1 Corinthians 7:6-11

                                                             1 Corinthians 7:6-11

Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband(but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.

Marriage is important to God, and He inspired Paul to write much in this chapter about both marriage and singleness.  However, Paul starts out by establishing two basic principles that should be considered when discussing marriage.  Both principles come from a place of contentment.  Whether we are single or married, God wants us to be content.

 

THE SINGLE PERSON SHOULD REMAIN SINGLE: Paul encourages those who are single as well as those who are widowed, to remain single.  Paul uses himself as an example of singleness.  Paul considered the freedom he had to minister and travel as a single man was beneficial to the kingdom.  However, he made it clear that marriage was far preferable to sexual immorality.  Even though Paul preferred celibacy, he made it clear that marriage was no sinful for single or widowed people.  Paul’s lifestyle would have been very hard to maintain had he been married.  Paul’s impact on the kingdom was fundamental to the establishment and growth of the church.  However, the kingdom is also positively impacted by godly families.

 

THE MARRIED PERSON SHOULD REMAIN MARRIED: Paul makes if clear that those who are married should stay in their marriages.  They were not to seek for divorce in order to more freely serve the Lord or for any other reason.  Divorce was not to be permitted for either men or women.  However, when divorce did occur, and in a sinful world it will, there are only two options given.  The first is to remain single.  The second is to reconcile with the spouse.  God is able to heal and restore broken relationship.  It is what the Gospel is all about.  Marriage is supposed to be an illustration of the Gospel and the relationship between Christ and the Church.  This is very important to God.

 

APPLICATION: We are to choose our marital status based on spiritual benefits.  Both celibacy and marriage can be beneficial to the kingdom depending on individual circumstances.  Do all that is in our power to avoid divorce and remain married.  If divorce does occur, reconciliation is the best alternative.

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