Robert Jeffress - Good Grace and Divorce

April 24, 2026 | 27:29

Pathway to Victory provides practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through clear, Biblical teaching.

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Good Grace and Divorce | April 24, 2026
  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [announcer] from the pulpit of the first baptist church
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  • Of dallas, texas, this is pathway to victory,
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  • With dr. robert jeffress.
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  • [robert] hi, i'm robert jeffress,
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  • And welcome again to pathway to victory.
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  • One of the saddest moments in anyone's life
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  • Is the dissolution of a cherished relationship,
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  • And none is more painful than a broken marriage
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  • That ends in divorce.
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  • But to think that followers of christ
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  • Would never encounter such a tragedy
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  • Is blissfully ignorant.
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  • It can happen to anyone.
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  • Today i want to show you exactly what the bible says
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  • And doesn't say about the volatile issue of divorce.
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  • My message is titled, "good grace and divorce"
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  • On today's edition of pathway to victory.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [announcer] some christians use grace
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  • As a spiritual get out-of-jail free card.
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  • Others pile on so many rules,
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  • They have no grace for themselves or others.
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  • In "grace gone wild," dr. robert jeffress shows you
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  • What biblical grace actually looks like,
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  • And how practicing it leads to true freedom and lasting joy.
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  • Discover how grace can transform your marriage,
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  • Your relationships, and your walk with god.
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  • Request "grace gone wild"
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  • When you give a generous ministry gift
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  • To pathway to victory.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [robert] well, in our current series, 'grace gone wild,'
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  • We're looking at god's amazing gift of grace
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  • And how some people have perverted that gift, grace,
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  • Into a licensed to sin.
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  • If i'm forgiven, why can't i do whatever i want to do?
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  • And we've talked about the difference
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  • Between good grace that encourages obedience
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  • Out of gratitude,
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  • And bad grace that perverts
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  • The doctrine of forgiveness.
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  • Last time we begin looking at how
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  • A proper understanding of grace
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  • Should impact our view of marriage.
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  • And we said the perversion of grace,
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  • Bad grace, promotes three lies about marriage.
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  • We looked at the first two last time.
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  • Lie number one deals with the formation of marriage.
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  • It's the lie that says,
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  • I can marry whomever i want to marry,
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  • Grace gives me the freedom to do that.
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  • The second lie has to do with fidelity in marriage.
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  • Bad grace says i can cheat on my mate
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  • Without any lasting consequences.
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  • And today we're going to look at the third lie
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  • About marriage that deals with the finality of marriage.
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  • Bad grace says i am free to divorce
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  • If i am unhappy.
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  • If i'm unhappy in my relationship,
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  • Grace gives me the freedom to divorce.
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  • Now, to introduce this topic today,
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  • I thought i would give you three different scenarios,
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  • And see how you would respond to each one.
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  • Scenario number one.
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  • You're the member of a large church
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  • With a well-known pastor.
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  • One sunday morning he carefully announces
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  • To the congregation that his marriage of 25 years is ending
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  • Due to irreconcilable differences.
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  • He assures the members that there is no immorality involved,
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  • But divorce seems to be the only option.
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  • The church is divided on whether he should remain as pastor.
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  • Some argue that if his own home is in disarray,
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  • He's disqualified from serving
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  • According to 1 timothy 3.
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  • But others say the pastor needs grace, not judgment,
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  • During this difficult time in his life.
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  • Even if he hasn't been an ideal husband,
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  • Who among us has been a perfect marriage partner?
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  • Doesn't god's grace cover all of our inadequacies?
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  • A church business meeting is scheduled to vote
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  • On whether or not to retain the pastor.
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  • How will you vote?
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  • Scenario number two.
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  • A close friend confides to you that she has discovered
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  • Her husband is addicted to pornography.
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  • She also has discovered receipts in his pockets
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  • Indicating that he has visited
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  • Some upscale gentleman's clubs
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  • While out of town on business.
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  • While there's no indication
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  • That he has slept with other women,
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  • Your friend is devastated by her husband's betrayal.
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  • When she confronts him about it, he says,
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  • "i'm sorry for hurting you but i can't help myself."
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  • He refuses to seek counseling
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  • And makes no promises to stop his behavior.
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  • Your friend says, "i don't know how i can ever
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  • Allow him to touch me again.
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  • Even though he's not guilty of adultery, technically,
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  • Hasn't he committed spiritual adultery
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  • By lusting after these other women?
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  • I want a divorce."
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  • What advice would you give to your friend?
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  • Third scenario.
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  • Your recently married daughter calls you in tears,
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  • "i just can't take it any longer.
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  • Ken is abusing me and i don't want to live any longer
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  • If it means staying married to him."
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  • Alarmed, you ask if he's physically assaulting her.
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  • "no, it's worse than that," she says,
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  • "he is always berating me, telling me i'm worthless.
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  • He goes into uncontrollable fits of rage.
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  • Although he has not hit me yet,
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  • I'm afraid that he will,
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  • That he'll eventually hurt me or even kill me.
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  • I want out of this marriage."
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  • What counsel would you provide for your daughter?
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  • Few topics generate as much controversy in the church
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  • As the subject of divorce.
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  • The hottest deacons meeting i ever attended
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  • In my last church
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  • Had nothing to do with church government,
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  • Or eschatological issues.
