Marriage Advice Part 1

1 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV 1900)

1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

At some point the Corinthians wrote Paul a letter - now lost to us - asking questions.

We’re not sure what order those questions were in, but we do know that Paul deals with marriage first.

Things to Keep in Mind

This chapter is not a “treatise” or complete teaching on marriage

Paul is addressing specific questions asked by the Corinthians

This is one of the most misunderstood chapters in the entire letter

Liberal critics have used this passage to accuse Paul of being anti-woman. However, if we pay attention, we will see the opposite is actually true!

Was Paul Even Married?

Good question

Some dogmatically say not…I question their evidence

Others say yes. If he was part of the Sanhedrin as we believe, then marriage was indeed a requirement to be a member.

That leads us to one conclusion: If Paul was married, them most likely he was widowed.

Here is a better question: Does Paul’s marital status negate the Holy Spirit’s teaching on marriage?

No.

Three Keys to Understanding the Context:

Corinth was known for its immorality.

Paul was dealing with historical, local problems which we may not face in the same way today.

It was a time of persecution for the Church (v. 26).

Chapter 7 Outline:

We will see that Paul deals with three groups of believers in this passage:

The Unmarried Christian 1-9.

Christians Married to Unsaved Partners 10-24.

Parents of Marriageable Girls 25-40

*We will not get through all of this chapter today!

1 - The Unmarried Christian 1-9

Notice 1 Cor. 7:8

1 Corinthians 7:8 (KJV 1900)

8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

There is a good clue:

“Even as I”

Paul was unmarried, possibly a widower

Some have wrongly interpreted this as Paul was teaching celibacy as a “more spiritual” lifestyle. (RCC)

The truth is that Paul and the Bible teach that marriage is honorable!

What then is Paul saying?

He is simply teaching there is no biblical command to be married, or to be single for that matter.

However, there is clear biblical teaching that a marriage is to be between a man and a woman, and that that the the sexual relationship was intended by God to be expressed only within the confines of that relationship.

The first nine verses are Paul giving advice to single Christians

How desperately people need to seek the Bible for advice today!

What Paul Actually Says About Marriage

Those who claim celibacy is a better way of life deny the FACT that God ordained marriage!

1 Corinthians 7:7 indicates that God has gifted some with the ability to live a single life, but not to everyone.

1 Corinthians 7:7 KJV 1900

7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

In this passages Paul actually advises some to marry, especially to avoid the sin of fornication!

1 Corinthians 7:2 KJV 1900

2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:9 KJV 1900

9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

The Phrase “cannot contain” = lack of self-control.

The word “burn” = desire.

One of the purposes God had in mind when He ordained marriage is the avoidance of sexual sin…one of the purposes. This is seen in verses 3-5...

How Can We Be Certain?

How can we know with absolute certainty that God is not using Paul to teach a life of celibacy?

1 Corinthians 7:6 KJV 1900

6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

The word ‘permission’ means that neither celibacy nor marriage is a command from God.

Verses 7-9 reiterate what has already been said:

Some are gifted with the ability to remain single, and others are not so gifted.

To those who are perpetually single (and able to remain so) as well as widows/widowers, it is good they remain in their current state (if they are able to do so).

There is no shame, rather there is a blessing, if they cannot contain and remarry (as long as their partner is of like faith)

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be married.

You don’t have to be single.

You do have to know your limits.

God ordained marriage between a man and a woman, giving them the ability to reproduce and fulfill the creation mandate.

God has called some people to live a single life, never to marry. Those people have been given this ability by God to live a life of purity for Him.

***Let’s remember this: Paul is not teaching the physical relationship is the primary purpose for marriage. Marriage is a privilege and a partnership as well as a blessing from God.***