The Benefits of Singleness

Sermon Idea:

Paul lays out the benefits that come with singleness, and the opportunities for service that come with it.

Interrogative:

What are the benefits of being single in a world where singleness is looked down on?

Introduction:

Good morning! Turn in your bibles to 1 Corinthians 7. As we continue on in our study of first Corinthians today we will be looking at verses 25 - 40 and let pray as we get started. In 1 Timothy Paul is addressing a young pastor named Timothy. He has laid out to Timothy what it means to be a pastor. He covers everything from the qualification to the different duties and responsibilities they have. And that brings us to what Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:10

“For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” (NASB)

As this should be a practice every week for a pastor, laboring and striving to take care of the Word for the honor and glory of God, this week was especially so. As one commentator put it:

“It is no exaggeration to call this passage one of the most difficult to interpret in all of Paul’s letters.” (Johnson, A. F. (2004). 1 Corinthians (Vol. 7, p. 123). IVP Academic.)

As I have been studying this week I would strongly and full-heartily agree with what that commentator said. As I studied this passage in several different translations of God's word, it became clear that the translators of this text had a great deal of sorting out to do. If they translate a word one way it would change the meaning of the text. And if they translate a word in a different way it would change the meaning to mean something else. This is not to throw these translators under the bus. As Pastor Greg and I studied this passage we found that even going back to the original Greek it gave us more questions than it gave us answers. With that said, through the study that I have done this week I have found the New American Standard Bible has given what I believe is the best translation for this passage and we will go into more of those details later on. Because I will be preaching out of the New American Standard Bible I wanted to make sure that I also put those verses up on the screen as some may not have that translation with them today.

As we see in 1 Corinthians 7:1 “Now concerning the things about which you wrote” (NASB) Paul is answering the questions that the Corinthians have written to Paul. In our text today Paul will be addressing the benefits of singleness. In 1 Corinthians 7:7 “Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that” we see that there is a God given gift of singleness. Paul is saying he wishes that everyone can be like him, a single man, but he recognizes that it is a gift. Some people have this gift and others do not.

This is a counter cultural statement for Paul to make. Not many people would consider it a gift to be single. As proof for that statement, how many of you who are single or when you were single have been asked the question: “so is there a special man in your life yet?” Or “so is there a special lady in your life yet?” Our society seemingly does not know how to act around those who are single. If this is still not enough proof just look at what our society is telling those who are single with how many online dating sites and apps there are. How many friends are trying to set their single friends up on blind dates and play matchmaker? How many TV shows are centered around dating and finding the one. Again our society not only does not know what to do with those who are single they seem to poetry those who are single as broken or defective. And a lot of the time those who are single believe the lie that they are broken and defective. Well today we are going to address this issue, and look at what Paul has laid out for us as the benefits of singleness and how you can thrive in the stage of life God has you in.

The benefit of singleness in the present distress. (v. 25-28)

Now concerning virgins (v.25)

Who is this referring to?

This is referring to both men and women. These are people who have never been married. Now concerning the unmarried or the single.

There is no command from the Lord

Like we addressed in verse 12 this is not just Paul going on a rant and stepping out of inspiration. This is referring to the fact that Jesus never taught about this, so this new revelation, but just because it is new does not make it any less inspired.

Paul then reiterates his authority given by God and that he is a trustworthy source for spiritual insight.

The present Distress (v.26-28)

What is this present distress?

This is talking about the persecution that believers face.

In John 16:33 Jesus is saying ““These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”” (NASB)

In 2 Timothy 3:12 we see “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecute”

And again in 1 peter 4:12,13 we see “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” (NSAB)

Even more clearly in James 1:2,3 we see “ Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (NASB)

We have just seen in many passages that we will experience persecution as believers in Christ. And the level of that prediction can vary from person to person. As we look even at some of these Bible characters that we look up to so often and see their persecution.

John the Baptist was beheaded in Matthew 14

Stephen was stoned for preaching the gospel in Acts 6 and 7

James was killed by the sword in Acts 12

Tradition says Peter was crucified upside down because he was unworthy to die like Jesus.

They say Paul was most likely beheaded in Rome

John was impressed on the island of patmos

Many followers were stoned, put in prison, and beat.

One of the most famous modern day marders is Jim Elliot who was killed while trying to bring the gospel to a remote tribe in Ecuador.

What is Paul's inspired advice?

To remain as you are.

Are you bond to a wife? Are you married? Stay married!