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  • It had to do with the subject of whether a divorced man
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  • Ought to be able to serve as a deacon or not.
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  • Some in the group argued
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  • That even though the bible may allow
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  • For divorce and remarriage,
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  • We ought to have a higher standard for leaders.
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  • Others in the group argued,
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  • Shouldn't we be dispensers of grace,
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  • Especially to those who are hurt by an unwanted divorce?
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  • And on and on the argument raged.
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  • How does a proper understanding of grace
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  • Relate to divorce and remarriage?
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  • Admittedly, there are some who want
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  • To set an unreasonable standard.
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  • They say, no divorce and remarriage
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  • For any reason whatsoever,
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  • And when they're shown passages in the bible
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  • That seem to allow for divorce, they'll say,
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  • "well, that may be true,
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  • But we ought to seek god's best,"
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  • Or they'll give some tortured interpretation
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  • Of the text that makes no sense at all.
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  • There are those who want to raise god's standard.
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  • On the other hand, there are those who try to lower
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  • God's standard in this area of divorce.
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  • They say that grace gives us a free pass to exit
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  • A troubled marriage in search of greener pastures.
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  • It's not just adultery.
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  • What if you and your mate are incompatible?
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  • Or what if you have different life goals?
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  • Or what if you're mate is a financial time bomb
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  • Getting ready to explode?
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  • What if you're unhappy?
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  • Doesn't grace allow you to exit an unhappy marriage?
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  • Certainly god doesn't want you to spend
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  • The rest of your life unfulfilled, does he?
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  • I remember reading an article
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  • About a well-known christian singer.
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  • She had left her husband,
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  • And the father of her three children,
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  • To pursue a married man and they ended up getting married.
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  • And the end of the profile of this christian artist said,
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  • "at last, so and so is happy."
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  • In other words, that's the highest standard.
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  • What is it that makes me happy?
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  • For a follower of jesus christ,
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  • The issue is not what makes me happy,
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  • But what makes god happy.
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  • And so today we're going to look at what the bible says
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  • About grace and divorce.
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  • Now i want to offer this disclaimer
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  • For those of you here,
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  • And watching or listening to this service.
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  • I realize i'm talking to many of you
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  • Who have already divorced and perhaps remarried.
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  • And you're maybe a little bit defensive right now,
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  • A little fearful about what i'm going to say.
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  • The purpose of this message
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  • Is not to heap a pile of guilt upon you.
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  • But there are others of you
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  • Who are contemplating divorce right now.
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  • Maybe now or sometime in the future.
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  • Or you're giving counsel to somebody
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  • Who is seeking a divorce.
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  • This message is a warning
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  • About the consequences of divorce and remarriage
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  • For other than biblical reasons.
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  • Yes, every sin can be forgiven,
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  • But i don't know of any mistake
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  • That has more lasting consequences
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  • Than divorcing for non-biblical reasons.
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  • And so today we're going to be balanced
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  • In what we say about grace and divorce.
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  • When you look at the scriptures,
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  • There are two principles about grace and divorce
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  • That we need to understand.
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  • Principle number one, write it down,
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  • Good grace recognizes that divorce and remarriage
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  • Are permissible in two situations.
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  • Not three situations, not one, not none.
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  • There are two situations
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  • In which god allows divorce and remarriage.
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  • The first situation is adultery. adultery.
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  • Let's go back and turn to matthew 19 for a moment.
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  • Remember, the pharisees were trying to trick jesus.
  • 00:10:16.138 --> 00:10:18.774
  • They were trying to test him, discredit him.
  • 00:10:18.774 --> 00:10:21.143
  • "and so some of the pharisees came to jesus,
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  • Testing him and saying,
  • 00:10:23.813 --> 00:10:25.848
  • 'is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife
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  • For any cause at all?'"
  • 00:10:29.251 --> 00:10:31.821
  • Why was this a trick question?
  • 00:10:31.821 --> 00:10:34.023
  • Because the jews were divided on it.
  • 00:10:34.023 --> 00:10:36.459
  • There was a popular rabbi of the day named rabbi shammai
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  • And he was in the school of,
  • 00:10:40.830 --> 00:10:42.398
  • No divorce for any reason whatsoever.
  • 00:10:42.398 --> 00:10:45.568
  • However, there was another rabbi, rabbi hillel,
  • 00:10:45.568 --> 00:10:49.071
  • Who had a following of jews and he said
  • 00:10:49.071 --> 00:10:51.440
  • You can divorce your wife for any reason.
  • 00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:53.876
  • So when they asked this question of jesus,
  • 00:10:53.876 --> 00:10:56.846
  • They were saying, which camp do you fall in?
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  • No divorce at all or divorce for any reason.
  • 00:10:58.814 --> 00:11:02.184
  • Whatever he answered,
  • 00:11:02.184 --> 00:11:03.619
  • He was guaranteed to offend half of his audience.
  • 00:11:03.619 --> 00:11:07.022
  • But notice how jesus responded.
  • 00:11:07.022 --> 00:11:08.691
  • Verse four, "he answered them and said,
  • 00:11:08.691 --> 00:11:11.560
  • 'have you not read?'"
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  • You're supposed to be experts in the law, pharisees,
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  • Go back to the beginning.
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  • "'have you not read that he who created them
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  • From the beginning made them male and female.'
