Bible Study Lesson: Singleness and Divorce

Bible Study Lesson: Singleness and Divorce

Passage: 1 Corinthians 7:7-16

1. Context of the Passage

Chapter Before: 1 Corinthians 6

1 Corinthians 6 addresses various issues of moral and ethical behavior within the Christian community, focusing on lawsuits among believers and sexual immorality. Paul emphasizes the importance of living a holy life and maintaining purity as members of Christ's body.

Chapter After: 1 Corinthians 8

1 Corinthians 8 discusses the issue of food sacrificed to idols, teaching about the balance between knowledge and love, and how Christians should exercise their freedom in consideration of the consciences of others.

How 1 Corinthians 7 Fits In:

1 Corinthians 7 addresses questions about marriage, singleness, and divorce, providing guidance for Christians in various relational states. It builds on the themes of purity and ethical living from chapter 6 and sets the stage for discussions on community conduct in chapter 8.

2. Historical Context and Background

Historical Context:

Cultural Practices: In Greco-Roman society, marriage and family structures were vital, and divorce was relatively common. Christian teachings often countered prevailing cultural norms by advocating for lifelong marital commitments and addressing the value of singleness.

Key Figures: Paul, the apostle, is the primary figure, writing to the Corinthian church to address their specific questions and issues regarding relationships.

Theological Context:

Theological Themes: The passage touches on themes of contentment in one's current state, the sanctity of marriage, and the importance of unity within the Christian community. Paul emphasizes that both marriage and singleness are gifts from God.

Liturgical or Practical Context:

Worship Practices: This passage has been used historically to guide Christian conduct in relationships and to provide a theological framework for understanding marriage and singleness within the church.

Key Pivot Points:

1 Cor 7:7-9: Paul discusses singleness and the gift of celibacy.

1 Cor 7:10-11 : Instructions on marriage and the sanctity of the marital bond.Verses 12-16: Guidance on mixed marriages (believers married to unbelievers) and the principles of peace and unity.

3. Text and Analysis

Full Text: 1 Corinthians 7:7-16 (NIV)

7 I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.

8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. 9 But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

10 To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11 But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

12 To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13 And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

Analysis and Practical Application

1 Cor 7:7 :

Context and Meaning: Paul expresses his personal preference for singleness, viewing it as a special gift from God that allows for undivided devotion to the Lord's work.Original Language: The Greek word "charisma" (gift) emphasizes the divine empowerment behind both singleness and marriage.Application: Individuals can reflect on their own gifts and callings, whether single or married, and seek to serve God faithfully in their current state.

1 Cor 7:8-9 :

Context and Meaning: Paul encourages the unmarried and widows to remain single if possible, but acknowledges that marriage is preferable to burning with passion.

Original Language: The Greek word "pyrousthai" (burn with passion) underscores the intensity of uncontrolled desire.

Application: This passage teaches that marriage is a legitimate and honorable option for those struggling with sexual self-control. Believers can seek God's guidance in their relational choices.

Verses 10-11:

Context and Meaning: Paul reaffirms Jesus' teaching on the permanence of marriage, advising against separation and divorce.

Original Language: The phrase "not I, but the Lord" indicates Paul's reliance on Jesus' direct teachings.

Application: These verses stress the importance of reconciliation and maintaining the marital bond. Christians can focus on nurturing their marriages and seeking help during times of difficulty.

1 Cor 7:12-13 :

Context and Meaning: Paul provides specific instructions for believers married to unbelievers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the marriage if the unbelieving spouse is willing.

Original Language: The term "sanctified" (Greek: "hēgiastai") implies a positive spiritual influence within the household.

Application: Believers in mixed marriages are encouraged to live out their faith faithfully, trusting in God's ability to work through their witness.

1 Cor 7: 14-16:

Context and Meaning: Paul explains that the believing spouse brings a sanctifying influence to the family. However, if the unbelieving partner chooses to leave, the believer is not bound.

Original Language: The term "peace" (Greek: "eirēnē") highlights God's desire for harmony and tranquility in believers' lives.

Application: Christians are called to live in peace and trust God's sovereignty over their relationships, even in challenging circumstances.

4. Preaching and Teaching Examples

Analogy of Gifts: Compare singleness and marriage to different types of tools in a toolbox, each designed for a specific purpose. Just as a hammer and a screwdriver are both essential for different tasks, so are singleness and marriage valuable in God's kingdom.

Story of Perseverance: Share a testimony of a believer who found contentment in singleness or experienced God's faithfulness in a challenging marriage. Highlight the themes of trust and reliance on God's guidance.

Contemporary Illustration: Use the example of modern support groups or ministries that cater to singles, divorced individuals, and mixed-faith marriages. Emphasize the importance of community and mutual support.

5. Reference Scriptures

Matthew 19:3-9: Jesus' teaching on the sanctity of marriage and the limited grounds for divorce.

Ephesians 5:21-33: Paul's instructions on mutual submission and love in marriage, reflecting Christ's relationship with the church.

Genesis 2:18-24: The creation of marriage and the foundational principles of companionship and unity.1 Peter 3:1-7: Guidance for spouses in mixed-faith marriages, emphasizing respectful conduct and the potential for a positive spiritual impact.

6. Summary

1 Corinthians 7:7-16 provides comprehensive guidance on singleness, marriage, and divorce, addressing specific situations within the Christian community. Paul highlights the value of both relational states, encouraging believers to embrace their current circumstances as gifts from God. The passage calls for a commitment to peace, unity, and faithfulness in relationships, while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges that can arise.

Encouragement for Reflection:

Reflect on your current relational state and consider how you can serve God faithfully within it.Seek wisdom and support from your faith community in navigating relationship challenges.Trust in God's sovereignty and guidance in all aspects of your personal and relational life.

By studying this passage, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of how to honor God in their relationships and find contentment in their unique gifts and callings.