Introduction: In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul writes about the marriage relationship, being single, and other relationships within the Christian life. In this chapter, Paul speaks on concerns of the Corinthian believers, providing wisdom that balances individual circumstances with devotion to God. Whether married or single, Paul’s exhortations encourage a life of commitment, purity, and contentment, aimed toward serving the Lord without distraction. This chapter encourages us to consider our own lives in light of these timeless principles.
I. Advice on Marriage and Singleness (1 Corinthians 7:1-7)
Paul starts by teaching on the value of being single and practicing and celibacy, as well as the sanctity of marriage. Jesus talked about this same subject in Matthew 19:11-12, He spoke of those who can accept singleness for the kingdom’s sake. Likewise about the marriage relationship, we read in Hebrews 13:4, the Hebrew writer said that the marriage bed is to be honored by all. It was ordained by God in Genesis 2:24-25 when He said, for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife. This original design of marriage as a man and woman becoming one flesh, male and female, only two genders.
II. Instructions to the Unmarried and Widows (1 Corinthians 7:8-9)
Paul advises the unmarried and widows to remain single if at all possible, but marriage is permitted if they struggle with sexual temptation. We live in a society today where the divorce rate is very high, Jesus talked about divorce in Matthew 5:32, He taught on the seriousness of divorce and remarriage. It will bring much grief to the lives of the people. In 1 Timothy 5:14, young widows (who is a widow indeed, through death of a husband) are encouraged to remarry and manage their homes. But whether married or single, it is God’s will is for His people to live in purity according to 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4.
III. Guidance for Married Couples (1 Corinthians 7:10-16)
Paul gives some good advice to married couples, remain together and not divorce, pointing out the fact that it is God’s desire for marital fidelity. We can read in Malachi 2:16, God does not like divorce and the breaking of the marriage covenant. It is a covenant we enter into, and a set of vows before the Lord we have made, therefore he doesn’t like it when people break their vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). Furthermore Jesus said in Matthew 19:6, what God has joined together, let no one separate, I believe this includes even those who entered into the marriage as well. Marriage symbolizes the church and Christ, in Ephesians 5:22-33, marriage is a reflection of Christ and the Church.
IV. Living the Life God Has Assigned (1 Corinthians 7:17-24)
Paul teaches that believers should remain in the situation, married or unmarried, they were in when God called them, honoring God in their current circumstances. In other words, be content where you are in the Lord, Galatians 3:28, tells us that in Christ, there is no difference between Jew or Greek, slave or free. Also in Colossians 3:23-24, the Bible gives us wisdom about the state we are in, whatever you do, work heartily for the Lord. and live a life worthy of the calling you received (Ephesians 4:1).
V. The Advantages of Singleness (1 Corinthians 7:25-40)
Paul sheds a little light on the benefits of being single, mainly the freedom to serve the Lord without marital concerns and responsibilities, not to mention the responsibility of children that come along later. Marriage is of this world according to Matthew 22:30, in Heaven, people will not marry, teaching the temporary nature of earthly marriages. There is mention of 144,000 virgins (unmarried) in Revelation 14:4, they seem to be separated for a special purpose and have a special place with Jesus in the last days, but whether married or unmarried, God wants us to be content with such as we are, and serve God with our lives.
Conclusion: In 1 Corinthians 7, the counsel given by the Bible should speak to the hearts of believers today as it did in Corinth. We are reminded that whether married or single, our ultimate aim should be to live a life that honors God (1 Corinthians 7:17-24). Marriage is a holy union ordained by God, not to be entered into or dissolved lightly (1 Corinthians 7:10-16), while staying single may give a person more opportunities to serve the Lord without distraction (1 Corinthians 7:25-40). We should be content where we are, whether single or married, and seek to glorify God in all we do (1 Corinthians 7:1-7, 8-9). This Bible teaching should inspire us to pursue purity, love, and wholehearted dedication to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
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