The Local Church & Spiritual Advice to Married and Unmarried Believers

INTRODUCTION

When comes to marriage, there are tons of people who like to offer advice. Socrates once gave this piece of advice concerning marriage.

“By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.”

Some else gave this piece of advice...

“Never laugh at your wife’s choices, because you are one of them!”

Then there is this one...

“Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is…a husband!”

Of course, we tend to laugh at such type advice.

Unfortunately, most advice that comes from the world is not good advice. And, as I said before, there are always people ready to give advice. For us as believers, our only source of advice for anything in life should be God’s Word. In fact, as we get into our text this morning, we find the Holy Spirit providing some ADVICE and some ADMONITION to both single and married people.

But, before we get into the text, let’s go back and review a little of this chapter.

You may recall that the Holy Spirit plunged us right into the topic of marriage. He was following up His warning to us concerning fornication also known as sexual immorality. Right at the beginning, the Holy Spirit made it clear that marriage is a great avenue to “avoid fornication.” Therefore, it is good for those who struggle with the temptation of sexual immorality to be married. For that reason, the Holy Spirit goes on to encourage husbands and wives to be true to each other.

From there, we are given instruction concerning how to handle issues that arise within marriages. For a believing married couple, reconciliation is always the goal. Learn to handle conflict within your marriage God’s way. Don’t just bail at the first sign of trouble. That is the essence of verses 10 and 11.

1 Corinthians 7:10–11 KJV 1900

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

For the believer married to an unbeliever, do your best to stay in the marriage knowing that you can be a great witness for Christ. However, if your unbelieving mate decides to depart, then let them go. Again, the goal being peace so that you might win them to Christ.

And, then, last week, the entire message centered on contentment. When it comes our lot in life, we must learn to be content with where God has placed us. Concerning marriage, we must learn to be content with the mate God had given to us. Each believer is bought with a very precious price. And, for that reason, we are all “servants” aka “slaves” for the Lord. Our daily objective must be to “abide with God.”

Now, when we come to our text today which is 1 Corinthians 7:25-35, the Holy Spirit brings us back to some thoughts about marriage. Specifically, He addresses both single and married believers. In doing so, He gives His ADVICE and His ADMONITION. So, take your Bibles, turn to our text - 1 Corinthians 7:25-35 - and read along with me as I read aloud. If you are using one of our Pew Bibles, it is page 681.

1 Corinthians 7:25–35 KJV 1900

25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. 26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. 27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. 29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

SPIRITUAL ADVICE to the Unmarried Who are Pure!

Note the Holy Spirit’s advice starting in verse 25.

1 Corinthians 7:25 (KJV 1900)

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

Obviously, a virgin is a person either male or female who is sexually pure and unmarried. The Holy Spirit starts this section addressing them.

Remember that the Holy Spirit is using Paul as His instrument in speaking His Words and not Paul’s. The phrase “I have no commandment from the Lord” simply means that the Lord Himself did not speak concerning this particular topic. However, now, the Holy Spirit is speaking. Thus, the Holy Spirit gives his “judgement” on the matter at hand. What was His judgment? Look at verse 26.

1 Corinthians 7:26 (KJV 1900)

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

First, the Holy Spirit’s SPIRITUAL ADVICE was for the “present distress.”

That phrase points to a period of time from which arises a matter of necessity. In other words, what is happening presently may necessitate certain action or actions. Just a decade after Paul penned these words, Rome was heavily persecuting Christians. The Roman emperor Nero had launched a holocaust against those who followed Christ. Families of believers were arrested and paraded before all of Rome in the great Coliseum. In that great arena, Nero unleashed wild lions who butchered those believers before the very eyes of the cheering spectators. Nero was merciless in his slaughter. For this reason, it was better to suffer being alone and unmarried than to be married and see your loved one’s suffer unspeakable tortures.

Even as I preach these word this morning, I wonder what is on the horizon for believer’s of today. We have not suffered great persecution as American believers. We have enjoyed many, many years of freedom. However, today’s political climate is changing rapidly. At the hear of the rapid change is a hatred for those who follow Christ. Only the Lord knows that is around the corner, but perhaps the “present distress” should give us pause. And, perhaps, those who are unmarried and pure should consider what sufferings and persecution may be coming.

The Holy Spirit goes on with more SPIRITUAL ADVICE in the next verse saying...

1 Corinthians 7:27 (KJV 1900)

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

The Holy Spirit’s SPIRITUAL ADVICE concerns CONTENTMENT once again.

This advice hearkens back to last week’s message. If you are married, don’t seek divorce or separation. If you are single, don’t seek marriage. In other word, be content. In all situations, we are to patiently wait on the Lord. Unmarried men and women would do well in this area. It is far better to wait and let God provide you with the right wife or husband than for you to push the issue. Too many people rush into marriage and end up with a contrary mate. Marriage is already tough. It is much tougher when only one person is seeking to live for the Lord and the other is not. So, the Holy Spirit’s advice is slow down and do not be in a rush. Be content and let Him direct your path.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV 1900)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

You can never go wrong following God and allowing Him to direct your path!

The next piece of SPIRITUAL ADVICE we find in verse 28.

1 Corinthians 7:28 (KJV 1900)

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

The Holy Spirit’s SPIRITUAL ADVICE is that Marriage is Honorable!

