A Divine Blueprint: One Man, One Woman

Bible Passage: Matthew 19:3-9

Matthew 19:3–9 TPT

3 The Pharisees were intent on putting Jesus to the test with difficult questions, so they approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” 4 “Haven’t you read the Scriptures about creation?” Jesus replied. “The Creator made us male and female from the very beginning, 5 and ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and live with his wife. And the two will become one flesh.’ 6 From then on, they are no longer two, but united as one. So what God unites let no one divide!” 7 They responded, “So then why did Moses command us to give a certificate of divorce and it would be lawful?” 8 Jesus said, “Moses permitted you to divorce because your hearts are so hard and stubborn, but originally there was no such thing. 9 But I say to you, whoever leaves his wife for any reason other than immorality, then takes another wife is living in adultery. And whoever takes a divorced woman in marriage is also living in adultery.”

Summary: In this passage, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees about the legality of divorce. He refers back to the creation account to affirm the sanctity of marriage as designed by God—one man and one woman—establishing a lifelong covenant that should not be broken lightly.

Application: This sermon can help individuals and couples understand the significance of commitment in their relationships and the impact of societal influences on the biblical understanding of marriage. It encourages believers to seek God’s original design for marriage and to navigate challenges through His guidance and grace.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God’s intention for marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman, emphasizing the need for faithfulness, respect, and mutual support in such relationships. It underscores the broader implications of this union in relation to family, society, and the church.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme points to Christ as the ultimate bridegroom, who models faithfulness and love. Just as the marriage covenant is meant to reflect God's unbreakable commitment to His people, Christ's relationship with the Church exemplifies this profound union.

Big Idea: The essence of marriage as designed by God is a commitment of fidelity and love between one man and one woman, reflecting Christ's relationship with His Church.

A Divine Blueprint: One Man, One Woman

The concept of 'hardness of heart' in relation to divorce is rooted in Jesus' teachings, as recorded in the Gospels.

According to these accounts, when questioned about divorce, Jesus explained that Moses permitted divorce "because of the hardness of your hearts".

This 'hardness of heart' is described as a state of stubbornness, unresponsiveness to God's will, and unwillingness to follow divine instructions on marriage. It is associated with unkindness, lack of love, unholy behavior, and an unforgiving nature.

Jesus emphasized that divorce was not God's original intent for marriage, stating "from the beginning it was not so". He traced this ideal back to creation, indicating that God designed marriage as a permanent arrangement.

The ‘hardness of heart' remains a significant factor in modern divorces Some interpretations view this hardness as a form of rebellion and unbelief, rooted in human depravity.

Because of the hardness of your hearts: Divorce is never commanded, but permitted by God in certain circumstances, and God permits it because of the hardness of human hearts. It was as if Jesus said this: “Here is the ideal; and here is the allowance of God when human sinfulness and hardness of heart has made the ideal unobtainable.”…

Marriage is a covenant made between Husband, Wife & God. When we allow the hardness of heart to tear our marriage apart In 2 Timothy 3:3, they are called truce breakers.

2 Timothy 3:3 KJV

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

In today’s culture, we have individuals who have been married 2-3 times before they turned 35 and are pastors. However, in 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul makes it clear that we should be husbands of one wife. It goes on to say that if you can’t manage your own house, how can you manage the house of God?

1 Timothy 3:2–5 AMP

2 Now a bishop (superintendent, overseer) must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, circumspect and temperate and self-controlled; [he must be] sensible and well behaved and dignified and lead an orderly (disciplined) life; [he must be] hospitable [showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, and be] a capable and qualified teacher, 3 Not given to wine, not combative but gentle and considerate, not quarrelsome but forbearing and peaceable, and not a lover of money [insatiable for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means]. 4 He must rule his own household well, keeping his children under control, with true dignity, commanding their respect in every way and keeping them respectful. 5 For if a man does not know how to rule his own household, how is he to take care of the church of God?

We have men and women who have had children out of wedlock and can’t seem to break free from hatred, unforgiveness, and jealousy from their children's other parent. It is connected to being in an illegal covenant that was broken, and they are still bound to it.

When we come together sexually, we become one; that’s the part of the covenant intended for married couples only.

