SF629 - YOU DON'T HAVE TO FLY SOLO (1 Corinthians 7 7-9)

SF629

YOU DON’T HAVE TO FLY SOLO

1 Corinthians 7:7-9

INTRODUCTION

The Prominence of Single Folks in our Society

Over 120,000 single adults in Knox Co.

Or ~36% of the total population

Several different types...

Never married

Divorced

Widowed

Over 69,000 Females; >52,000 males

Almost 20,000 households are headed by a single person.

The Problem of Single Folks

Loneliness

Not accepted

Feel out of place

The Scriptures have a completely different View...

Being Single is Normal!

Being Single is Desirable!

Being Single is Accountable!

1A.       THE NORMALITY OF THE SINGLE LIFE

1B.       Everyone begins Single

2B.       Some are to remain Single (7)

It is to be valued as a gift...

“Gift” = charisma

(Matthew 19:12)  "For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.""

It is viewed as a strength (9)

Paul

Jesus

2A.       THE DESIRABILITY OF THE SINGLE LIFE

1B.       Because of the Freedom it Affords (32-34a)

Free from the concerns of marriage (33a)

Free from the concerns of a mate (33b)

Free to focus on Christ! (32)

2B.       Because of the Devotion it Allows (34b-35)

An undiluted devotion (34b)

An undivided devotion (35)

(Psalms 86:11)  "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."

Lottie Moon - Served 40+ years in China; never married!

3A.       THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE SINGLE LIFE

1B.       God requires Purity (9; 36-37)

(1 Corinthians 6:18)  "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body."

2B.       God requires Patience

Isaiah 40:30-31                      

3B.       God requires Perseverance

Hebrews 12:1-2

4B.       God requires Productiveness

John 15:1-8

APPLICATION

You Don’t Have to Fly Solo! - Jesus wants to Fly with you!

One Condition - He has to be the Pilot!

Must take it one step @ a time!

First comes relationship & Membership

Second, Maturity

Third, Ministry

Fourth, Mission!