4 Principles to marriage

Introduction

1 Corinthians - attending Southside

What would Paul’s letter say to the american church? to Blackwood Church?

1. Marriage is not a requirement (vv. 1-2, 6-9)

vv. 1-2, 9 - Stay single if you can.

Matthew 19:10–12 “10 The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” 11 But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 “For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”

Be content in your calling (vv 17-24) v 17, v 24

vv. 6-8 - To devote your life to God.

vv. 32-34

2. Your body belongs to your spouse (vv. 3-5)

vv. 3-4 - Possession belongs to your partner

v. 5 - Deprivation can be beneficial

To focus on God (singleness)

To exercise self control (must be agreed upon)

3. Marriage is for life (til death do us part) (vv. 10-11)

Gods intent is forever

Not i, but the Lord (Matthew 5:32, Matthew 19:2-9)

No other exclusion is given...

Mark 10:2-12.

Luke 16:18 “18 “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery.”

Genesis 2:18, 21-24

c. Romans 7:2–3 “2 For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. 3 So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man.”

4. How to handle an unequally yoked relationship (vv. 12-16)

v 12a - …I say, not the Lord, 2 Timothy 3:16 “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;”

Don’t marry an unbeliever…2 Corinthians 6:14-18

v. 12b-13 - Stay if you can

v 14 - sanctified through the beilever

v 15-16 - Not under bondage, will they be saved?

Conclusion

Divorce is not the unforgivable sin...

Be where you are in Christ...

Ephesians 5:22-33