SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 7
BIBLE VERSES:
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command.” (1 Corinthians 7:3-6)
“To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.” (1 Corinthians 7:12-14)
“Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.” (1 Corinthians 7:19-20)
“ You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.” (1 Corinthians 7:23)
“I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:32-35)
MARRIAGE (vs. 1-39)
Christians in Corinth were surrounded by sexual temptations. They had the reputation of sexual immorality and religious prostitution. There were many questions that arose on the subject of marriage. That was why Paul laid down guidelines for them.
PAUL’S VIEWPOINT ABOUT MARRIAGE: 1.
- The husband and wife should fulfill their marital duty to each other (vs. 3-4)
- To the unmarried and widows, it is better for them to marry than to burn with passion (vs. 8-9)
- A wife must not separate from her husband and a husband must not divorce his wife (vs. 10-11)
- To a brother or sister who marries an unbeliever and they are willing to live together, they must not divorce. But if the unbeliever leaves, a believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances (vs. 12-15)
- To the virgin, it is good for you to remain as is (vs. 25-26)
- To the married, do not seek a divorce (v. 29+)
- A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives but if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. (v. 39)
THOUGHTS:
3 groups of believers:
- The Unmarried Christians (vs. 1-9) – Believers should not think themselves spiritual because they are single or they are unspiritual because they are married. Roman Catholic church teaches that celibacy is more devoted form of life than marriage, but Paul taught that celibacy is honorable but so is marriage. Paul taught monogamy and stated that consideration and consistency are important in married couples.
- Christians married to Unsaved Partners (vs. 10-24) – Christians are supposed to marry other Christians. But some of the Corinthians were saved after they had married. Paul’s counsel was this: If the unsaved is willing to live with you, stay where you are and use every opportunity to win him or her to Christ. However, if the unsaved refuses to continue to live with her or him, let the mate depart.
- Parents of unmarried girls (vs. 25-40) – In ancient days, it was the parents who arranged marriage for their children. Paul stated that marriage is a serious matter because it entails responsibility. They must be convinced in their own heart and not just follow the crowd. It is tragic to see young lives ruined by hasty marriages.