Singleness, Marriage and Divorce
Introduction
A long passage – will likely be split over two weeks
Paul is responding to questions asked of him
They have other questions – 8:1
The Church have written a letter with various questions to the Apostle Paul
Reading 1 Cor 7:1-16
The Book of Corinthians is very practical
The Corinthians were living in a very pagan society
Last week we saw a warning against temple prostitution
Another sexual area – marriage, singleness and divorce
Paul answers a number of questions – examples
There are other passages that give advice – Matthew
This passage asks many but not all questions
It gives us good principles – though it does not address every case
We must take passages in their context
Personal example
However, Paul was giving advice in the context of persecution – 1 Cor 7:26
Marriage is not to be forbidden
We are not to pit singleness against marriage
Singleness, Marriage and Sexual Intimacy (v1-9)
Marriage and Divorce (v10-16)
Singleness, Marriage and Sexual Intimacy (v1-9)
Singleness – “It is good for a man not to touch a woman” (v1) – this means sexual intimacy
It would seem that God is saying that it is a good thing to be celibate
Jesus, John the Baptist, Martha, Mary and Lazarus – were all single and not incomplete
What does the Church teach about singleness?
There are more women than men
You are called to marry in the Lord
To address society’s viewpoint
Marriage – It is better to marry than burn with passion (v9)
It is better to marry that allow your sexual drive to overtake you
Some people have a gift of singleness
Personal example
What do you do for those who want to marry but cannot find a partner?
Marriage is a partnership – Gen 18
Most people don’t have the gift for singleness
Is for procreation, pleasure and purity
Marriage and singleness are a gift from God
The Bible teaches monogamy
1 Cor 7:39
1 Cor 7:2
Sexual Intimacy – Frank and radical advice that was counter cultural (v3-4)
It is the responsibility of the husband to give affection (and vice versa)
There is equality
Neither has responsibility of their own bodies
This is a glad principle for a loving relationship
There are questions around this – examples
Sexual intimacy is given by God
Do not defraud each other (v5)
Is this just Paul speaking? (v6)
Paul writes the commandments of the Lord – 1 Cor 14:37
These are principles given by God through the Holy Spirit for the good of God’s people
To each their own gift (v7)
Closing Remarks
We will pause there and continue next week – some thought and questions
Example of Missionaries – Amy Carmichael
In the Roman world there 10 men to 8 women – today there are more Christian women than men
Other passages help us:
Phil 2 – consider other peoples needs before our own