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  • Then he said, 'for this cause a man
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  • Shall leave his father and mother
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  • And be joined to his wife,
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  • And the two shall become one flesh.
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  • They are no longer two but one.
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  • What therefore god has joined together,
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  • Let no man separate.'"
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  • That's god's plan,
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  • One man with one woman in a lifetime commitment
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  • Called marriage.
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  • Well, the pharisees asked the question,
  • 00:11:48.597 --> 00:11:49.865
  • "but what about the old testament law?
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  • There were allowances for divorce in that?"
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  • Jesus said in matthew 19:9,
  • 00:11:55.604 --> 00:11:57.339
  • "i say to you, whoever divorces his wife,
  • 00:11:57.339 --> 00:12:00.376
  • Except for immorality,
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  • And marries another woman, commits adultery."
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  • Jesus said there's one exception
  • 00:12:07.616 --> 00:12:10.786
  • To this one man with one woman for life,
  • 00:12:10.786 --> 00:12:13.556
  • And it is immorality.
  • 00:12:13.556 --> 00:12:16.125
  • Immorality.
  • 00:12:16.125 --> 00:12:17.026
  • What is he talking about?
  • 00:12:17.026 --> 00:12:18.928
  • Again, remember i said there's some people
  • 00:12:18.928 --> 00:12:20.629
  • Who try to give this tortured interpretation.
  • 00:12:20.629 --> 00:12:23.566
  • Some people say, "well, what jesus was talking about
  • 00:12:23.566 --> 00:12:26.101
  • Was the betrothal period, the engagement period."
  • 00:12:26.101 --> 00:12:29.605
  • If one of the mates is unfaithful
  • 00:12:29.605 --> 00:12:31.740
  • During the engagement period,
  • 00:12:31.740 --> 00:12:33.075
  • You can break off the marriage,
  • 00:12:33.075 --> 00:12:35.211
  • Just like joseph was tempted to do with mary.
  • 00:12:35.211 --> 00:12:38.180
  • Well, that's illogical because it's clear,
  • 00:12:38.180 --> 00:12:40.249
  • He's not talking about the betrothal period,
  • 00:12:40.249 --> 00:12:42.151
  • He's talking about marriage.
  • 00:12:42.151 --> 00:12:43.519
  • That's what the pharisees question was about.
  • 00:12:43.519 --> 00:12:47.122
  • No, it means what it says.
  • 00:12:47.122 --> 00:12:49.258
  • Immorality refers to adultery.
  • 00:12:49.258 --> 00:12:52.361
  • If your mate commits adultery,
  • 00:12:52.361 --> 00:12:54.763
  • You're not commanded to get divorced,
  • 00:12:54.763 --> 00:12:57.867
  • But you're allowed to get divorced.
  • 00:12:57.867 --> 00:13:00.903
  • Now, the bible gives one additional exception,
  • 00:13:00.903 --> 00:13:05.441
  • Allowance for divorce and remarriage
  • 00:13:05.441 --> 00:13:07.743
  • And it's found in 1 corinthians 7.
  • 00:13:07.743 --> 00:13:10.980
  • Turn there to 1 corinthians 7.
  • 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:14.183
  • Remember, jesus ministered in the early 30s ad,
  • 00:13:14.183 --> 00:13:17.486
  • 20 years later, paul started ministering.
  • 00:13:18.354 --> 00:13:21.824
  • And there are all kind of questions in the corinthian church
  • 00:13:21.824 --> 00:13:24.560
  • About divorce and remarriage,
  • 00:13:24.560 --> 00:13:26.462
  • And here's why.
  • 00:13:26.462 --> 00:13:27.963
  • During that 20 years since the time of christ
  • 00:13:27.963 --> 00:13:30.532
  • And the apostle paul,
  • 00:13:30.532 --> 00:13:32.434
  • Christianity began to spread like wildfire
  • 00:13:32.434 --> 00:13:35.170
  • Through the roman empire.
  • 00:13:35.170 --> 00:13:36.872
  • And it created all kind of problems
  • 00:13:36.872 --> 00:13:39.475
  • That jesus didn't address,
  • 00:13:39.475 --> 00:13:41.911
  • But paul addressed them.
  • 00:13:41.911 --> 00:13:43.846
  • And the major problem was, okay, what happens.
  • 00:13:43.846 --> 00:13:46.582
  • With all these people becoming christians,
  • 00:13:46.582 --> 00:13:49.118
  • What if they are married to a non-christian?
  • 00:13:49.118 --> 00:13:51.887
  • What if both were unsaved,
  • 00:13:51.887 --> 00:13:54.056
  • One spouse becomes a christian
  • 00:13:54.056 --> 00:13:55.991
  • And is still married to a non-christian?
  • 00:13:55.991 --> 00:13:59.028
  • What are you supposed to do in that situation?
  • 00:13:59.028 --> 00:14:01.997
  • And so in verse 10, paul starts by affirming
  • 00:14:01.997 --> 00:14:04.767
  • What jesus said.
  • 00:14:04.767 --> 00:14:06.035
  • He said "to the married, i give instructions.
  • 00:14:06.035 --> 00:14:08.637
  • And by the way, this is not i, it is the lord,
  • 00:14:08.637 --> 00:14:12.408
  • That is that the wife should not leave her husband."
  • 00:14:12.408 --> 00:14:14.877
  • Paul was affirming what jesus said.
