A Gospel Informed Understanding of Divorce | Matthew 5:31-32 | Pastor Neil McClendon

Oct 12, 2025

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Matthew 5:31-32
A Gospel Informed Understanding of Divorce

Introductory thoughts…

1) read through the right lens
2) let Bible counsel Bible
3) seek to understand the cultural context
4) seek to understand the biblical context


Four questions we need to answer today….

1. Is there ever a biblical grounds for divorce?

a) adultery- “sexual immorality”
b) abandonment due to spiritual incompatibility

• Corinthians 7:12-16

c) abuse

• 1 Timothy 3:1-3
• Ephesians 5:28-30

2. How does divorcing someone make them commit adultery? Why is it considered adultery to marry a divorced person? 

3. So what do I do if I’m divorced and remarried and according to what I’ve heard today, I committed adultery? 

a) ask God’s forgiveness
b) ask your partners forgiveness
c) ask your former spouse’s forgiveness
d) stay committed to your relationship

• Samuel 8:4-9

Mental worship…

1. What lens do you read the Bible through?
2. Who or what has most shaped the way you think about marriage?
3. Do you think people have been hurt more by what the church says or doesn’t say about divorce?
4. Have you ever been a part of a church that practices church discipline?
5. What questions do you have after what you heard today?