had a history of many marriages and divorces of which one or both spouses had conflict in marriage because of adulteress beliefs.  Instead of facing the moral failure and changing themselves they just get a new spouse.  It’s a form of cyclical insanity.  It’s sad but true.  They are caught in a cycle that because they refuse to be honest or to accept the Creator’s design they cover up and conceal.  It’s a vicious cycle of shame and blame.  Some people simply need to take more time during courtship to avoid the major damage and destruction that follows, yet lust doesn’t permit patiently waiting to discover if compatibility is plausible.  In cases of discovered compatibility, the two becoming one sustainably will ever be a challenge without the grace of God, in my opinion.

Becoming unequally yoked as a believer with an unbeliever is often times a cause of these hard circumstances.  Loneliness or ambition can drive us into unhealthy toxic commitments that can ruin the opportunity for spiritual prosperity.  The relationship can actually develop a sense of curse instead of a blessing.  If you want to be “oh how happy” as the word “blessed” means within the beatitudes, then you ought to commit to some courtship boundaries.  In my opinion, not all arranged marriages are because of earthly inheritance and riches.  You can thank the fables and story tellers who need to make a living.  Most of my childhood movies painted the fantasy of a fairy tale marriage. 

When the honeymoon phase is over, compatibility and truth and spirits are revealed.  When the true colors show will your marriage last?  

On the other hand, some people need to stop being so very picky.  Put down the fantasy life and engage in a real relationship.  It will be worth your investment.  Companionship such as marriage has great opportunity.  What other institution can you commit to for life, for better or for worse, etcetera?

4. Next Week:  JSM | Uprightness .6 | Vows, Adultery & Divorce.3

Conclusion:

To fully understand or should I say better understand adultery, divorce and vows listening to these 3 sermons will not provide you all the answers to such matters.  The scripture has much to teach us on these social topics.  To stay on the ROAD to eternity Apply the ROAD acronym and Read, Observe, Ask and Do what scripture says for yourself.  Practicing Purity prevents disease and death.  Language and translation matter.  When trying to understand scripture, Authorship matters too! Divorce was never something God wanted but through Moses allowed it for the sake of human flesh which is stubborn.  Divorce is not a matter in heaven but a staple on earth.  Habitual Divorces corrupt the social habitat (affectively & effectively) and hinder righteousness in the land of the living (2 Chronicles 7:14). 

If you find yourself facing the prospects of awarding your spouse with a certificate of divorce.  Before you “put away” your spouse like they’re some product to be returned to the store or pantry (Meme Video https://www.facebook.com/share/r/SRB8HxvD1vV9NNjh/?mibextid=UalRPS).  Try on a few of the Christian resources available to you today.  This list is not exhaustive:  Focus on the Family, The Gospel Coalition and Marriage Sherpa.  

If you’re facing this prospect of divorce because of Adultery the Marriage Sherpa could help you both do the heart work required to recovery from such tragedy.  Regardless of what the adversary or world’s culture might be whispering to you, recovery is plausible.  God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ever ask or imagine.  We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.  

Give your covenant marriage a fair fighting chance.  If it were easy and simple, we wouldn’t have a special court for divorces, and we wouldn’t have a statistical probability of failure such as we have today of 42%.  There are 86 divorces every hour compared to 230 marriages an hour (Cite 3).  

Get premarital & post marital counselling individually and as a couple but remember that no amount of compatibility will guarantee successful outcome in this covenant commitment.  Lasting marriages take labor from both people.  If you don’t like hard work, consider the hard work of the eunuch or a pure single life committed to the work of the Kingdom of God.      

Exhortation:

Rules are important and boundaries help us stay in alignment with God’s spiritual law yet knowing the reason behind the do’s and don’ts helps. The Pharisee’s and Sadducee’s hermeneutics were leading them away from the true value of the Law & the Prophets (Luk 16:14-18 ESV).  They were being led away from understanding the why and how behind the rules and boundaries set by the Creator for mankind.  If you have related or can relate to these former religious leaders and the law feels like a burden, Jesus can relieve you.  Jesus can lift the weight and teach you. 

 Jesus says 

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  

Altar Call to Action/Suggested Response:

In all that I’ve been led to share with you today.  Regardless of your current salvation status that only comes from Jesus.  Will you get yoked with Jesus and “learn from” Him?  

Prayer & song.  

Spoken through the preacher (Observe Live Stream).

Benediction:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” ~Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Next Week:

Citations:

1. Bible Translations KJV, ESV, NIV.  
2. Picture of Simple summary listing of the Decalogue.  Recommend the video series found in the link "decalogue" instructed by Clyde Kilough. 
3. Divorce Rate US Forbes Magazine & U.S. Marriage and Divorce Rates by State: 2012 & 2022 (census.gov)
4. Christian Minister’s Manual by Dr. Guthrie Veech Invocation and Benediction help.