1 Corinthians 7

Grace to you, and peace,

Today we continue in our Chapter Memory Study of 1 Corinthians with chapter 7.

The memory passage for this chapter are;

1 Corinthians 7:1-2, 10-11, 32-33 (ESV)
¹ Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." ² But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
¹⁰ To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband ¹¹ (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
³² I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. ³³ But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife,

The outline theme for chapter 7 is Correct Marriage Relationships

The first 9 verses deal with the physical relationship of a man and woman. Paul teaches that abstinence is good, but because of the temptation to sexual immorality it is good for people to be married to have the correct context for sexual contact.
Spouses are not to withhold sexual relations from each other except for a time of prayer, and only for a limited time so that they do not open the door for temptation.
Again, in verses 6-9 he says that it is good to be single, but better to be married than full aflame with passion.

Next, Paul spends considerable time (10-24) on the marriage relationship. Neither believing spouse should seek a divorce; whether married to a believer or a non-believer. The benefits to a non-believing spouse who has a believing spouse is great. They are blessed by having someone who loves Christ, prays for the spouse and the family, and who loves the family the way the Christ does. Children also are blessed when there is at least one believing parent. If the unbelieving spouse leaves the marriage, there is no restrictions on the believing spouse to remarry if they choose (although Paul encourages 'each one to remain with God in whatever condition they are; 17, 20, 24, 26)

Verse 25 through verse 38 deal with the status of the unmarried, engaged, or virgin children. Paul starts by saying, again, that it is good to remain as you are for a time; married or unmarried. When persecution comes to us who believe, we must respond with full-hearted devotion to God. Those who are married can be divided in their devotion. When Paul says to 'live as though' you are unmarried it is not license to do whatever you wish and forsake your marital responsibility. Rather, keep your mind and your heart focused fully on pleasing God. We are to be anxious only about the things of the Lord and how to please the Lord.

Verses 36-38 have caused some confusion as to who the 'anyone' is. Many believe that the 'anyone' is the father of a virgin daughter, while others believe that the 'anyone' is a bridegroom. The principles are still very clear; if you can't keep your desires under control and disciplined, marry, for it is no sin. But those who can abstain are better off.

The last two verses deal with widow-hood. Widows are free to remarry, to a believer, if they wish. But Paul still offers that they might be happier not remarrying.

How does this affect my worship?
The principle that Paul states 4 times in this chapter rings true for me in my worship. No matter in what condition I am, my heart must remain steadfastly devoted to the Lord. Whether married or single, rich or poor, sick or well, persecuted or blessed; my heart's desire should be the things of the Lord and how to please the Lord.

How does this affect my discipleship?
I'm guessing that marriage issues will come up once or twice along my journey of discipleship. These principles give very clear guidance to people at any stage of the marriage relationship (or non-relationship if they remain single). Along with the goal of this study, to hide God's Word in my heart, is the goal of studying and remembering principles like these for when questions come up about this very topic. Discipleship may not always be neat and tidy; there may be times of digging through dirt and mud with someone in order to set them on the path of righteousness. I must be prepared.

May you remain, today, in the place God has called you,

Ethan