By Sam Nobles
Here in chapter 7 the Apostle Paul specifically addresses the questions that the Corinthian church had asked him previously about marriage. The first part of this chapter deals with issues involving those married (v.1-24), and the second part covers those who are single (v.25-40). It is important to notice that much of what Paul mentions in this chapter is identified as his personal judgment, not necessarily the commandments of the Lord. In such cases, it is not a matter of right
versus wrong, but good versus better.
Marriage is a Gift (v.1-9)
Paul starts things off by telling the Christians in Corinth that it is good for them to marry in order to avoid sexual immorality, and that proper attitudes toward sex and the marriage relationship is necessary for the marriage to work well. Paul also warns the Corinthian believers that while abstinence from sex can appropriate for short times, there should never be a depriving sex between a husband and a wife. In Paul’s opinion, marriage is a gift from God, but not all have that gift; therefore; living the single life with self-control is best, but the unmarried and widows should marry if they cannot exercise that sort of self-control (v.7-9).
Marriage is a Ministry (v.10-16)
The Apostle then shifts gears from the physical side of the marriage relationship to address the spiritual side. Paul brings up the fact that some of the Corinthian believers became Christians after they had married, and questioned if they should stay married to their unsaved spouses. The answer the Apostle gave them was, “Yes!” because if the unbelieving spouse is willing to stay in the marriage, then the believing spouse may win them to Christ.
Marriage is a Calling (v.17-24)
“When you become a Christian, that does not annul what you were before you trusted Christ. I In the same way a Jew stayed a Jew and a slave remained a slave, so do the married continue to be married.
Marriage is a Challenge (v.25-40)
While Paul has thus far expounded on the blessings of marriage, he now reminds his readers of the burdens that also accompany the marriage relationship. The Apostle digs into how marriage has the tendency to divide a person’s interest, but being single allows a person to seek to please the Lord in the same way that a man or woman would seek to please his or her spouse. Paul heavily implies throughout this chapter that people who are not married should stay that way, but he also says that getting married isdefinitely not a sin.
Scripture to Claim:
But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. (1 Corinthians 7:37 ESV)
