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:
Nationally – For every 3 marriages there is a divorce in the USA.
In several states the figure is – 1 divorce for every 2 marriages
This sermon is not about the doctrine of divorce and remarriage.
I want to focus on how to prevent the divorce in the first place.
Many teens fall in love before they realize the seriousness of the relationship.
“I’ll altar him, then I’ll alter him.”
Computer term – WYSIWYG (pronounced – “wizzy wig”) – means “What you see is what you get.”
Drinks, curses, lies NOW – They will after marriage, too.
Kind, gentle, moral NOW – They will after marriage, too.
Here are some questions to ask:
Where is this person spiritually?
Were they raised attending a church? Sunday School?
Do they have faith in God, Jesus, and Bible?
Do you pray together?
Do they share your goals for eternity?
1 Corinthians 9:5 – “Take along a believing wife”
Much discussion on marrying ONLY a Christian.
While not commanded, certainly highly recommended.
Paul said that if he
married, it would be a Christian.
How does this person treat you?
Golden Rule still applies
Kind, gentle – Yell, angry, violent
A 20-minute ceremony does not change abuse into gentleness
After marriage the bad does
not get better, it get worse
Do their moral values match what you believe?
Marriage, divorce, raising children
Drinking, profanity, drugs
Abuse, violent, temper
Do you want your children to be taught their values?
Lie, cheat, steal, profanity
Respect for authority, honor parents
See the fruit of the spirit
(Galatians 5:22-23)
Would you introduce this person to the Lord?
Walk up to Jesus and say, “Lord, this is the person I have chosen to be my companion for life.”
Would the Lord be happy – or sad?
Conclusion:
The time to get a divorce is BEFORE you get married.
Before you say, “I do” – make sure that your eternity is not threatened.
Adapted from article by Less Bonnett in Carolina Messenger, September, 2003.