Christians seem to fall along a continuum when it comes to divorce and remarriage. Where should the line be for believers?
Talking Points:
- Three main positions on divorce and remarriage:
- Christians must never divorce and remarry.
- Christians can sometimes divorce but never remarry.
- Christians can sometimes divorce and sometimes remarry.
- When “sometimes” is used, the Bible seems to give certain allowances for divorce – sexual immorality and desertion. Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:7-9, 1 Corinthians 7:15
- The question becomes does the Bible allow for any other reasons for divorce – like abuse – even though the Bible doesn’t explicitly say so.
- If you’re divorced/remarried, perhaps not on biblical grounds, know that God forgives our past mistakes and remember he’s in the business of restoring us! Romans 8:1
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is your personal experience with divorce? Have you or someone else struggled with these issue in the past? Explain.
- Of the three positions, where would you put yourself? Why might there be some reasons to hold off on remarrying even if a divorce was allowed biblically?
- Read Matthew 5:31-32 and 1 Corinthians 7:15. Do you think people should absolutely divorce for these reasons? How have you seen marriages saved after adultery?
- What other reasons would you add to the “sometimes” category?
- Read Romans 8:1. What does it mean that we aren’t condemned? How do you or someone you know need to be released from past mistakes?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
