“For I say unto you, that EXCEPT your RIGHTEOUSNESS shall EXCEED THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, ye shall in NO CASE ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN…” Matthew 5: 20 (Emphasis mine)
This morning, we are going to look into another interesting and yet a controversial subject. This has to do with marriage, adultery, fornication and divorce in relation to kingdom righteousness. We are going to look at this subject from both the Pharisaic and Jesus’ perspective. From the earlier editions, we discovered that, one of the roles the scribes and pharisees played in their community, was drafting of legal documents such as contracts for marriage, divorce, loans, inheritance, mortgages, the sale of land, and the like. They did all these based on their knowledge of the Law.
Before we proceed, let us briefly define the following terms in biblical perspective in order to aid our understanding. Marriage is when a man and a woman are united together to become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Marriage is described as a holy covenant before God according to Malachi 2:14. In the Jewish custom, which often is the basis for Christian marriage, God’s people signed a written agreement at the time of the marriage to seal the covenant. The marriage ceremony, therefore, is meant to be a public demonstration of a couple’s commitment to a covenant relationship. It’s not the “ceremony” that’s important; it’s the couple’s covenant commitment before God and men. Marriage also signifies our covenant relationship with God. The romance in the marriage also signifies our worship.
Adultery is simply defined as the sexual relations in which at least one participant is married to someone else. It also means unfaithfulness. When this act is committed it means one party in the marriage has breached the trust of the covenant relation. In our walk with God, when we consult other gods apart from Him, we commit adultery. Sometimes they may not necessarily be graven images or spirits but anything that drives our hearts away from God.
Fornication: the Greek word ‘por-ni’-ah’ which means harlotry (including adultery and incest). It also means to indulge in unlawful sex. Unlawful sex is not just a man and a woman indulging in sexual act outside marriage. But includes homosexuality and bestialism (having sexual intercourse with animals).
Divorce is the dissolution of a covenant relationships. Marriage is an example of covenant relationship. In this process all the agreement in the covenant that binds the parties involved are dis-annulled. Divorce is one of the acts that God categorically stated he hates but we saw some fallout in the scriptures and what precipitated them.
From the above definitions and explanations, the stage is set for us to look into the teachings of Jesus on the mountain, which was part of his first sermon, analyze them and see how we can apply it to our lives try to fulfill our kingdom righteous. As believers, we have various opinions and dispositions when it comes to such matters. But we need to put aside our sentiments and look at what the Master Himself said and not what we deem fit.
Beloved, in closing, let us ponder on the words of Jesus as we wait for detail discussion and analysis tomorrow God willing. Stay blessed.
It hath been said, whosoever shall PUT AWAY HIS WIFE, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, SAVING FOR THE CAUSE OF FORNICATION, causeth her to commit adultery: and WHOSOEVER SHALL MARRY HER THAT IS DIVORCED COMMITTETH ADULTERY. Matthew 5:31-32, KJV, (Emphasis mine).
PRAY WITH ME
Lord Jesus, I thank you this day for my life. I seek divine illumination in understanding your Word. Holy Spirit, please guide me and help me to achieve this. This I pray in the precious name of Jesus! Amen!
Author: REV. SOLOMON LUTTERODT