Jeffrey Johnson's sermon on 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 offers a thorough exploration of Christian perspectives on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, emphasizing the sanctity of the marital covenant in the eyes of God. Johnson delineates the passage into advice for those married to believers, grounded in Christ's teachings against divorce, and guidance for those married to unbelievers, addressing the complexities of such unions. He argues against the notion that Apostle Paul's advice is non-authoritative, instead asserting that all of Paul's writings are divinely inspired and authoritative.
The sermon underscores God's disapproval of divorce, rooted in the fact that it contradicts the divine intention for marriage to embody unity, peace, and a reflection of the Gospel. Johnson highlights five reasons why God hates divorce: it results from sin, disrupts unity, mars the Gospel's representation, violates the covenantal nature of marriage, and disregards God's role in uniting couples.
Johnson addresses the permissibility of divorce under specific circumstances, such as adultery and abandonment, aligning with a "modified permanence" view of marriage. He also discusses the conditions under which remarriage is considered biblically acceptable, emphasizing the need for divorces to meet scriptural criteria to allow for a legitimate remarriage.
For those married to unbelievers, Johnson provides pastoral counsel, encouraging spouses to remain faithful and hopeful for the unbelieving partner's salvation. He reassures believers that their marriage and offspring are sanctified through their faith, dispelling fears of defilement or illegitimacy.
In conclusion, Johnson exhorts couples to actively pursue love and unity within their marriages, reflecting Christ's unwavering commitment to His church. He advocates for a covenantal understanding of marriage that transcends temporary difficulties, fostering a relationship that mirrors the divine love and fidelity God offers to humanity.