  • 00:14:14.877 --> 00:14:17.379
  • The people are to remain married.
  • 00:14:17.379 --> 00:14:19.682
  • But by embracing what jesus said,
  • 00:14:19.682 --> 00:14:22.017
  • Obviously he was embracing the exception
  • 00:14:22.017 --> 00:14:24.386
  • Of adultery as well.
  • 00:14:24.386 --> 00:14:26.422
  • Look at verse 11.
  • 00:14:26.422 --> 00:14:27.690
  • She's to remain married.
  • 00:14:27.690 --> 00:14:29.692
  • "but if she does leave,
  • 00:14:29.692 --> 00:14:33.362
  • She must remain unmarried,
  • 00:14:33.362 --> 00:14:35.497
  • Or else be reconciled to her husband,
  • 00:14:35.497 --> 00:14:38.434
  • And that the husband should not divorce his wife."
  • 00:14:38.434 --> 00:14:41.770
  • This is a case of where a woman,
  • 00:14:41.770 --> 00:14:43.872
  • A christian wants to leave her non-christian husband
  • 00:14:43.872 --> 00:14:47.476
  • For some other reason than adultery.
  • 00:14:47.476 --> 00:14:50.679
  • Maybe again, it is physical abuse.
  • 00:14:50.679 --> 00:14:53.916
  • Paul said, "if you find yourself having to leave
  • 00:14:54.850 --> 00:14:57.486
  • And you do leave, you can leave,
  • 00:14:57.486 --> 00:15:00.055
  • But you have to remain unmarried."
  • 00:15:00.055 --> 00:15:03.425
  • I want to be very clear here.
  • 00:15:04.059 --> 00:15:05.995
  • Nowhere in the scripture
  • 00:15:05.995 --> 00:15:07.896
  • Does the bible tell women who are suffering physical abuse
  • 00:15:07.896 --> 00:15:11.433
  • To stay in that situation.
  • 00:15:11.433 --> 00:15:13.502
  • Women, if you are listening to this message right now
  • 00:15:14.603 --> 00:15:17.172
  • And you are suffering or you are being threatened,
  • 00:15:17.172 --> 00:15:20.309
  • Or your children are with physical abuse,
  • 00:15:20.309 --> 00:15:22.644
  • Get out of that house.
  • 00:15:22.644 --> 00:15:24.680
  • God does not require you to live in that situation.
  • 00:15:24.680 --> 00:15:28.484
  • The sanctity of life refers more
  • 00:15:28.484 --> 00:15:31.186
  • Than just to life inside the womb,
  • 00:15:31.186 --> 00:15:34.056
  • Life is sacred outside the womb too.
  • 00:15:34.823 --> 00:15:37.059
  • God hates violence.
  • 00:15:37.059 --> 00:15:38.827
  • Genesis 6 says that the reason god destroyed
  • 00:15:38.827 --> 00:15:41.563
  • The entire world with a flood
  • 00:15:41.563 --> 00:15:43.465
  • Was because of violence.
  • 00:15:43.465 --> 00:15:45.000
  • God hates it when people commit violence
  • 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:48.370
  • Against one another.
  • 00:15:48.370 --> 00:15:50.572
  • You are free, under scripture,
  • 00:15:50.572 --> 00:15:53.142
  • To get out of that house and to protect yourself
  • 00:15:53.142 --> 00:15:55.978
  • And your children.
  • 00:15:55.978 --> 00:15:56.979
  • But if you end up divorcing,
  • 00:15:56.979 --> 00:15:59.815
  • Paul's instruction was you have to remain unmarried
  • 00:15:59.815 --> 00:16:03.318
  • Or go back to your husband.
  • 00:16:03.318 --> 00:16:06.722
  • Verse 12, "but to the rest i say, not the lord,
  • 00:16:06.722 --> 00:16:10.325
  • If any man has a wife who's an unbeliever
  • 00:16:10.325 --> 00:16:12.661
  • And she consents to live with him,
  • 00:16:12.661 --> 00:16:15.330
  • He must not divorce her."
  • 00:16:15.330 --> 00:16:17.900
  • If you are married to an unbeliever right now,
  • 00:16:17.900 --> 00:16:20.102
  • And he or she wants to continue the marriage,
  • 00:16:20.102 --> 00:16:22.671
  • You are obligated to stay in that marriage situation.
  • 00:16:22.671 --> 00:16:27.176
  • Situation number three,
  • 00:16:27.676 --> 00:16:29.778
  • What if a christian is deserted by his non-christian mate?
  • 00:16:29.778 --> 00:16:34.683
  • There are some teachers, i've heard them say this,
  • 00:16:34.683 --> 00:16:36.685
  • "oh, you ought to do whatever you can
  • 00:16:36.685 --> 00:16:38.454
  • To keep that marriage together.
  • 00:16:38.454 --> 00:16:40.322
  • The marriage relationship is the most important thing
  • 00:16:40.322 --> 00:16:42.724
  • In the world, and if that means quit going to church,
  • 00:16:42.724 --> 00:16:46.028
  • Then quit going to church.
  • 00:16:46.028 --> 00:16:47.563
  • If it means quit tithing, quit tithing,
  • 00:16:47.563 --> 00:16:49.565
  • But keep that marriage together,
  • 00:16:49.565 --> 00:16:50.966
  • Because after all, you might even end up winning
  • 00:16:50.966 --> 00:16:53.469
  • That un-christian mate to the lord."
