I Corinthians Chapter 7
As Paul continues his letter to the church at Corinth, he begins a section of answering specific questions that were sent to him by letter. In this chapter he speaks to the subject of sexual purity. Somehow some of the believers had concluded that since they were to abstain from sexual impurity that it meant they should refrain from sexual relations in the marriage context as well. They thought that complete celibacy was required to be a Christian. Some were even separating from their spouses with the idea it would make them more spiritual. This was dangerous thinking and one that Paul wanted to clear up.
This is a good example of a group of people following a leader (in the Corinth church) and not knowing what the Word of God said. This was spiritual immaturity. Christians need to be reminded that leaders in front of a church are not perfect and we should read the Word to discern if what we are being taught lines up with God’s Word.
As you read this chapter keep in mind that Paul was single, he never married. As a single man he viewed his life as being more free to serve God because his attention was not divided between caring for a wife and the caring to his mission of serving God. Also keep in mind that Paul clearly states that it is his opinion that is better for a man to remain single rather than marry. But he also recognizes that God instituted marriage, and therefore he taught the importance of the marriage relationship.
Let's Reflect
1. According to verse 2, what can be a hindrance to remaining celibate?
2. Paul included in his answer to the Corinthians the importance of maintaining a good relationship with your spouse. This of course includes sexual relations. What admonishment does he give the married couple in verse 5?
3. What danger is there in one spouse withholding sexual relations from the other?
4. Paul does not view his singleness as a negative thing. How does he view it according to verse 7?
5. Paul addressed the command of purity for those who are single or widows. He also recognized that for many the pull of sexual attraction is very strong and so, not to fall into sexual impurity, it is better for the person to do what?
6. Paul also addressed the subject of marital separation and divorce. There may be a season in the life of a couple where separation is necessary, but Paul advised that it not be for a long period of time. The couple should not divorce, but they should resolve their differences quickly and do what?
7. He also answered a question regarding those believers who were married to an unbeliever. The admonition is that they should not divorce. What is the hope Paul expressed for such a couple?
“Why should a Christian try to keep their marriage to a non-Christian together? Because God can be glorified in such a marriage, and He may do a work through the believing spouse to draw the unbelieving spouse to Jesus Christ. Sanctified, in this context, does not mean that the unbelieving spouse is saved just by being married to a Christian. It simply means that they are set apart for a special working in their lives by the Holy Spirit, by virtue of being so close to someone who is a Christian. Not only does the presence of a believing spouse do good for the unbelieving spouse, it also does good for the children…” [Guzik]
8. In verses 17-24 Paul gives several examples of the status a person was in prior to becoming a believer. Changing that status is not going to make them more spiritual. These examples would relate to the previous example of one who married an unbeliever. Changing their condition (divorcing) would not make them more spiritual. What is the admonition Paul gives to them in verse 24?
9. What was Paul’s advice to those who were betrothed or engaged to be married?
10. Is it a sin for the engaged couple to marry? See verses 28 and verse 36. The point Paul is trying to make is that it is better for a couple to get married when the sexual attraction is so strong between the couple that they are in danger of sexual impurity (having sexual relations outside the marriage relationship).
11. Verse 36 is good teaching for an engaged couple. Paul says that if you think your actions toward the opposite sex are bordering on impurity, then it is best to do what?
12. What is Paul’s opinion of marriage versus singleness? Paul recognized that his singleness was a gift he had been given from whom? Note that not all people are given this gift.
Devotionals
