1.28.12 "The Two Shall Become One"

"The Two Shall Become One"

Exodus 5:22-7:25
Matthew 18:21-19:12
Psalm 23:1-6
Proverbs 5:22-23

With the majority of marriages ending in divorce in America today, there must be a popular belief that divorce is ok. Unfortunately, that is leaking into the church. But we should be different. We must be Empowered through Biblical Training. If we do not take the principles of scripture and apply them to our lives, we will so easily succumb to the tainted doctrines of worldliness.

In today's reading from the One Year Bible, the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus. They want him to slip up so they can turn the people against him. Knowing what a volatile subject it is, they ask his opinion on divorce.

Jesus responds with scripture that we've all heard many times. "'Don't you read the Scriptures?' he replied. 'in them it is written that at the beginning God created man and woman, and that a man should leave his father and mother, and be forever united to his wife. The two shall become one - no longer two, but one! And no man may divorce what God has joined together.'" (Matt. 19:4-6)

Marriage is a precious thing to God. The enemy knows that and will do whatever he can to get people to mess it up. The sad thing is that the enemy has deceived many into justifying divorce. He has painted a picture that divorce is ok. What is even more sad is that Christians are believing that lie.

There is no room for the concept of divorce in the life of the believer. What has happened is that the enemy has whispered some thoughts and "exceptions" into the mind of believers who may be struggling in their marriage, and the door has been opened to the thought of marriage breakup. This is extremely dangerous.

One of the most common lies that Christians use to entertain the idea of divorce is the idea that "I married the wrong person". "I wasn't listening to God when I married this one." This is a dangerous lie that some listen to so long that it becomes a cancer that drowns out the voice of truth.

"No man may divorce what God has joined together." It doesn't say that only "marriages from obedient people are joined by God". We are created so that the two become one. It's as foolish as a mother saying, "I was living in sin on the day I became pregnant with this child, so now that the child is 2 and driving me crazy, I need to kill the child." I'm horrified to even type that statement. Yet why aren't we horrified as believers when we see marriages falling apart?

It's time that we close the door to the idea of divorce. You may be in a place where you need to close this door in your own marriage. Maybe you've had your hand on the doorknob ready to walk out. Or maybe you've opened the door to the concept that divorce might be an option. That needs to slam shut. We need to come to terms with the fact that this is not an option.

It's been said to me, "Well, I know it's a sin to divorce, but I'll just ask forgiveness afterwards." Is that a statement of someone who fears God?

The priority in the life of a believer is to enter an intimate relationship with the Lord. So many fear doing this for many reasons. I know several who don't want to get right with God because of fear that He will heal the marriage that they don't want to be in.

What do you think about divorce? Are you pretty passive about it? Is the word allowed in your home? In our home we obviously don't threaten murder when disciplining our child nor do we ever allow the word divorce in our home. To do so would open the door to immeasurable risks.

Too often people wait too long to talk to someone when the marriage is a struggle. If you're in a place where the marriage relationship is strained, value it enough to talk to someone about it. Don't talk to someone with a worldly perspective who will advise you to "abort." Talk to someone who understands what marriage is supposed to be. Too often pride prevents couples from seeking help. The cancer grows.

God has a plan for your life. He put you together with your mate for a purpose. He wants to complete his work in your marriage so he can work through your marriage. Marriage is a very important Relationship Devoted to Unity.


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
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