Introduction:

1. Jesus allows only one reason for divorce and remarriage - fornication, sexual immorality.

If the divorce is for any other reason, the subsequent remarriages are identified as adulterous relationships, condemning the souls of those involved.

2. There are important questions which need to be asked with regards to the Bible’s teaching on MDR, especially given the proliferation of divorces and remarriages in our country. (divorce - 50%, remarriage - 75%)

- What is the Bible’s teaching on the permanency of marriage?

- What is the exception given by Jesus?

- What, exactly, is fornication?

3. In the sex charged society we live in, it has become necessary that we be specific when talking about these matters. Our former President helped cast a cloud of uncertainty and doubt upon what constitutes sex. Today’s youth have the idea that as long as they stop short of penetration they have not engaged in sex and thus don't consider themselves to be sexually active.

The Internet has opened a door to new questions regarding what constitutes a scriptural reason to divorce. Involvement in pornography and emotional affairs with people met in chat rooms can cripple a marriage, but do they qualify as the exception given by the Lord?

Unfortunately it has become necessary for us to deal with these kinds of questions.

4. Newer translations of the Bible don't help the matter. Notice how different versions translate the Greek word PORNEA.

KJV, ASV - fornication

NKJV - sexual immorality

NASV - immorality (unchastity - 5:32)

RSV, NRSV - unchastity

NIV - marital unfaithfulness

TEV - unfaithful

CEV - terrible sexual sin

Living Bible - fornication

What is meant by the word PORNEA? Many of these translations are vague and open to interpretation. Understanding this will allow us to understand the actions which qualify as the exception and the ones that don't.

I. Dictionary Definitions

1. Fornication: "voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons or two persons not married to each other" (Random House Unabridged Dictionary).

2. PORNEIA: "illicit sexual intercourse:

a. adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with

animals, etc.

b. sexual intercourse with close relatives; Lev. 18.

c. sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman" (Thayer).

Fornication is, by definition, any sexual intercourse outside the marriage bond.

Clearly, fornication is not any kind of sexual immorality, but specifically the kind that involves "intercourse."

Studying these definitions makes it clear what Jesus meant when He gave the one exception in Matthew 5:23, 19:9. The word Jesus used involves sexual intercourse. That, and that alone, gives a Scriptural "cause" for divorce and remarriage.

II. Bible Definitions

The Bible is its best commentary. We can get a clear understanding of what constitutes fornication by looking at the way the Bible describes it.

1. Hebrews 13:4 - fornication and adultery violate the marriage bed. This shows that fornication is something done on a bed.

Genesis 49:4 - Reuben defiled his father’s bed.

Genesis 35:22 - he had intercourse with his father’s concubine.

2. Leviticus 18:20-23

"to lie carnally with" - KJV, NKJV

"have intercourse with" - NASV

"have sexual relations with" - NIV

Words are sufficiently graphic to understand what is physically described.

- The use of the word "with" shows that this is something which can't be done alone. Self-gratification (masturbation) is not fornication.

- There are three categories involved:

a. with someone not your spouse.

b. with a person of the same sex (homosexuality).

c. with animals (bestiality).

3. Ezekiel 16:25 - This is one of many Old Testament passages which uses the physical act of adultery to describe Israel’s unfaithfulness to God.

"offered yourself" - NKJV

"opened thy feet" - KJV

"spread your legs" - NASV

4. 1 Cor. 6:15-18 - this passage teaches that fornication is a physical act, a sin against the physical body. It involves the "joining" of one body to another body (v. 16). This describes the "one flesh" relationship between a husband and wife.

Even without the definitions in dictionaries and lexicons, the Bible is graphic enough in its description of what constitutes fornication.

III. What About "Adultery of the Heart"?

Matthew 5:27-28 - is this justification for divorce? Does it satisfy the exception given by Jesus?

1. Jesus specifies this as a thought of the heart, not a physical act. Fornication is a physical act involving the body. Lustful thoughts are not intercourse.

2. Even the Ten Commandments made a distinction between the act and the thought:

Exodus 20:14 - "Thou shalt not commit adultery."

Exodus 20:17 - "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors' wife."

3. Verses 27-28 belong with verse 22, not verse 32. Jesus is showing that it is not enough to stop short of the physical act of murder or adultery, we are to stop these sins where they begin - in the heart.

4. We can not judge another person’s heart - 1 Cor. 2:11.

5. Which of us would not be guilty in this matter? No one would have this cause for divorce and remarriage because everyone would be a cause.

IV. Miscellaneous Considerations

What about the things that would be included in sexual immorality?

Pornography, self gratification, sexual activity short of intercourse?

While they do not constitute fornication, and thus are not a reason allowing for divorce and remarriage, they are condemned in the Bible as sin.

