Another Exception?
1 Cor. 7:10-24
Introduction:
A. Some have suggested that 1 Cor. 7:10-24 gives "another exception" to God's law concerning divorce and remarriage
B. Before one examines an exception to a rule, the rule must first be understood.
C. Thus we will approach this study in this manner:
1. Understand God's marriage law
2. Understand God's law on divorce
3. Note the exception to the law as given by God
4. Examine 1 Cor. 7:10-24 to see if it provides any other exceptions or permissions
I. God's Marriage Law
A. Given in Gen. 2:21-25
B. Expounded upon by Jesus in Matt. 19:3-6
C. Consider implications of loosing or perverting God's marriage law
D. Are all men amenable to God's law?
1. Romans 1 deals with those who are not obedient to God's law (note "covenant breakers" v. 31)
2. God's marriage law transcends dispensations. Given to all men
3. If non-Christians are not amenable to God's marriage law, they cannot be married!
E. Note what Romans 7:2, 3 says about God's marriage law
II. What the Bible Says About Divorce
A. "I hate divorce" Mal. 2:16
B. Results in adultery according to Matt. 5:32; Matt. 19:9; and Luke 16:8
C. The implications of "adultery against her" in Mark 10:11-13
1. Define adultery
2. Placed in context, implies marriage vows viable after divorce
E. The marriage vow is a vow to God, and to partner Eccl. 5:4, 5
a. "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it" (4)
b. "Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay" (5)
III. The Exception Examined
A. Fornication is valid reason for innocent to put away guilty mate (Matt. 5:32; 19:9)
B. Stated by Jesus as the only exception!
1. Note the question in Matt. 19:3 "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?"
2. The answer Jesus gave is that there is only one cause for lawful divorce (v. 9)
C. Fornication defined (See Thayer's Greek Definitions)
IV. Does 1 Cor. 7:10-24 Give Another Exception?
A. "But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried" (v. 11)
1. License or liability?
2. Cf. 1 John 2:1
" ...these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous"
3. The same type of language is used in both of these verses
4. If 1 Cor. 7:10, 11 gives license to divorce, then 1 John 2:1 gives license to sin!
5. Both give a command and then discuss the sin of breaking that command
B. "Not under bondage" (v. 15)
1. Does it mean the marriage bond is not binding?
2. Rather that the deserted party is not responsible for the leaving of the deserter
3. Cf. Matt. 19:9
C. "Abide in the same calling" (17, 20, 24)
Conclusion:
A. God's law is given to protect us. Much hurt would be prevented if we follow God's law
B. Note the response of Jesus to the charge that this is too hard! (Matt. 19:10-12)
1. He did not suggest that God's grace would cover the sinner who would not repent
2. He said some have made themselves eunuchs (lived in celibacy) for the sake of the kingdom!
C. God commands repentance for all sins
Fornication as used in Matt. 19:9
ðïñíåßá
porneia
Thayer Definition:
1) illicit sexual intercourse
1a) adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals
etc.
1b) sexual intercourse with close relatives; Lev. 18
1c) sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman; Mk. 10:11,12
2) metaphorically the worship of idols
2a) of the defilement of idolatry, as incurred by eating the sacrifices offered
to idols
Lust as used in Matt. 5:28
epithumeoô
Thayer Definition:
1) to turn upon a thing
2) to have a desire for, long for, to desire
3) to lust after, covet
3a) of those who seek things forbidden