We often overlook the spiritual dimension of marital vows. At a wedding, we see two people making a commitment to each other. We observe a beautiful picture of two wills agreeing to serve one another. This two-person partnership is certainly taking place, but it is not the only aspect at play. There is a divine act of creation in marriage. God is forming a new flesh. Two are becoming one, not through their own efforts, but by the power of God. This union cannot be broken by humans alone; only by God’s permission can such a union be dissolved. - Pastor Paul Crandell, 2/23/25

Day 1

Featured Verse: Matthew 5:31-32 - “Everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery.”

How does the exception of "sexual immorality" as a ground for divorce reflect God’s view of covenantal faithfulness in marriage?

In what ways might this teaching challenge or affirm contemporary cultural attitudes toward divorce and remarriage?

How might the historical and cultural context of first-century Jewish divorce practices influence our interpretation of Jesus’ words here?

“The exception is fornication, a breach so deep it sunders what God has joined.” - Alexander Maclaren

Day 2

Featured Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 - “If the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases, the brother or sister is not enslaved.”

How does Paul’s instruction to "let it be so" when an unbelieving partner separates reflect the balance between preserving marriage and respecting individual freedom?

What might it mean theologically for a believer to "not be enslaved" in the context of a dissolved marriage with an unbeliever?

How could the phrase "not enslaved" deepen our understanding of spiritual freedom and identity for a believer navigating the aftermath of marital separation?

“The apostle grants liberty where the unbeliever departs: ‘Let him depart,’ he says, ‘the believer is not enslaved.’ This is no mere permission, but a recognition that God’s call to peace supersedes the yoke of an unwilling bond. The Christian’s duty is not to force unity where faith itself is absent.” - Alexander Maclaren

“Mark what Paul writes: if the unbeliever separates, let it be so—the believer is not bound. God calls us to peace, not to endless strife with those who reject the faith. Let no man or woman think they must cling to misery when God has opened the door to liberty.” - JC Ryle

“Here is no warrant for strife; God’s call is to peace. The Christian is not to be shackled where the bond is broken by another’s will.” - George Campbell Morgan

Day 3

Featured Verse: Ephesians 5:25-33 - “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”

How does Paul’s description of marriage as a "profound mystery" tied to Christ and the church expand our understanding of the spiritual significance of human relationships?

In what ways might the sacrificial love of Christ for the church, as a model for husbands, challenge or redefine traditional notions of authority and submission in marriage?

What does this passage suggest about the eternal purposes of God being reflected through the temporary institution of marriage?

“This verse—‘it refers to Christ and the church’—lifts the veil on God’s heart. The mystery is not marriage itself, but how it mirrors the Savior’s self-giving for His bride. Oh, what a love is this!” - Charles Spurgeon

“Marriage shows it a little—how Jesus loves us and gave Himself up. That’s the real thing to hold onto.” - DL Moody

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