Galatians 5:19-21 - the works of the flesh.

uncleanness - "physical or moral impurity, sensual, lustful."

lasciviousness - "unbridled lust, shamelessness, indecent bodily

movements, unchaste handling of males and females."

Conclusion:

1. Fornication must involve sexual intercourse.

2. Fornication is a physical act, joining oneself physically to the body of another through sexual intercourse. "Heart Adultery" is not a reason for divorce.

3. Fornication involves intercourse outside of marriage with three categories: someone not your spouse, someone of the same sex, an animal.

4. Self gratification is not intercourse. Fornication always involves another.

5. Forms of sexual activity leading to intercourse are condemned as uncleanness and lasciviousness. They are sinful when not confined to the marriage bed, but they do not constitute fornication.

6. Premarital sex is condemned as fornication. Premarital sexual activity that stops short of intercourse is condemned as uncleanness and lasciviousness. They are both clearly sins.

7. Fornication in Matthew 5:32, 19:9 does not include sexual intercourse that occurred before marriage. That is, one can not divorce his wife because he finds out that she wasn't a virgin when they were married. The context would imply that this "fornication" is that which violates an existing marriage bond, not premarital activity.

This is not the kind of study that we enjoy, but it is best that make sure we understand exactly what Jesus meant when He gave the exception. If we wait until we have to deal with the problem then we run the risk of our convictions being based upon our emotions rather than our emotions being held in check by our convictions.

Ephesians 6:10

Introduction:
        There is a desire in everyone to find strength and to be strong.
        - Banks, Insurance Companies, Financial Institutions.
        - Physical strength, working out, conditioning coaches.

Does every Christian, and the church as a whole, have as great a desire to be strong in the Lord?
God desires that the church be strong - Rev. 3:1-2, 17-18
What can we do to help this church be strong?

I. Things Not Essential To Produce A Strong Church

1. Large Membership - usually there is strength in numbers. Physical strength, morale, courage, intimidation, etc. But not spiritual strength.
Some people gravitate towards large churches. Want to be where it is popular to be, with the "in crowd."
Spiritually weak people can easily "hide" in larger churches.
If a large church is filled with half converted, worldly minded people, it becomes a discouragement to the faithful few.
Judges 7:2 - great numbers can become a hindrance when they begin to depend upon themselves and their own strength and forget God.

2. Wealth - the church in Laodicea boasted in their wealth, but they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked (Rev. 3:17).
Wealth is a great blessing if it is accompanied by a sense of stewardship and wisdom.
1 Timothy 6:17 - warning given to rich individuals holds true for rich congregations. We are not to trust in wealth and forget about God.
Luke 12:15 - true spiritual strength of a church does not depend upon the size of their budget or bank account.

3. Building - a building is necessary, needs to be kept up. Shouldn't be an eyesore. It should provide a welcoming and reverent atmosphere. The church with the biggest, fanciest building is not the strongest. The church isn't the building, it is the people who meet in that building.

4. Popularity - some churches bolster their numbers by courting the community. They want their church to be in the "Who's Who."
It would be great if a church was recognized and respected for taking a stand against sin and error, but the opposite is true. Popularity with the world would be an indication of compromise and softness, not strength (James 4:4).

5. Eldership - elders are essential for a church to be fully organized, but not to be strong (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5). That's an unfair indictment upon many congregations.
If the members count on the elders to do all the work, or rest and refuse to test all things, study, grow individually, thinking the elders will do it, the church will not be strong. Regardless of how strong the elders are.

II. Things Essential To Produce A Strong Church

The above are things that indicate strength to the world and even to some brethren. But what things really produce a strong church.
A church is made up of people, the members. The strength of the church depends upon the strength of the members. "Weakest link."

1. Converted Membership
Matthew 18:3 - conversion is essential to even enter the kingdom/church. A strong church is made up of converted, convicted, committed members. People who have denied themselves, taken up their cross and seek the follow the teachings of Jesus in every aspect of their lives.
An unconverted membership will not follow the teachings of Christ in their individual lives. They will bring sin and unsound thinking into the church which will influence the church.

2. Taught Membership
Hosea 4:6 - our link with God is through His word. We need to be committed to studying the word individually, and using the assembly time to study the word together.
A good appetite for spiritual food is a sign of strength. Habitual absence from assemblies, Bible classes is weakness. Eph. 5:15-17

3. Unified Membership
New Testament makes it clear that there is strength in unity and weakness in division.
Matt. 12:25 - the Lord condemned division.
Acts 4:32 - the Jerusalem church was together, and it grew.

Paul condemned division - 1 Cor. 1:10-13
Admonitions from apostles to be on "one mind." Phil. 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8

4. Working Membership
5% of church willing to work, 95% willing to let them.
A working church doesn't have time to be a fussing church. A working church has something invested in itself, people care about something that have invested themselves into.
Eph. 2:10 - we were created to do the works of God.
Titus 2:14 - Jesus gave Himself to purify a people zealous for good works.
James 2:25 - a church without works is not strong, it is dead.