So, I want to teach us what it means to be in covenant with God and your spouse. My prayer is that healing, breakthrough, and deliverance in marriages and in singleness will happen. The spirit of being a baby’s daddy and a baby’s mama will be broken off, and the spirit of being a husband, a wife, a father, and mother will over take us forever in Jesus' name.

Are Ready for this Road of the Blessed Place?:

A covenant is a formal agreement or treaty that establishes a binding relationship between two parties, often involving mutual obligations.

In biblical contexts, covenants frequently refer to agreements between God and His people.

These divine covenants are characterized by God's promises, which require trust and submission from His people, and may include blessings and curses. (Deut 11 Blessing & Curse)

Deuteronomy 11:26–28 KJV

26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: 28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

The concept of covenant is prominent in both Hebrew and Christian scriptures, with examples including God's covenants with Noah, Abraham, Israel, and David.

Some theological perspectives, such as Covenant Theology, view these post-fall divine covenants as part of a unified, gracious promise centered on Jesus Christ, with each covenant building upon previous ones.

In the Bible, covenants can also describe agreements between individuals, political entities, or even spouses

A covenant is a solemn, formal agreement which binds and defines in some way the relationship between those entering into it.

During Jesus' time, marriage had significant cultural and religious implications. The betrothal process involved a Jewish man proposing marriage by offering a cup of wine to a woman during a gathering with friends and family.

If she accepted, they would be engaged, and the man would prepare a home for them. This cultural practice is reflected in the Christian communion ritual.

John 14:3 KJV

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

The concept of marriage was deeply embedded in Jewish culture, with the union seen as a blood relationship that could not be easily dissolved. In some traditions, marriage ceremonies included elements of royal symbolism, with couples wearing crowns to represent their status as royal citizens of Israel.

1. Divinely Designed Unity

Matthew 19:3–4 KJV

3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

Jesus points to God's design for marriage right from creation. The Pharisees' question initiates a dialogue about divorce, but Jesus redirects it to the foundational truth of a man leaving his parents to unite with his wife. Christ exemplifies how this union is not merely a social contract but a divine decree, encouraging believers to see marriage through the lens of God's original intent for unity and commitment.

When You think About marriage, what do you believe the Original Intent is?

(Let’s stop and pray) for Divinely Designed Unity in Marriage for every TKE Couple)

2. Permanence in Partnership

Matthew 19:5–6 KJV

5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Jesus stresses the importance of permanence and unity in marriage. By quoting Genesis, He emphasizes that marriage creates a new 'one flesh' entity, symbolizing a spiritual oneness. This unity reflects Christ's relationship with His Church, inspiring Christians to view marriage as an unbreakable bond of love and commitment. This teaches about the sanctity and seriousness of the marital covenant and how it demands faithful dedication.

Can you think Of One thing you would practice if you where married to keep the Sanctity & Seriousness of your Covenant?

Lord let every couple in the Embassy keep the Sanctity & Seriousness of your Covenant (Amen)

3. Grace and Hardness of Heart

Matthew 19:7–9 KJV

7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

Jesus highlights that human issues should drive us to God's grace rather than breaking covenant. This underlines the need for grace and repentance in dealing with marital challenges, pointing to Christ as the bridegroom who exemplifies unconditional love and forgiveness.

Which is harder for you? Giving Grace to your spouse or Giving a hard hart?

How can we practically apply the concept of 'one flesh' in our daily relationships?

What steps can we take to ensure we honor our marriage covenant in a culture that frequently undermines it?

In what ways can understanding the 'hardness of heart' help us address conflicts in our marriages?

How can we seek God's guidance in healing marriages that have been affected by divorce or broken covenants?

What role does forgiveness play in restoring and maintaining a healthy marriage according to biblical principles?

How does the idea of commitment in marriage influence the way we approach dating and relationships now?

What are some healthy ways to communicate our expectations in a relationship to avoid misunderstandings?

How can we support our friends in understanding the value of marriage based on God's design?

In what practical ways can we show respect for ourselves and others while navigating romantic relationships?

How can we cultivate resilience in our relationships by learning about the 'hardness of heart' and its effects?

This 'hardness of heart' is described as a state of stubbornness, unresponsiveness to God's will, and unwillingness to follow divine instructions on marriage. It is associated with unkindness, lack of love, unholy behavior, and an unforgiving nature.

Lets Pray against these weapons that are designed to destroy our marriage.