TEXT: Malachi 2:16 (NASB)
16 For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the LORD of hosts. “So, take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.”
Last week Jesus answered the question about greatness or success in life and eternity. Jesus said, the path to greatness in the kingdom of God is humility. For what does it profit a man, he said, if you gain the whole world and do not make it to heaven? Therefore “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” James 4:10 (NASB) Humility is an expression of love. Jesus Christ is our perfect example of Humility. He also demonstrated love with ultimate sacrifice and without treacherousness. These are the signs and characteristics which can make believers relationship with God and with one another successful. And these are the ingredients of true revival in the church of God. As I have said before, revival is not for a dead church, it is a sign of a living Church, like in the days of the Apostles.
4. Question of Divorce: Matthew 19:3-9 “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” Matthew 19:3-9 (NKJV) This was a question designed to tempt or trap Jesus on legal issues. But marriage, he said, is an institution of God and divorce is not. “…, ‘FOR THIS REASON, A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” Matthew 19:5-6 (NASB) The mathematics of marriage with God, is one plus one equals one. His commandment is, as we read “What God has put together as one, let no one put asunder” But for two reasons, God allows or excuse divorce. (1) In the case of uncleanness or infidelity as we call it. Undisclosed relationship in marriage is like two or more coming together in marriage. No, that is not how God ordained marriage. (2) the second reason, Jesus said is because of hardness of heart. As the question goes “divorce for whatever reason?” Furthermore, the Lord said, God did not intend marriage to end in divorce, because it is a union of love. It is supposed to be indivisible; you cannot divide what God has made as one. “If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. “Matthew 19:10 (KJV) So the disciples asked Jesus. We might ask also, is it a sin to divorce? And can you avoid sexual sin by abstinence or become a Eunuch? Jesus said, to do according to the will of God, is given to us by the grace and with the love and power of God. Revival fire burns bright when believers are consumed with the love of God and led by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the question we should be asking is, why divorce? If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and savior, and as Paul said, you “have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come” Hebrews 6:4-5 Then you must ask yourself, why do I have to go through divorce? Or How can I help a fellow Christian facing divorce? Consider the following questions: Is it about hardheartedness or infidelity? why do you need to keep your marriage as one and undefiled? And what motivates you, gain or godliness? Prophet Malachi said this, “So, take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” To experience real revival, individually, in a family, and the church, faithlessness and unfaithfulness must die. We must Communicate with one another in spirit and in truth. “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:6 (NASB) Finally “… whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything, worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 (NASB) And remember the words of Jesus, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. John 15:12 (NASB) God Bless you. (To be continues with Q&A No. 5) 02/17/2021