In what situations did Jesus allow divorce?
(Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Cor. 12:7-10;1 Thes. 4:13-18; James 5:14-16) Blog May 26-June 01, 2019
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: We were created for companionship and communion. Lasting relationships should be built upon covenants. Covenants provide stability and predictability because a person’s obligations and privileges are clearly stated and entered into by making vows in the presence of witnesses. The character and ability of the covenant maker will determine the value of their promises. Only when the Gospel of God’s grace is presented to us are we freed to make good choices, so true believers are the most likely to have successful relationships. Only by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which we receive when we believe in Jesus, are we enabled to subdue our sinful natures and form relationships that give glory to God.
The loss of health (John 5:14; Rom. 5:12; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; James 5:14-16)
1. What brought disease and death into the world? Sin.
2. Whose sin is primarily responsible for our personal lack of health? Our own.
3. How can we maintain and improve our health? By living in harmony with God’s laws.
4. Name some Bible characters who maintained a good level of health their entire lives? Moses, Caleb, the Apostle John.
5. What are Christians told to do if they or a brother gets sick? They are to call for the elders to come & apply remedies & pray for them & they are to confess their sins & believe that God will heal them if it is his will.
6. What examples from the Bible show that God does not always heal believers when they ask? Those of Lazarus & Paul.
The Loss of a relationship (Gen. 13:2-10; Eze. 16:8-9, 38, 59-63; Matt. 18:15-17; 19:8-9)
7. When a fellow church member betrays your trust what are you to do? Go speak to him alone about the matter & follow the counsel of Matthew 18.
8. In what situations did Jesus allow divorce? In cases of adultery.
9. Under the theocracy in Israel what was the penalty for adultery? Death.
10. What must take place if a marriage is to be renewed after one party has committed adultery? There must be open confession, abandonment of the other party in sin, forgiveness, & renewal of the marriage covenant.
11. What example of forgiving adultery is given in Ezequiel 16? God’s forgiveness & renewal of his covenant with Jerusalem.
The loss of life (Psa. 115:17; 116:15; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; Rev. 21:4; )
12. What does Hebrews 9:27 say about death? That human being are only appointed to die once & then face judgment.
13. When losing a loved one by death in what does Scripture say we should take comfort? In the truth that Jesus both died & rose again & will come again to resurrect those who died in faith uniting us with them for eternity.
14. What is God’s attitude towards the death of one of his children? He considers it precious.
15. What can the dead nor longer do in relation to God? They can no longer praise God.
16. What should we not do when suffering the loss of a loved one? We should not think that we can no longer serve the Lord.