Expository Teachings of Christ according to Saint Matthew

Theme: Reaching the Spiritual Platform That Will Save Your Marriage from Divorce

Text: Matthew 1:19–20

Lesson Introduction: The attitudes and dispositions that believers have toward marriage and family are remarkably different than those of nonbelievers. Genuine salvation in Christ allows believers in Christ to demonstrate those virtues exhibited by Christ when He was in the world. In Malachi 2:16, the prophet tells us that the Almighty God hates putting away. In other words, God hates divorce. He wants spouses to reach the spiritual platform where they know how to forgive and forget. He wants each spouse to cover the nakedness of their partner in order not to subject the partner involved to the shame or ridicule of society. The truth of the matter is that we cannot boldly declare that we know Christ if our marriage is in shambles or we have divorced because of what we consider to be irreconcilable differences.

Breakdown of the Study

1. Reaching the peak of perfection

2. Rising above public perspectives or positions to issues

3. Relying on positions that protect your partner

Reaching the Peak of Perfection

Matthew 1:19; 5:48; Luke 1:5–6; 2:25; 1 Peter 3:16; 2:9; Job 1:1; Acts 10:2; Mark 6:20; Genesis 6:9

Joseph was a believer in God and was referred to as a just man (Matthew 1:19). Being a just man means he was not a baby believer in God, but he was an individual who had matured and reached a peak of knowing right from wrong. Joseph always made sound decisions that could not be faulted by anyone at any time. This is a level of spiritual maturity every believer who knows the Lord prays to God to attain. In 1 Peter 3:16, Peter points out the importance of good conscience when making a decision about any matter. When you do not follow the ways of the world, which are ungodly and non-Christian, many in society may not agree with you. Regardless, you, as a believer, must continue to do what Christ would do. In time those who have spoken against you will come to understand why you have decided to live a Christ-centered life.

Rising above Public Perspectives or Positions to Issues

Matthew 1:19; 16:23; Job 2:9–10; James 5:10–11; 2 Samuel 6:20–21; Acts 4:19; 5:29

“Not willing to make her a public example” (Matthew 1:19), Joseph, as a believer in God, was different from the people who lived during his time. His approach to family matters was different from those who did not know the Lord. In Ephesians 4:22–24, the Bible declares that being believers means that we are not of the world because we have put off the old self and have put on Christ. We are now renewed in the spirit and walk in righteousness and true holiness. The above verses clearly explain how genuine believers in Christ are different from nonbelievers. Nonbelievers seek civil divorce as the answer to infidelity in a marriage. True believers seek God’s help in overcoming unfaithfulness in their marriage. Their approach to infidelity may always be questioned by unbelievers, but in the sight of God, it is the best position His sons and daughters can take.

Relying on Positions That Protect Your Partner

Matthew 1:19–20; Malachi 2:16; John 8:4–8; Romans 15:1–2; Colossians 3:12–15; 1 Corinthians 10:24, 33; Philippians 2:4–5

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily” (Matthew 1:19–20). Joseph was a real believer in God and a mature man of God, one we can emulate today in our relationships with our spouses. Joseph was not excited or happy with what he thought his wife had done before their coming together as husband and wife. Rather, he was pained, but he decided to keep it to himself and sought an acceptable way to handle this matter that would not hurt the woman he wanted to have as his wife. In Colossians 3:12–15, the Bible states that we should

put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Joseph’s love for Mary is obvious in his not subjecting her to public shame. Also, we understand that Joseph was mindful of what Mary might be thinking during this difficult time in her life. Indeed, Joseph had the mind of Christ that genuine believers who are walking with God today must possess.