5. Disciplined Church
Some don't like church discipline, but it is necessary to be strong.
Must cast out the leaven - 1 Cor. 5:4-7.
An undisciplined church is a church full of sin. A church full of sin can not be strong.

Acts 5:14 - the result of the first act of church discipline was that multitudes were increasingly added to the Lord.
Undisciplined churches send the wrong message, attract weak, unconverted, sinful Christians who wish to stay that way and have an influence upon others.

Conclusion:

The Lord sees and provides for strength in ways that the world doesn't.
Which are we? Are we doing what we can to provide for the strength of this church, or are we among the weaker links in the chain?

Introduction:

We are familiar with fasting from a medical point of view. And we know that it was practiced in the Bible, but rarely do we see brethren, or other religious people, fast today.
What does the Bible say about fasting? What role should fasting play in the life of a Christian?

I. What Is Fasting?

Fasting is to go without food voluntarily. Breakfast comes from the idea of "breaking the fast" we have done through the night as we slept.
Although there are some medical benefits from fasting, it is generally spoken of and observed for religious purposes.
Fasting may be partial - abstaining from certain kinds of food or drink. Or it may be total - abstaining from all food as well as from washing, anointing and sleeping. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
The duration may be of any length of time.
For one day - sunrise to sunset.
Seven day fast - 1 Samuel 31:13
Three week fast - Daniel 10:3
Forty days - Moses (Ex. 34:28), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), Jesus (Matt. 4:2)

No one knows how or when fasting originated. It was a widespread practice in ancient religions.

II. Occasions For Fasting
        People in the Bible fasted for different reasons.

1. Day of Atonement - Leviticus 16:29-31. Although the Jews fasted frequently, there was only one fast commanded by the Law of Moses.
Each year, on the Day of Atonement, the Israelites were to "afflict their souls." This signified them lowering or humbling themselves.
Isaiah 58:3 shows that this included a fast.

2. Sorrow and Grief - deep emotions are often accompanied by a loss of appetite.
1 Sam. 31:13 - death of Saul and his sons
2 Sam. 1:12 - David mourned Saul and Jonathan's death
2 Sam. 12:16 - sickness of David's son
Neh. 1:4 - learning of the condition of Jerusalem

3. Repentance - fasting naturally reinforces the attitude of repentance and heartfelt confession.
1 Sam. 7:6 - when Israel was judged at Mizpah
Neh. 9:1-2 - Israel confessed their sins
Jonah 3:5-8 - people of Nineveh repented
Acts 9:9 - Saul fasted as he was in a state of repentance

4. Seeking God's Will - fasting is often connected with prayer - with the idea that it is a more effective and fervent prayer. Not that it gets God's attention as much as it gets ours.
Acts 10:30 - Cornelius
Acts 13:2 - disciples at Antioch
Acts 14:23 - appointing elders in churches

III. The Christian and Fasting

While Jews were commanded to fast under the Law of Moses, this is not the case with Christians under the gospel of Christ.
"It appears that it is a matter left mainly to individual choice" (Nelson's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Bible Facts, p. 470).
There is no command given to Christians to fast.

Matthew 6:16-18 - while Jesus didn't command fasting, it is interesting that He expected His disciples to fast.
- Again, it is connected to prayer.
- Fasting is not to be an outward show, but a private act of self-control and self-denial between the individual and God (Isaiah 58:3-7).

While there are no commands or specific instructions concerning fasting in the Epistles, Paul expected the Corinthians to fast (1 Cor. 7:5).

IV. Benefits of Fasting - Why should we consider fasting?

1. God honors it - Matt. 6:18. Jesus teaches us that God recognizes fasting as a token of deep sincerity. That's why if we do it to be seen of by men, it has avail us only that. But if we do it to God, He sees and will reward it (see us as a sincere, self-disciplined person).

2. Medical benefit. Physicians tell us that moderate fasting is helpful to the body. It allows our systems to cleanse themselves.

3. Self-control. Fasting, denying ourselves of a strong and natural impulse to eat, is a great exercise in self-denial and self-control. Two things that the Christian is expected to have.

4. Greater concentration. Fasting is connected with prayer, and it was observed by individuals during times that they were trying to draw closer to God.
The mind is able to think deeper and better during a fast. This helps us in our prayer and meditation.

5. Greater appreciation. Fasting reinforces our appreciation for the abundance of good things with which we have been so graciously blessed.

Conclusion:

We are not commanded to fast, but when we consider the role it played in the lives of men like Moses, Elijah, David, Nehemiah, Jesus and Paul, perhaps we need to give it a second thought.

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