Safe Marriage

What are the God-given responsibilities of believers and church leadership when marriages become difficult or even hostile?

Sermon Notes

Introduction

Big Idea: Two God-given responsibilities of church leadership (and the flock they lead) when marriages go bad!

Respond to Abuse Properly

• How should we define abuse?
• Individuals should put themselves under the care and counsel of godly shepherds
• Church leadership must understand and respond properly to abuse
  
  • Scripture requires God’s people to protect the innocent sufferer, and to seek justice toward the oppressor (Psa. 82:3-4; Psa. 10)
  • God-given authorities exist to bring justice where it is needed (Rom. 13:1-4)
  • Discernment must be used to measure and apply principles of repentance, confession, forgiveness, and accountability
• Victims must understand and respond properly to abuse
  
  • To not “cry out” ignores God’s desire for justice, and neglects God’s provision and protection for you and others
  • The abused must overcome fear, and entrust themselves to God and those called to protect and care for them

Understand Biblical Divorce Provisions

See the Elder Document on Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage

Keywords: Domestic violence, emotional abuse, physical abuse sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape

Brian Sayers

Brian is the Pastor of Counseling & Equipping at Faith Bible Church. He is passionate about the local church, and equipping the saints to effectively serve one another. Before coming to Spokane, he spent 14 years serving God's people as a pastor in rural New England (Vermont & New Hampshire).

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