Are you released from a wife? Are you single? (meaning never married, a widow, or divorced) Do not seek to be married.

But if you marry

If you get married you have not sinned.

If a virgin gets married she does not sin.

You will face trouble and Paul wants to spare you from that.

This again is tying back to this present distress. Paul is saying that it is more favorable to go through this persecution as a single person without the responsibility of a family and children. We will look at this a little deeper in point 3

The benefit of singleness in the passing world. (v.29-31)

This life Short (v.29a, 31b)

“The time has been shortened” “for he form of this world is passing away”

We are closer to the Lord's return today than we were yesterday and we will be closer tomorrow than we are today! We need to keep our eyes on eternal things and not things that will change as this world passes away.

Also human life is short period of time.

We see that in James 4:14 “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” (NASB)

Results of the passing world (v. 29b-31a)

“Those who have wives should be as though they had none” (v.29b)

Paul is not suggesting devorce here. He addressed that in verse 26 and 27

Stay as you are

Do not seek to be released

Paul is not suggesting the neglection of the benefits of marriage. He addressed that in verse 3 of this chapter

“The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband” NASB

Paul is stating what life will be like at Jesus’ second advent or when we leave this earth due to death. We can see what he means more clearly from

Matthew 22:30 ““For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.”

“Those who weep as though they did not weep”

We may weep now but when this world passes away there will be no more weeping.

We see this clearly in Revelation 21:4 “and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (NASB)

“Those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice”

We will no longer be rejoicing over temporal worldly things. We will have a new perspective. We will only be rejoicing over eternal things.

“Those who buy as though they did not possess”

Do not focus on the things of this world and the accumulation of stuff and goods. We will not be able to take it with us when we go from here.

Matthew 6:19-20 addresses this clearly ““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal” (NASB)

“Those who use the world as though they did not make full use of it”

Again this is referring to a worldly mindset and lot living for eternal things. Do not keep your mind on this world because it will soon be passing away.

Transition

Again this is pointing to what is the climax of this passage, the main point, and the point that Paul is making and we will see that in (v.32-35)

The benefit of singleness in devotion to the Lord. (v.32-35)

Paul’s desire for the unmarried (v.32-34)

He wants you to be free from concern, or free from anxieties.

The one who is unmarried is concerned about things of the Lord, and how he will please the Lord.

The one who is married is concerned about the things of the world and how he can please his wife.

The woman who is unmarried and the virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord and that she may be holy both in body and spirit.

The one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

For your benefit (v.35)

For your benefit

Paul is sharing these things for their and our benefit. It is not just something that he just came up with and is his own perspective. Again these words he is saying are inspired, breathed out by God and it is for our benefit. What is the benefit of singleness? What is Paul promoting? That you may secure undistracted devotion to the Lord!

Not to put restant on you

Again he is saying these things not to put a restraint on you. If you do not have the gift of singleness then get married, dont be single, you were not gifted in that way. But Paul wants to promote the gift of singleness and the benefits of. In a world that singleness may not be looked upon highly but Paul is saying it is good to be single. There may even have been some people who had the gift of singleness who were pursuing marriage because of the same reasons. If you do have the gift of singleness don't waste that gift and get married, thrive with the gift God gave you for His honor and glory. Thrive in the undistracted devotion to the Lord!

How this relates to the first 2 points

Let's think again about point 1: persecution.

Though persecution is never easy it would be easier to be persecuted and even martyred if there was no family relying on you.

Let's think about point 2: the world passing away.

The time we have on this earth is short. How are we going to use that time? Is your time going to be spend in devotion to the Lord or on things of this world?

Transition:

The next point will also support this point as we look at the commitment that comes along with marriage.

The benefit of singleness in contrast to the marriage commitment. (v.39-40)

The life long commitment (v.39-40)

Paul makes it clear in this passage that marriage is a lifelong commitment. Marriage is a covenant that is in its design to be for life until you or your spouse passes away.

She can remarry

Paul says that if the spouse does pass away they are free to remarry, only in the Lord. They need to marry a believer.

Paul's opinion

This going back to all the points that have been made, it is Paul's recommendation that she would be happier if she would remain as she is after the death of a spouse.

How is this a benefit of singleness

Again going back on all the points that have been made as far as persecution, the shortness of life and the passing of this world, the life long commitment that comes with marriage, Paul is saying that it would be best if you have the gift of singleness to remain single for the purpose of devoting your life to the Lord and bring Him honor and glory.

