𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘? 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗬

Pastoral tone note: This message upholds God’s truth about marriage without crushing broken people. Grace is never a license to sin—but it is God’s provision for restoration.

DIVORCE? WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY
Truth, Grace, and Marriage in the Dispensation of Grace

INTRODUCTION

Marriage is God’s design, not man’s invention. In the dispensation of the grace of God (Eph. 3:2), believers must rightly divide Scripture—distinguishing law, kingdom teaching, and Pauline instruction—to understand God’s will for marriage, separation, and grace.

God hates divorce—but He loves people.
Malachi 2:16; Romans 5:8 (KJV)

① DESIGN — God’s Pattern for Marriage
Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31 (KJV)

A. Divine Institution – Marriage created by God
B. Defined Union – One man, one woman
C. Declared Permanence – “One flesh” bond
Grace does not erase God’s design.

② DECEPTION — Culture’s View vs. God’s View
Proverbs 14:12; Colossians 2:8 (KJV)

A. Emotional Reasoning – “Follow your heart”
B. Earthly Philosophy – Happiness over holiness
C. Eternal Truth – God’s Word over feelings
Grace never follows culture—it follows Christ.

③ DECLARATION — Divorce Under the Law
Matthew 19:6–8; Deuteronomy 24:1 (KJV)

A. Hardness of Hearts – Divorce permitted, not praised
B. Kingdom Context – Spoken to Israel under law
C. God’s Ideal – Permanence, not separation
Grace recognizes context through right division.

④ DISTINCTION — Pauline Instruction for Today
1 Corinthians 7:10–12; Romans 7:2 (KJV)

A. Lord’s Command – Believers not to divorce lightly
B. Liberty with Responsibility – Separation addressed soberly
C. Covenant Weight – Marriage still binding
Grace governs marriage with responsibility, not recklessness.

⑤ DAMAGE — The Cost of Divorce
Malachi 2:14–16; Proverbs 6:32 (KJV)

A. Emotional Wounds – Pain to spouses and children
B. Spiritual Harm – Fellowship strained
C. Testimony Loss – Christ dishonored publicly
Grace seeks healing, not harm.

⑥ DEVELOPMENT — Trials as Tools for Growth
James 1:2–4; Romans 8:28 (KJV)

A. Marriage Trials – God uses hardship
B. Mutual Sanctification – Growing together
C. Mature Faith – Endurance produces strength
Grace matures believers through difficulty.

⑦ DELIVERANCE — Grace Is Not Permission
Romans 6:1–2; Titus 2:11–12 (KJV)

A. False Grace Teaching – “Grace covers divorce anyway”
B. True Grace Power – Grace teaches self-control
C. Transforming Grace – Strength to remain faithful
Grace empowers obedience—it does not excuse sin.

⑧ DISCIPLESHIP — God’s Help for Hurting Marriages
Galatians 6:1–2; Ecclesiastes 4:12 (KJV)

A. Restoration Spirit – Gentle correction
B. Shared Burdens – Support within the Body
C. Strengthened Union – Christ at the center
Grace restores what sin damages.

⑨ DELIGHT — Hope for the Broken
Isaiah 61:1–3; 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

A. Forgiveness Available – No sin beyond grace
B. New Beginning – Healing for repentant hearts
C. Redeemed Testimony – God brings beauty from ashes
Grace redeems the repentant, not the rebellious.

CALL TO ACTION

Submit marriage to God’s Word
Reject cultural lies
Trust grace to strengthen—not replace—commitment
What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder
Matthew 19:6 (KJV)

CONCLUSION

Divorce is never God’s desire, but grace is always God’s provision.
Truth must be preached without compromise, and grace must be extended without confusion.
Grace does not lower God’s standard—it lifts broken people to meet it.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Marriage is God’s design
Scripture outweighs feelings
Right division clarifies doctrine
Divorce carries real damage
Trials can grow marriages
Grace empowers obedience
Restoration is possible
Forgiveness is available
God’s truth + grace bring healing