Divorce:

1
Divorce
A Preventable Tragedy
2
Sanctity of Marriage Under Attack!

• Feminist movement, redefining marriage, high
  divorce rates, etc.
• 1997 60 of marriages end in divorce!
• Gods view of divorce (Mal. 216 Mat.
  531- 32 198-9 Mark 109)
• The Lord not only ordains marriage but tells us
  how to make it a fulfilling relationship!

3
A Failure To Leave And Cleave

• Gods plan from the beginning (Gen 218-25)
• Man was alone Needs a companion, a help-meet
• Gods clear Marriage is for one man woman
• The pattern Leave, cleave, one flesh (vs. 24)
• A failure to leave father and mother
• Doesnt mean a complete forsaking (Prov. 41-4)
• May have to in a very real sense! (Matt. 1929)
• Sometimes when getting married a couple fails
  to start their own lives together!
• Created problems in Jacob Rachels marriage!

4
A Failure To Leave And Cleave

• Failure to cleave and become one flesh!
• Cleave To cleave, to adhere as if with glue
• Same idea in relationship to Christ (Acts 1123)
• Become ONE flesh - UNITY! (Acts 432)
• Its a growing process! Gets better with time!
  If not theres something wrong!

5
A Lack Of Real Commitment

• A union that is a life-long commitment!
• Society paints is as a disposable relationship!
• Bond lasts as long as both are alive (Rom.
  72-3)
• God is serious about our vows! (Ecc. 54-5)
• Divorce is ALWAYS a result of at least one of
  the parties not being truly committed!
• Commitment to a successful marriage!
• Absence of divorce doesnt make it a good one!
• Love makes sacrifices for its good (I Cor.
  134-8)
• Jacob Seemed like a few days! (Gen 2920)

6
A Breakdown In Fulfilling Roles

• Society blurs the God-given roles!
• Heavy push for equality - Women can do all
  men can do... No distinct roles
• Men stay home, women enter secular work force
• Gods roles clearly defined! (Gen 316-19)
• Women Bear children, desire husband, submit
• Men Responsible to earn living by sweat of brow

7
A Breakdown In Fulfilling Roles

• When husbands dont act like husbands!
• Your wife has taken great risks with trust in
  you!
• A strong spiritual leader! (Romans 61-4)
• Loves his wife (Eph. 525-29)
• Seeks to understand his wife (I Peter 37)
• A serious matter! If you dont do your part
  your prayers are in vain! Can you be saved?

8
A Breakdown In Fulfilling Roles

• When wives dont act like wives!
• Her primary focus is her home (Titus 21-5)
• She submits to her husband (Eph. 522-24)
• She respects her husband (Eph. 533)
• Virtuous wife Gods Super-Model (Prov 31)

9
Conclusion

• Marriage is a powerful partnership in life that
  helps us on way to Heaven (I Pet. 37)
• The question is not what is your spouse doing
  wrong, but what are you doing?
• Marriages fail if Gods plan isnt followed!
• Must leave and cleave becoming one flesh
• Must have commitment to the endurance of the
  marriage and its success
• Must strive to fulfill your God-given roles