Overcoming Divorce
Overcomers Week #6
Overcoming Divorce
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” Malachi 2:16
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 7haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,19a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16-19
7 Things Detestable to God:
1. Haughty eyes
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
- A child should never be weaponized against their biological mother or father
4. A heart that devises wicked schemes
5. Feet that are quick to rush into evil
6. A false witness who pours out lies
7. A person who stirs up conflict
- All of us are in the same place and all of us need the same grace
3 questions about Divorce:
1. Does God hate divorce? YES
- God does hate divorce, but God does not hate you
2. Should divorce be my first option? NO
What does it take to make a marriage work?
a. Forgiveness
b. Ownership
c. Time
After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. Acts 15:36-40
3. Is there life beyond divorce? YES
- Two words often associated with divorce: failure and defeat
- What defeated you does not get to define you for the rest of your life
“Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. 17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— 18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” John 4:16-18
The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah! John 4:25-26
Just because you’re divorced doesn’t mean you’re damaged
You may have gone through a divorce but divorce is not your name. Your marriage may have ended but failure is not your name. You may have not felt loved but unlovable is not your name. You are a child of God completely loved, forgiven and free.