Here is the essence of this verse. Marriage is not sin. In fact, marriage is right before the Lord for He is the one Who ordained marriage. Thus, any unmarried and pure believer seeking to be married is not sinning.

Proverbs 18:22 (KJV 1900)

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favour of the Lord.

But, on the other hand, marriage is NOT a cure for sin. Look again at verse 28 of our text. Note what the Holy Spirit says...

1 Corinthians 7:28 (KJV 1900)

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

Marriage is right and honorable before the Lord. Yet, marriage also has its challenges. Whenever you have two people (a man and a woman) in such a close relationship, there will be times of trouble. And, as we noted before, marriage is God’s avenue to “avoid fornication.” It does not mean the temptation will not be presented at times. It means that being faithful in marriage will help you overcome such temptation. Thus, married believers will have face troublesome times within their marriage. However, if both husband and wife will seek to “abide with God” daily, there is hope they will weather the troublesome times as they are obedient to Gods’ Word.

The Holy Spirit gives us some wonderful SPIRITUAL ADVICE. Now, He gives some

SPIRITUAL ADMONITION to both Married and Single Believers.

Note first that...

HE ADMONISHES us regarding COMMITMENT

1 Corinthians 7:29–31 KJV 1900

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

The Holy Spirit reminds us that “the time is short.” Folks, we are closer than we have ever been to the Lord’s return. If time was short when these words were penned, then surely the time is even shorter now. Scripture is quite clear that Christ will return. He will come first in the clouds to rapture us as believers out of this old world.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–6 (KJV 1900)

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

The time is short. Therefore, instead of worrying about this, that, and the other, we need to be focused on His return. We need to watching and waiting. We need to be “sober” (serious) about finishing the work He has given us to do.

Matthew 9:37–38 (KJV 1900)

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

That will be the focus all through the month next month. Our theme for our Mission’s Month is “Send the Light! - There are souls to rescue; there are souls to save.” Thus, we need total commitment to the Lord and His commission. There is no time left for frivolous and worldly things. There are too many souls that need rescuing. Thus, the time is short.

Note that the next few verses, verses 29-31, deal with a variety of areas concerning commitment.

1 Corinthians 7:29–31 KJV 1900

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

Each one is an area where we must keep our focus on serving the Lord.

Our Marriages - whether we are married or not - TIME IS SHORT.

Our Mindset - whether we are happy or not - TIME IS SHORT.

Our Material Possessions - buying or not - TIME IS SHORT.

Our Motivation - should not be this world or what it offers for it will pass away - TIME IS SHORT.

The Holy Spirit moves then to some difference between those who are single versus those who are married.

HE ADMONISHES us regarding the Concerns of Marriage

In doing so, the Holy Spirit shows how that please the Lord is always the main focus of a believer no matter his or her married status.

He first distinguishes between a single man and a married man.

1 Corinthians 7:32–33 (KJV 1900)

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

The point is this. A man who is single is in a great position to be singularly focused on pleasing the Lord. He has none of the distractions that come with being married. Thus, if you are an unmarried man who follows the Lord, don’t be focused on finding a wife. Instead, be content to follow the Lord. In my experience, a single man who follows the Lord will be blessed with a wife who seeks to do the same. However, it may be that the Lord’s will for your life is to be single and unmarried. If so, then give yourself fully to Him knowing that you can serve Him distraction free. Being a single believer is not a license to serve yourself. It is freedom to serve the Lord. And, serve the Lord you must.

For the married man, he is to please the Lord as well. However, with marriage comes the added responsibility of loving his wife, and, if the Lord so blesses, leading his children to serve the Lord. In the end, the goal is the same. The goal is to PLEASE the Lord.

What about women? Look at verse 34.

1 Corinthians 7:34 (KJV 1900)

There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

It is much the same for women. The unmarried believing woman is to solely care for the things of the Lord. That is her focus. He desire is to be holy both in body and spirit before the Lord.

The married, believing woman has some cares that are more focused on this world. She too is to care for the things of the Lord, but she has the added responsibility of pleasing her husband.

Now, note how the Holy Spirit finishes this section as...

HE ADMONISHES us regarding CONSECRATION

1 Corinthians 7:35 (KJV 1900)

And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

All that He has said He did for our own good. He only intends good for our own benefit. It is advantageous for us to follow His advice and His admonition. You can never go wrong following the Lord and His Word. God never seeks to trap us or “snare” us. Instead, He holds us in high regard. The phrase “that which is comely” literally means respected or held in high regard. The bottom line is this. God wants us to be free of distractions so that we might “attend upon” Him. “Attend upon” speaks of one who is consistent and reliable. God desires believer who are consistent and reliable. He depends up us to accomplish His will. Thus, we must learn to be content in just serving Him and living lives obedient to Him so that, in turn, we may be clean vessels for His use.

CONCLUSION

The best advice for both married and unmarried people only comes from Gods’ Word. Believer, stop listening to the world. Open your ears and your heart to the Word of God. Understand that you main purpose in life is to PLEASE the Lord. The only way you can please Him is through total surrender and obedience to His Word. If you are single, please Him. You do not have the distractions of married life. Use that to your advantage and go after the things of God. If you are married, please Him. Do so in your marriage as you live obedient to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives. Wives, honor and please your husbands. Seek to a partnership by which you both serve the Lord together.