  • 00:16:53.469 --> 00:16:56.105
  • Is that what paul says? not on your life.
  • 00:16:56.105 --> 00:16:59.007
  • In verse 15 he says,
  • 00:16:59.007 --> 00:17:00.275
  • "if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave."
  • 00:17:00.275 --> 00:17:04.580
  • Let him leave, let him go.
  • 00:17:04.580 --> 00:17:06.982
  • The brother or sister is not under ******* in such cases,
  • 00:17:06.982 --> 00:17:10.853
  • For god has called us to peace.
  • 00:17:10.853 --> 00:17:13.655
  • In fact, paul goes on to say,
  • 00:17:13.655 --> 00:17:15.624
  • Why would you compromise your faith?
  • 00:17:15.624 --> 00:17:17.092
  • How do you know if you are going to win
  • 00:17:17.092 --> 00:17:19.361
  • That mate to christ ever?
  • 00:17:19.361 --> 00:17:20.729
  • How do you know if they'll ever become a christian?
  • 00:17:20.729 --> 00:17:23.298
  • No, if they threaten to leave, let them leave.
  • 00:17:23.298 --> 00:17:25.667
  • You are no longer under *******.
  • 00:17:25.667 --> 00:17:27.503
  • And we saw that in verse 39 of 1 corinthians 7,
  • 00:17:27.503 --> 00:17:30.606
  • That means you're free to remarry.
  • 00:17:30.606 --> 00:17:32.407
  • To not be under ******* means a freedom to remarry.
  • 00:17:32.407 --> 00:17:37.513
  • Now the question always comes up,
  • 00:17:38.180 --> 00:17:39.581
  • Well, this deals with an unbelieving mate who leaves?
  • 00:17:39.581 --> 00:17:43.552
  • What about your mate who is a christian who leaves?
  • 00:17:43.552 --> 00:17:47.456
  • What about that situation?
  • 00:17:47.456 --> 00:17:50.058
  • I would just say,
  • 00:17:50.058 --> 00:17:51.727
  • They may say they're a christian.
  • 00:17:52.461 --> 00:17:53.829
  • You don't know if they're a christian or not.
  • 00:17:53.829 --> 00:17:55.230
  • But one thing is for sure, if they leave you,
  • 00:17:55.230 --> 00:17:57.966
  • They're acting like a non-christian.
  • 00:17:57.966 --> 00:18:00.435
  • And i believe under that situation, the same words apply.
  • 00:18:00.435 --> 00:18:03.906
  • You're not under *******,
  • 00:18:03.906 --> 00:18:05.307
  • You can't control what somebody else does or doesn't do.
  • 00:18:05.307 --> 00:18:08.677
  • God gives you the freedom to remarry.
  • 00:18:08.677 --> 00:18:11.380
  • But even though good grace
  • 00:18:11.380 --> 00:18:13.982
  • Allows for divorce and remarriage in those situations,
  • 00:18:13.982 --> 00:18:17.452
  • There's a second principle about good grace
  • 00:18:17.452 --> 00:18:20.322
  • That we need to understand,
  • 00:18:20.322 --> 00:18:22.191
  • And that is that good grace emphasizes god's desire
  • 00:18:22.191 --> 00:18:26.128
  • For permanence in marriage.
  • 00:18:26.128 --> 00:18:28.897
  • We ought to always emphasize god's desire
  • 00:18:28.897 --> 00:18:32.201
  • For permanence in marriage.
  • 00:18:32.201 --> 00:18:34.536
  • Look at genesis 2:24.
  • 00:18:34.536 --> 00:18:36.171
  • "therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother
  • 00:18:36.171 --> 00:18:39.041
  • And shall cleave unto his wife,
  • 00:18:39.041 --> 00:18:41.877
  • And they shall be one flesh."
  • 00:18:41.877 --> 00:18:43.245
  • That word cleave in hebrew
  • 00:18:43.245 --> 00:18:45.948
  • Means to stick together in an indissoluble bond.
  • 00:18:45.948 --> 00:18:51.920
  • You become one flesh,
  • 00:18:52.421 --> 00:18:54.056
  • One emotionally, spiritually with that other person.
  • 00:18:54.056 --> 00:18:57.593
  • It's an indissoluble bond.
  • 00:18:57.593 --> 00:18:59.394
  • In fact, interestingly, that same hebrew word
  • 00:18:59.394 --> 00:19:02.564
  • Is used elsewhere in scripture to describe
  • 00:19:02.564 --> 00:19:05.100
  • Our relationship with god.
  • 00:19:05.100 --> 00:19:07.135
  • In deuteronomy 10:20, god said,
  • 00:19:07.135 --> 00:19:09.171
  • "you shall fear the lord your god.
  • 00:19:09.171 --> 00:19:11.106
  • You shall serve him and cling to him,
  • 00:19:11.106 --> 00:19:13.141
  • Literally cleave to him and you shall swear by his name."
  • 00:19:13.141 --> 00:19:17.112
  • Look, when you become a christian, you are cleaving to god,
  • 00:19:17.112 --> 00:19:20.716
  • He is cleaving to you.
