In Love for Life
Building or Rebuilding a Great Marriage
Remarriage and Renewal
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is biblical advice for those who remarry whether from the death of a spouse or loss through divorce. Of special note is how to reestablish and grow in a relationship according to God's plan.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand God’s plan for marriage.
- Feel: Commit to following God’s plan for marriage.
- Do: Apply the concepts for building a lasting and loving marriage relationship.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
There will be various insights provided for this verse. Direct learners to understand it in the overall context of Paul providing practical guidance on remaining married for a wide variety of Christians in the Corinthian Church. Many were coming out of pagan societies where multiple marriages, even polygamy was an accepted practice. Paul was seeking to encourage his readers to remain committed to God's plan for marriage (one man/one woman for life). Emphasize also that God is a God of peace and unity who exercise grace and love for all who seek Him.
You really are married
Although the dissolving of the previous marriage through divorce involved sin for at least one party in the marriage, one who remarries is married in God's eyes. It is still the union of one man/one woman. When a Christian turns to God in repentance, He promises to forgive (I John 1:5-10). This repentance does not specify the current marriage must be dissolved, nor is it required anywhere else in scripture. The members of the marriage must commit to the covenant as with any marriage.
Your marriage is perfected through the cross
A non-Christian who marries is legally married to the person whether it is a first or subsequent marriage. However, one's soul is at risk because of adultery if the divorce was dissolved without cause.
A person who repents of their adultery is forgiven. God does not distinguish between which sin is forgiven or not. His grace forgives. It's not the fixing of the marriage that is required, but the fixing of the relationship with God.
Follow the Bible's advice (teaching) for a person who is remarried
A divorce is a failure, just as is all sin before God. Therefore, the requirement for forgiveness applies to the remarriage. We turn away from self and turn to Jesus for forgiveness. His blood covers our sins (I John 1:5-10). Further, the teachings from scripture to avoid sin also apply.
There are three elements involved with this (see text for detail).
Forget the past (This can also be stated as moving on from the past)
The past was a failure. When forgiven by God we must move on to serving as He wills.
Learn from the past
Repentance is a change of heart. We are aware of our failure and learn how this was against God's will. Don't let what caused the failure to become a part of the current marriage.
Be a witness for Christ
As with all elements of a Christian's life, we must base our marriage on biblical principles. When we do so we show God's love and grace and help draw others to Christ. Live a faithful and fruitful life as a Christian through the new marriage.
In I Corinthians 7:17-24 Paul states to remain in whatever condition each was called. The context is referring to marriage. Further, he states in I Corinthians 7:15 that God has called us to peace.
True peace is found only in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to save, encourage, and equip, not to announce judgement, punish, or criticize. He mirrors God's love and grace and encourages us to accept it. Not only is God a God of peace, but He is a God of renewal and regeneration. This is true in our spiritual relationship with Him and true in every other part of our lives, including our marriages.
As with all parts of life, we should dedicate our marriage (remarriage) to God asking for His guidance. When we do so, we show the world the grace and forgiveness of our loving God and Father. To Him be the glory!