The Marriage Rule

Luke 16:18

Introduction

1.     Requested sermon on this specific text

2.     We usually go to Matthew 19:9 and Matthew 5:32 (looking for the exception)

3.     Before we can look at the exception – we MUST know the RULE.

4.     To understand the rule there are some words we must understand.

1.     Puts away – divorce

a.     Matthew 1:19 – Jospeh sought to put her away privately

b.     Matthew 5:31 – put her away, give a writing of divorcement

c.     Also used in figurative sense – put away sinful man, put away sin

2.     Marries another –

a.     Legally joins to someone other that their spouse

b.     Many today – just live together without the legal sanction of marriage

3.     Commits adultery –

a.     Thayer - to commit adultery with, have unlawful intercourse with another’s wife

b.     Every source – Hebrew, Greek, and English – same definition

4.     Her that is put away – Any “put away person”

a.     Man or woman – same rule applies Mark 10:11-12

b.     If put away “for cause” – not eligible to marry another

c.     If put away without cause – not eligible to marry another

5.     Her husband –

a.     Refers to her “God recognized” husband

b.     There is a difference in the what state law allows and what God allows

c.     Many are legally married – but not scripturally married.

Conclusion:

1.     This is the rule. I know there is a valid exception to the rule.

2.     First know and understand the rule.

3.     Two problems the church is facing

a.     Accepting people who “messed up their lives”

b.     Seek baptism to solve the dilemma they are in

c.     Think that baptism or confession will rid them of the consequences

d.     Baptism and repentance can remove the “guilt”; not the consequences