  • 00:19:20.716 --> 00:19:22.084
  • When you become a christian,
  • 00:19:22.084 --> 00:19:23.852
  • And you cleave to god, you say,
  • 00:19:23.852 --> 00:19:25.354
  • "god, i'm going to love you with all of my heart.
  • 00:19:25.354 --> 00:19:27.456
  • I'm going to serve you with all of my heart.
  • 00:19:27.456 --> 00:19:29.825
  • Unless of course i find another god i like better.
  • 00:19:30.826 --> 00:19:33.929
  • In case we fall out of love with one another, god,
  • 00:19:33.929 --> 00:19:36.431
  • Then we're free to go pursue whoever we want to."
  • 00:19:36.431 --> 00:19:38.533
  • No, that is unthinkable.
  • 00:19:38.533 --> 00:19:40.836
  • It's an indissoluble bond we have with god
  • 00:19:40.836 --> 00:19:43.672
  • And he has with us.
  • 00:19:43.672 --> 00:19:45.107
  • The same is true with our marriage partner.
  • 00:19:45.107 --> 00:19:48.310
  • Malachi 2:16 god says, "i hate divorce."
  • 00:19:49.177 --> 00:19:54.716
  • He didn't say, i hate divorced people.
  • 00:19:55.550 --> 00:19:59.154
  • He said, i hate the process of divorce.
  • 00:19:59.154 --> 00:20:02.424
  • And the reason god hates divorce
  • 00:20:02.424 --> 00:20:04.393
  • Is because of what it does to the people
  • 00:20:04.393 --> 00:20:07.696
  • Inside that marriage.
  • 00:20:07.696 --> 00:20:10.232
  • Divorce is not just the destruction of a marriage,
  • 00:20:10.232 --> 00:20:13.235
  • It's the destruction of the people
  • 00:20:13.235 --> 00:20:15.504
  • Who make up that marriage.
  • 00:20:15.504 --> 00:20:18.273
  • Arthur philip yancy, his catalog,
  • 00:20:18.273 --> 00:20:20.976
  • Just some of the natural results of the divorce
  • 00:20:20.976 --> 00:20:24.713
  • And what it does to people,
  • 00:20:24.713 --> 00:20:26.948
  • He writes,
  • 00:20:26.948 --> 00:20:27.883
  • "divorce dramatically increases
  • 00:20:27.883 --> 00:20:29.584
  • The likelihood of early death from strokes,
  • 00:20:29.584 --> 00:20:32.654
  • Hypertension, respiratory cancer, and intestinal cancer.
  • 00:20:32.654 --> 00:20:37.259
  • Astonishingly, being divorced and a non-smoker
  • 00:20:37.259 --> 00:20:41.296
  • Is only slightly less dangerous
  • 00:20:41.296 --> 00:20:43.065
  • Than smoking a pack or more cigarettes every day
  • 00:20:43.065 --> 00:20:46.635
  • And staying married.
  • 00:20:46.635 --> 00:20:48.503
  • Divorce also disrupts mental health, especially for men.
  • 00:20:48.503 --> 00:20:53.208
  • The suicide rate for white males
  • 00:20:53.208 --> 00:20:55.544
  • Goes up by a factor of four with divorce,
  • 00:20:55.544 --> 00:20:58.747
  • And they have 10 times the probability
  • 00:20:58.747 --> 00:21:00.949
  • Of needing psychiatric care.
  • 00:21:00.949 --> 00:21:03.685
  • Divorce also takes a devastating toll on children.
  • 00:21:03.685 --> 00:21:07.923
  • Proportionately, twice as many criminals
  • 00:21:07.923 --> 00:21:10.325
  • Come from single parent homes.
  • 00:21:10.325 --> 00:21:13.228
  • Indeed, a family structure proves more effective
  • 00:21:13.228 --> 00:21:16.264
  • Than economic status
  • 00:21:16.264 --> 00:21:17.899
  • In predicting a life in crime for children.
  • 00:21:17.899 --> 00:21:20.769
  • Children from broken homes are also more likely
  • 00:21:20.769 --> 00:21:23.839
  • To do poorly in school,
  • 00:21:23.839 --> 00:21:26.208
  • Abuse drugs and attempt suicide."
  • 00:21:26.208 --> 00:21:30.112
  • That's why i say divorce not only destroys a marriage,
  • 00:21:31.213 --> 00:21:34.883
  • It destroys the people inside of that marriage.
  • 00:21:34.883 --> 00:21:38.653
  • And that's why good grace always will emphasize god's desire
  • 00:21:38.653 --> 00:21:44.092
  • For permanence in a marriage relationship.
  • 00:21:44.993 --> 00:21:46.428
  • Good grace acknowledges that divorce is unavoidable
  • 00:21:46.428 --> 00:21:49.564
  • In some circumstances.
  • 00:21:49.564 --> 00:21:51.533
  • Good grace doesn't heap guilt
  • 00:21:52.167 --> 00:21:55.137
  • On those who divorce for biblical reasons.
  • 00:21:55.137 --> 00:21:58.440
  • But good grace will also treat divorce as a last resort,
  • 00:21:59.574 --> 00:22:04.246
  • Not a first resort for a troubled marriage.
  • 00:22:05.147 --> 00:22:09.351
  • And when given the opportunity to extend grace,
  • 00:22:09.351 --> 00:22:13.655
  • Good grace will always encourage us
  • 00:22:13.655 --> 00:22:15.757
  • To be dispensers of grace
  • 00:22:15.757 --> 00:22:18.660
  • For those who ask for it,
  • 00:22:18.660 --> 00:22:20.362
  • Instead of dispensers of justice.
