Tabor Baptist Church

N.B. Apologies that the first minute of the opening remarks were missed

Introduction

• There are many advantages to being single
• Some are called to marry and some are called to be single
• Considerations about marriage during distressing times
• If we don't understand the context - we will misinterpret the passage
• The threat of persecution (v26)
• For example - marriage in time of war is not always advisable
• Don't get so bound up in your relationship and not be able to move past earthly thinking
• Have a light hold on your marriage - we must not misunderstand or misuse the word of God to justify wrong behaviour
• What does the passage have to do with me?
• We must interpret Scripture aright - we must not take things out of context, Scripture interprets Scripture, we must pray, we have the elders of the Church to teach
• We must not act without discernment - we must have a devotional heart but use our minds
• There is a squeeze upon the Church at present times
• All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (and profitable for training in righteousness) - no part of Scripture is irrelevant
• Some may give us central doctrine
• Other passages may have lesser weight
• Speaks about Christian conscience (v26)
• This is Paul's considered view guided by the Spirit of God
• There may be freedom of choice - examples
• Overview:
• Giving wise advice
• How to act in distressing times
• What is for my spiritual advantage?
• Making the right decision

Giving wise advice (v25)

• What Paul is now addressing - Jesus did not speak specifically about - yet he will give his judgment as one made trustworthy by God
• He was the last of the apostles
• He received direct revelation from God
• He had been entrusted with the gospel and as a teacher of Jesus Christ
• He has the Spirit of God (v40)
• This advice not received by direct revelation
• He gives his considered judgment
• Not to make quick decisions - serve God in the state you were called in
• Examples
• His judgment about marriage - including those divorced or widowed
• If you are married - continue in marriage
• We have already looked at this in earlier verses
• This is a bigger principle
• If you are married - do not seek divorce
• If you are single/divorced - do not seek marriage
• 1 Cor 2:16 - all Christians have the mind of Christ
• We do not expect an answer to 'fly' into our minds (even with prayer)
• We must ask a number of questions
• We must bring principles of Scripture to bear - examples
• We must seek guidance
• We must consider providence
• We must wait on God
• We are called to give wise advice because we have the mind of Christ
• God can use us to give wise advice
• We can give wise advice in smaller area

How to act in distressing times (v26-31)

• Distressing times
• He knew what it was to cause pain - Saul had caused such great distress (before his salvation when he was a persecutor of the Church) - examples
• He knew what it was to receive pain - examples
• He understood distressing times
• He did not want people to experience pain
• Do you have a calling to marriage? (v28)
• Paul has already said 'it is better to marry than burn'
• But he now writes to them because he wants to spare them (v28)
• Think carefully
• You need to be prepared emotionally, psychologically and spiritually (v29)
• You must have a light hold on the things of the world but set your mind on heaven
• Be thankful for your spouse - but things can change
• Do not let your emotions dominate you
• We are so often earthly minded - examples
• How much of our mind is on the eternal?
• Have a control on your emotions (v30)
• Paul is not saying to not show emotion - but have them in balance and don't get too taken up in them
• Things of the world are so often like a vapour
• Trust in Christ and keep your eyes on the eternal

What is for my spiritual advantage? (v32-35)

• Reading v32-35b
• Paul is a realist
• Some people think marriage will be a utopia
• Paul recognises there may be divided loyalties in a marriage
• We are first and foremost a Christian and therefore our most important relationship is with the Lord
• We will find conflict at times
• The unmarried can be devoted to the Lord
• This is not to tie peoples hands (v35) but his wise judgment
• You can avoid conflict over finances and the pain of illness
• Singleness is to their spiritual advantage
• We prosper in peace though trials bring growth

Making the right decision (v36ff)

• This begins to address a 1st Century cultural tradition - fathers giving their daughter(s) away in marriage
• Reading v36-38
• Due to the present distress - you can allow your daughter to marry but it is better not to marry
• Remember that Scripture teaches that marriage is good
• Reading v39
• It is the doctrine of the devil to contradict marriage (1 Tim 4:3)
• You should not be unequally yoked - marry in the Lord
• This is Paul's judgment
• He wants to help the people of Corinth make their own decisions
• We make our decisions before God - but we must seek to make the right one
• Examples
• We must think through the whole issue

Closing Remarks