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August 31, 2018

Sermon Discussion Questions: '... Except for Sexual Immorality ...'

Jason Meyer

Pastor for Preaching & Vision

The following discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on September 1/2 “... Except for Sexual Immorality ...” (Matthew 19:7–9). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection.

Main Goal: Understand and appreciate the three views that people have on this text.

Outline in Three Steps

  1. Understand the Views
  2. Appreciate the Views
  3. Embrace the Savior

Step 1: Understand the Views

  1. Never Divorce/Never Remarriage
  2. Sometimes Divorce/Never Remarriage
  3. Sometimes Divorce/Sometimes Remarriage
    From Each View:
    a. What Is the Meaning of Porneia?
    b. How Does the Exception Clause Function?
    c. Why Are the Disciples So Shocked? (difference between rabbis and Jesus)

Discussion Questions

  • Summarize the three main views on divorce and remarriage in Matthew 19:9.
  • What does each view believe that Jesus means by the Greek word porneia?
  • What does each view say about why the disciples are so shocked? How is Jesus different than the rabbis of his day?

Application Questions

  • Which (if any) of the three views did you hold prior to this sermon? Which view is most persuasive to you and why?
  • How can we grow in appreciating the people who disagree with us and hold a different view?
  • Why is the hope of the gospel not compromised no matter which view you affirm?

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace to uphold the hope of the gospel in this discussion and to show grace, patience, and love to those who disagree.