What make a marriage good?

What is a good marriage?

(ii) A good marriage is one in which God’s original created intention is believed

(iii) A good marriage is one that behaves according to belief in God: leaving, cleaving, & weaving

(iv) A good marriage is one where there is no obstinacy against God

1. Belief

(a) What is Jesus saying?

Jesus is saying that concessions to human hard-heartedness during the period of the Mosaic law do not nullify God’s initial intentions for marriage and may no longer be used as an excuse for divorce (). The NT age begins the process of restoring God’s original purposes in creation. [Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (p. 60). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.]

Jesus is saying that concessions to human hard-heartedness during the period of the Mosaic law do not nullify God’s initial intentions for marriage and may no longer be used as an excuse for divorce (). The NT age begins the process of restoring God’s original purposes in creation. [Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (p. 60). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.]

Human hard-heartedness is not only characteristic of unbelievers, but it is the case of believers as well - . One common trait with both unbelievers and believers who are hard-hearted is that they both have been confronted with the truth. ()

Human hard-heartedness is not only characteristic of unbelievers, but it is the case of believers as well - . One common trait with both unbelievers and believers who are hard-hearted is that they both have been confronted with the truth. ()

(b) Why is Jesus saying this?

There are two groups listening here:

Jesus is saying these words in response to those who are in utter unbelief. As the King, he is raising the bar of the Kingdom to bring men to the end of trust in themselves (v. 9) See also Christ's response raises the bar above the most conservative Pharisees of that time.

Jesus is saying these words in response to those who are in utter unbelief. As the King, he is raising the bar of the Kingdom to bring men to the end of trust in themselves (v. 9)

Christ's response raises the bar above the most conservative Pharisees of that time.

Jesus is affirming that the law was not given with the intention of bringing justification or correction what was wrong.

Jesus is affirming that the law was not given with the intention of bringing justification or correction what was wrong.

(c) What does this mean?

The disciples think that it is not good to get married because it would restrict the man from divorcing a woman for other seemingly justifiable offenses.

Hence, restriction from living out against God's original intent is considered to be bad. It is better to not marry.

This is the case because men want to be able to divorce or use divorce as a means to justify or correct what they perceive to be a problem.

It means that marriage is bad because of impasses that would call for divorce.

It means that marriage is bad unless we are able to get through the impasses.

It means that marriage is bad unless we receive the ability to remain faithful in our calling.

(d) How does this apply?

(i) You can know Jesus as your Savior and still sense that your marriage is a bad situation.

Illustration: the details on a nickel or a penny

(ii) You must allow your unbelief to be exposed. You must see your unbelief and repent of it.

* What do you resort to when you come to impasses in your relationships?

* What we resort to is often what we believe will correct or re-align the situation.

APPLICATION:

There must be times for conversation

These conversations need to

(iii) Your unbelief is exposed by honest study and instruction from God & his Word.

The Word of God is where we are confronted with God’s impossible standard

The Word of God is where we are confronted with the Only One who could meet God’s impossible standard

The Word of God is where we are called to believe in the One who fulfilled God’s impossible standard

The Word of God is where our expectations need to be brought into alignment.

Illustration: Gridlock;

(iv) Solving the problem begins with a genuine belief in the One who can do the impossible.

Genuine belief in God begins with the belief that He could do the impossible by bringing you into His Kingdom

Genuine belief in God is shown by behaviors to obey and not behaviors to exploit/deny

(v. 5) Leave/Cleave/Weave

(v. 22) Went away sorrowful

Conclusion:

APPLICATION:

There must be times for conversation.

The dominant theme of your conversation should be how the gospel would cause you to see, believe, or address all situations.

A date night is helpful to allow for this kind of conversation.

These conversations allow for vulnerability…be willing to be shown a better way

An individual who is not open to being wrong is a proud individual.

A good marriage is one where...

2. Mercy

3. Humility

3. Marcy