Sermon on the Mount: Part 8

Message: Marriage & Divorce
Leaders - read Matthew 5:31-32

• The human heart is not made for the pain and trauma caused by divorce
• Jesus says the focus of marriage should be on staying married for life rather than what constitutes grounds for divorce
• Varying views as to whether or not it is okay to divorce and remarry
WoodsEdge believes there are certain grounds for divorce

Seven ways to build a thriving marriage:
1. Get marriage mentor couple
2. Get help sooner rather than later
3. Decide divorce is not an option
4. Do conflict well
5. Be two awfully good forgivers
6. Husbands: Love your wives
7. Wives: Respect your husbands

Discussion Questions
1. Where were you in your walk with Jesus the day you were married?
2. How has your walk with Jesus changed throughout your marriage? How has that changed your marriage?
3. In what areas of conflict do you need to improve?
4. How do you prevent the tempting thought of divorce?
5. What does it look like to seek help without violating the privacy of a marital relationship?
6. When is it appropriate to give marriage advice?

Additional verses:
• Phil 3:13 (healing and grace)
• Deut 24:1-5 (passage Jesus is quoting)
• Matt 19:7-9 (marry for life)
• Eph 5:33 (Love & Respect)