Marriage Advice Part 3

Marriage Advice to:

The unmarried Christian 1-9

Christians Married to Unsaved Partners 10-24

Parents of Marriageable Aged Girls 25-40

No Commandment of the Lord...

1 Corinthians 7:25 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.

Does this mean that the following words are only Paul’s opinion?

NO!

What he is saying that concerning the topic of virgins, Jesus gave no commandment on marriage and divorce

Paul is now revealing God’s guidelines for the parents, that in his day, would arrange a marriage for their daughters.

This is most definitely inspired Scripture.

Some Points to Consider

1. They were in a time of distress vv. 25-31

They were in a time of heavy persecution

Paul was not trying to talk them out of marriage or to scare them into divorce

He was simply urging them to consider their circumstances and make a wise decision.

Living a dedicated Christian life means sometimes we must forsake even some of the good things in the world

While it may not have been sinful for a parent of a marriageable age girl to allow here to marry, it may not have been the wisest decision.

2. Marriage brings with it great responsibility vv. 32-35

One major reason Paul remained single, it is believed, is so that he could more fully devote his life and energy to serving God.

Can you imagine the strain it would have placed on his wife and children?

His long missionary journeys, the sickness, the imprisonments, etc.

This is some advice he gives to these parents so that they are sure to understand that when they consider a marriage for their daughter, but want her to serve God, that marriage has other demands and cares as well

3. Each case is individual vv. 36-38

Here is a simple truth Paul passes down:

No matter what decision these parents make concerning marriage, they better be convinced in their own hearts that this is the best thing for their child and that it is the will of God

What a great principle for us to follow today? We should ask:

Are we doing this because this is what we want or because we are convinced this is what God wants us to do?

4. There is no need to rush, marriage will last for life vv. 39-40

Paul's simple advice here is “When you marry make certain you marry a Christian and that your mate is the one chosen for you by God”

It is shameful to hear Christians today before marriage say “If this doesn't work, we can always divorce”

Death is the only means by which God has allowed for the bonds of marriage to be done away with

Take Away

Marriage is a wonderful God-given blessing for a man and woman.

Marriage should be viewed as something hard to enter and even harder to get out of.

On a list of things worth fighting for, you marriage should be at the top!