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.