Addressing fathers (vs.36-38)

Two views

An engaged couple or betrothed

The word for virgin or betrothed is the same Greek word in this entire passage.

That same Greek word is only translated betrothed in this passage in the ESV elsewhere it is translated virgin.

The ESV is also the only transatin to translate that word betrothed in this passage

How are you going to translate the word marry in verse 38?

To marry like I take Hannah to marry me

To give in marriage like Hannah's dad gave her in marriage.

A Father and Daughter

“The early church almost without exception interpreted these verses to refer to a father considering whether or not to give his daughter’s hand in marriage.” (Blomberg, C. (1994). 1 Corinthians (pp. 152–153). Zondervan Publishing House.)

Translation of the word virgin.

It does not make sense to have the word betrothed in other parts of this section. And even in the last part of verse 38 it would not make sense based on the view of betrothal.

So based on the contect, original language, and early church interpretation I have landed on the side that this section is talking to a father.

A daughter who want to marry (v.36)

Acting unbecomingly

In those times many fathers were making vows to keep their daughters single for the purpose of serving the Lord. We just looked at all the benefits that come with being single and many dads wanted that for their daughters.

In some cases the daughters did not have the gift of singleness and had a strong desire to get married. At the same time she also wanted to please her dad and the Lord.

This would create tension for the daughter internally. It would also create tension internally for the father as he now has made a promise to God and the daughter does not want to fulfill it. It also could create tension between the father and daughter. That is where we get “unbecomingly” the father trying to force the daughter to be someone she is not designed to be.

Past her youth

This is saying the daughter is of marriageable age.

Let them marry

Paul is reassuring the dads that if it has to be this way you will not be sinning to break your promise. Let your daughter get married.

A daughter with the gift of singleness (v.37)

Stand firm in his heart

If the dad is still committed to this promise that he has made.

No constraint

No constraint means there is none of the tenstin between the daughter and the father that we saw in the previous verse, indicating that the daughter has the gift of singleness and is okay with going through with her fathers vow.

Has authority

“Has authority” is talking about the fathers status. Is he free or is he a slave. If he is free then he has the authority to do his own will concerning his daughter, but if he is a slave then that athority for his daughter would then be on the master and not the father.

Keep her a virgin

If all those things check out: he wants to uphold the vow, the daughter wants to uphold the vow, he has the authority to do it, then keep her a virgin and he will do well.

Good and Better (v.38)

He who lets them marry does well

Again it is not sin to let your daughter get married and you will do well to let her be who she is designed to be.

He who does not give them in marriage does better

If she is able and has the gift of singleness and you do not let her marry then you will do better and that is speaking to the benefits already talked about.

Conclusion:

As we have just looked at the different benefits of singleness from the present distress and the persecution we face, to the passing of the world and living in light of eternity, to the devotion to Christ, and even the commitment to marriage. Paul also addresses the fact that marriage and singleness is not a choice of right and wrong it is a choice between good and best. For some it may be good to be single and best to be married, and for others it might be good to be married and best to be single. That leads us back to what we saw in 1 Corinthians 7:7 that there is a gift of marriage and that there is a gift, a God given gift of singleness. There are different kinds of singleness, those who have the gift of singleness for life and those who have that gift for a season, either way it is still a gift of God. Even though the society we live in may not no what to do with those who are single and even tell them the lie that they are broken the Word of God says something completely different about your singleness, He says it is a gift. A gift to be used for His honor and glory, and a gift that you benefit from. As we close let’s take a look at how we can apply what we heard today to our own lives.

Application:

You cannot live a life devoted to Christ (either single or married) if you do not know Christ. Is today the day that you need to trust Him as your Lord and Savior?

If you are single and think you have the gift of singleness, how are you living your life?

Are you using the benefits of singleness for selfish ambition?

Are you using the benefits of singleness for devotion to God and living your life dedicated to Him?

What needs to change in your singleness to make your life look more like what Paul is describing in this passage?

If you are single but don’t think you have the gift of singleness, how are you living your life?

How can you use this possible temporary stage of life to take advantage of the benefits of singleness?

Are you neglecting the benefits that come with singleness because of discontentment for the stage of life God has you in?

What needs to change in your singleness to make your life look more like what Paul is describing in this passage?

If you are married and don’t have the gift of singleness, how are you living your life?

What does living a life devoted to Christ look like in your marriage?

Are you using your marriage as an excuse to not live devoted to Christ?

What needs to change in your life and marriage to live more devoted to Christ?