  • 00:22:20.362 --> 00:22:23.498
  • After all, isn't that what we desire from god,
  • 00:22:24.433 --> 00:22:28.904
  • Grace, not justice.
  • 00:22:29.371 --> 00:22:32.274
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:22:32.274 --> 00:22:37.579
  • At pathway to victory,
  • 00:22:38.079 --> 00:22:39.581
  • We're committed to teaching these biblical principles
  • 00:22:39.581 --> 00:22:41.917
  • Even when they're unpopular.
  • 00:22:41.917 --> 00:22:43.952
  • And i truly believe that god is reaching someone right now
  • 00:22:43.952 --> 00:22:46.888
  • Who needs to hear this important message
  • 00:22:46.888 --> 00:22:49.324
  • About good grace and divorce.
  • 00:22:49.324 --> 00:22:52.294
  • Well, people often tell us how much they appreciate
  • 00:22:52.294 --> 00:22:55.297
  • The raw unfiltered bible teaching
  • 00:22:55.297 --> 00:22:57.833
  • They hear on pathway to victory.
  • 00:22:57.833 --> 00:22:59.768
  • In fact, susan wrote to us from new york city and said,
  • 00:22:59.768 --> 00:23:03.338
  • "pastor jeffress,
  • 00:23:03.338 --> 00:23:04.639
  • Sometimes i feel like i'm alone in my beliefs,
  • 00:23:04.639 --> 00:23:07.509
  • And your teaching gives me an added spiritual boost
  • 00:23:07.509 --> 00:23:11.213
  • In the middle of my day.
  • 00:23:11.213 --> 00:23:13.215
  • Pathway to victory is a voice of reason
  • 00:23:13.215 --> 00:23:15.851
  • In a world of godlessness."
  • 00:23:15.851 --> 00:23:18.286
  • Well, thank you, susan.
  • 00:23:18.286 --> 00:23:19.521
  • We are fully committed to teaching
  • 00:23:19.521 --> 00:23:21.723
  • The whole counsel of god's word,
  • 00:23:21.723 --> 00:23:24.059
  • Not only the parts that make us feel good.
  • 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:26.495
  • And thanks to the friends who support pathway to victory.
  • 00:23:26.495 --> 00:23:30.098
  • You can have every confidence
  • 00:23:30.098 --> 00:23:31.933
  • That we will keep proclaiming god's word.
  • 00:23:31.933 --> 00:23:35.136
  • Now stay right there,
  • 00:23:35.136 --> 00:23:36.571
  • I'll be back with more pathway to victory
  • 00:23:36.571 --> 00:23:39.007
  • In just a moment.
  • 00:23:39.007 --> 00:23:40.408
  • [announcer] the bible tells us we're saved by grace,
  • 00:23:41.476 --> 00:23:44.713
  • But do you allow yourself to receive grace?
  • 00:23:44.713 --> 00:23:47.682
  • Do you practice grace?
  • 00:23:47.682 --> 00:23:49.284
  • Do you abuse god's grace?
  • 00:23:49.284 --> 00:23:51.520
  • In "grace gone wild," dr. robert jeffress
  • 00:23:51.520 --> 00:23:54.155
  • Clears up the confusion,
  • 00:23:54.155 --> 00:23:55.757
  • And shows you how grace leads to joy, not guilt.
  • 00:23:55.757 --> 00:23:59.294
  • [robert] christians fall into one of two traps
  • 00:23:59.294 --> 00:24:01.329
  • When it comes to grace.
  • 00:24:01.329 --> 00:24:02.964
  • Some believe grace means there are no boundaries in living,
  • 00:24:02.964 --> 00:24:06.768
  • Others pile on so many rules
  • 00:24:06.768 --> 00:24:08.803
  • That christianity feels like a burden,
  • 00:24:08.803 --> 00:24:11.373
  • Instead of a blessing.
  • 00:24:11.373 --> 00:24:13.108
  • In my book, "grace gone wild,"
  • 00:24:13.108 --> 00:24:14.709
  • I'll show you that true grace
  • 00:24:14.709 --> 00:24:17.078
  • Leads to a deeper, more joy-filled relationship with god.
  • 00:24:17.078 --> 00:24:21.650
  • [announcer] discover how understanding grace
  • 00:24:21.650 --> 00:24:23.752
  • Can transform your marriage, your relationships,
  • 00:24:23.752 --> 00:24:26.588
  • And every decision you make.
  • 00:24:26.588 --> 00:24:28.590
  • Request your copy of "grace gone wild"
  • 00:24:28.590 --> 00:24:31.059
  • When you give a generous gift to pathway to victory.
  • 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:34.396
  • And when your ministry gift is $75 or more,
  • 00:24:34.396 --> 00:24:37.933
  • We'll also send you the "grace gone wild" teaching series
  • 00:24:37.933 --> 00:24:41.536
  • On both cd and dvd,
  • 00:24:41.536 --> 00:24:43.638
  • Along with the application guide.
  • 00:24:43.638 --> 00:24:45.840
  • [robert] there are too many christians today
  • 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:47.676
  • Who have taken this marvelous gift of grace
  • 00:24:47.676 --> 00:24:51.413
  • And perverted it.
