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TITLE: When to Get a Divorce
TEXT: Malachi 2:14-16
PROPOSITION: Caution must be used in selection of a spouse.
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Questions

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Nationally – For every 3 marriages there is a divorce in the USA.

  2. In several states the figure is – 1 divorce for every 2 marriages

  3. This sermon is not about the doctrine of divorce and remarriage.

  4. I want to focus on how to prevent the divorce in the first place.

 

THE TIME TO GET A DIVORCE IS BEFORE YOU GET MARRIED!

  1. Many teens fall in love before they realize the seriousness of the relationship.

  2. I’ll altar him, then I’ll alter him.”

  3. Computer term – WYSIWYG (pronounced – “wizzy wig”) – means “What you see is what you get.”

    1. Drinks, curses, lies NOW – They will after marriage, too.

    2. Kind, gentle, moral NOW – They will after marriage, too.

 

YOU WILL ONLY MARRY SOMEONE YOU DATE!

Here are some questions to ask:

  1. Where is this person spiritually?

    1. Were they raised attending a church? Sunday School?

    2. Do they have faith in God, Jesus, and Bible?

    3. Do you pray together?

    4. Do they share your goals for eternity?

    5. 1 Corinthians 9:5 – “Take along a believing wife”

      1. Much discussion on marrying ONLY a Christian.

      2. While not commanded, certainly highly recommended.

      3. Paul said that if he married, it would be a Christian.
         

  2. How does this person treat you?

    1. Golden Rule still applies

    2. Kind, gentle – Yell, angry, violent

    3. A 20-minute ceremony does not change abuse into gentleness

    4. After marriage the bad does not get better, it get worse
       

  3. Do their moral values match what you believe?

    1. Marriage, divorce, raising children

    2. Drinking, profanity, drugs

    3. Abuse, violent, temper
       

  4. Do you want your children to be taught their values?

    1. Lie, cheat, steal, profanity

    2. Respect for authority, honor parents

    3. See the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
       

  5. Would you introduce this person to the Lord?

    1. Walk up to Jesus and say, “Lord, this is the person I have chosen to be my companion for life.”

    2. Would the Lord be happy – or sad?

Conclusion:

  1. The time to get a divorce is BEFORE you get married.

  2. Before you say, “I do” – make sure that your eternity is not threatened.

 

Adapted from article by Less Bonnett in Carolina Messenger, September, 2003.


 


 



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