  • 00:24:51.413 --> 00:24:53.114
  • They are robbing themselves of the joy
  • 00:24:53.114 --> 00:24:55.283
  • That comes from obedience to god.
  • 00:24:55.283 --> 00:24:58.587
  • [announcer] thank you for your generous support
  • 00:24:58.587 --> 00:25:00.355
  • Of pathway to victory.
  • 00:25:00.355 --> 00:25:01.957
  • Your gift helps us bring bold,
  • 00:25:01.957 --> 00:25:03.725
  • Biblical teaching around the world.
  • 00:25:03.725 --> 00:25:05.627
  • Together we are piercing the darkness
  • 00:25:05.627 --> 00:25:07.929
  • With the light of god's word.
  • 00:25:07.929 --> 00:25:11.833
  • [robert] divorce is one of the most painful experiences
  • 00:25:12.934 --> 00:25:15.337
  • A person can go through.
  • 00:25:15.337 --> 00:25:16.938
  • And whether you've lived it yourself,
  • 00:25:16.938 --> 00:25:19.040
  • Or you've watched someone you love walk through it,
  • 00:25:19.040 --> 00:25:21.943
  • God's word offers both clear boundaries
  • 00:25:21.943 --> 00:25:24.879
  • And genuine compassion.
  • 00:25:24.879 --> 00:25:27.082
  • Well, very few churches today practice biblical discipline.
  • 00:25:27.082 --> 00:25:31.686
  • Some christians even argue that we have no right
  • 00:25:31.686 --> 00:25:34.155
  • To correct a fellow believer.
  • 00:25:34.155 --> 00:25:36.224
  • But next time we'll discover
  • 00:25:36.224 --> 00:25:37.926
  • That we not only have the right
  • 00:25:37.926 --> 00:25:39.661
  • To confront sinning christians,
  • 00:25:39.661 --> 00:25:41.763
  • We have the responsibility to do so.
  • 00:25:41.763 --> 00:25:44.633
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
  • 00:25:44.633 --> 00:25:46.868
  • In our series, "grace gone wild."
  • 00:25:46.868 --> 00:25:50.639
  • Church discipline.
  • 00:25:51.072 --> 00:25:52.707
  • I mean, do we really want to go around
  • 00:25:53.541 --> 00:25:55.377
  • Correcting others sinning members in the church?
  • 00:25:55.377 --> 00:25:59.581
  • Don't most of us have enough planks in our own eyes
  • 00:25:59.581 --> 00:26:02.550
  • To be concerned about the speck
  • 00:26:02.550 --> 00:26:04.786
  • In other people's eyes?
  • 00:26:04.786 --> 00:26:06.955
  • Bad grace, the perversion of grace teaches
  • 00:26:07.856 --> 00:26:11.326
  • That christians have no right to ever judge the behavior
  • 00:26:11.326 --> 00:26:15.230
  • Of other members in the church.
  • 00:26:15.230 --> 00:26:17.532
  • [announcer] set your dvr and join us next time
  • 00:26:17.532 --> 00:26:19.768
  • For the message, "good grace confrontation,"
  • 00:26:19.768 --> 00:26:22.771
  • Here on pathway to victory.
  • 00:26:22.771 --> 00:26:28.576
  • Alaska is unlike any other place on earth,
  • 00:26:29.477 --> 00:26:33.048
  • And this is your chance to witness god's masterpiece
  • 00:26:33.048 --> 00:26:36.051
  • And america's priceless treasure.
  • 00:26:36.051 --> 00:26:38.153
  • June 13th through 20, 2026.
  • 00:26:38.153 --> 00:26:40.989
  • [robert] you know i can hardly wait to show you alaska.
  • 00:26:40.989 --> 00:26:44.159
  • I've been there before,
  • 00:26:44.159 --> 00:26:45.460
  • And every time i witness those massive glaciers
  • 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:48.630
  • And towering mountains,
  • 00:26:48.630 --> 00:26:50.165
  • I'm reminded of how incredibly creative our god is.
  • 00:26:50.165 --> 00:26:54.135
  • [announcer] picture this,
  • 00:26:54.135 --> 00:26:55.503
  • Waking up to snow capped peaks outside your window,
  • 00:26:55.503 --> 00:26:58.540
  • Then heading to your refreshing breakfast,
  • 00:26:58.540 --> 00:27:00.575
  • Knowing that all your meals are prepared for you.
  • 00:27:00.575 --> 00:27:03.111
  • The world class service means that you can truly relax.
  • 00:27:03.111 --> 00:27:06.481
  • [robert] we'll explore charming villages together,
  • 00:27:06.481 --> 00:27:08.983
  • We'll stroll alongside the still waters
  • 00:27:08.983 --> 00:27:11.453
  • Of the mountain stream.
  • 00:27:11.453 --> 00:27:12.921
  • And yes, we'll see god's artistry at every turn.
  • 00:27:12.921 --> 00:27:17.192
  • [announcer] reserve your spot
  • 00:27:17.192 --> 00:27:18.593
  • On the 2026 pathway to victory cruise to alaska
  • 00:27:18.593 --> 00:27:22.230
  • By calling 888-280-6747,
  • 00:27:22.230 --> 00:27:26.167
  • Or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:27:26.167 --> 00:27:26.167