I Corinthians 7, continued
2. Divorce and remarriage when married to unbelievers. 12 – 16
- Now Paul is no longer quoting Jesus Vs 12 – 16
- Believer cannot break the marriage just because he is married to an unbeliever.
- This is because one of them became a believer
- This is not because we marry an unbeliever which Paul will forbid in 2 Corinthians 6: 14 – 18
- Unbeliever sanctified by believer. Vs 14
- This is not saying that the unbeliever is saved through the believer.
- This is talking about a blessing that is on the life of the unbeliever because you are in this marriage.
- Children have a chance to know the Lord because the believer is in the house.
- If unbeliever wants to leave, let them Vs 15
- Our godly actions can turn around the heart of our spouse (See 1 Peter 3: 1 – 6)
- This is not saying that separation will result in the person not becoming a believer.
- This puts the power to change a life on the person rather than the Holy Spirit.
- Don’t let their leaving destroy your peace
- Don’t live under condemnation.
- This is not saying that separation will result in the person not becoming a believer.
3. WE can live for God right where we are
- We have to do away with the attitude of…
- When I am married, then I can fulfill what God has for my life.
- When I have money, then I can serve God
- When my circumstances change, then I can serve God.
- How is your walk with God now and am I serving Him.
4. God’s calling and our circumstances Vs 18 – 24
- Example of Circumcision Vs 18, 19
- He could have used married or unmarried here but he is emphasizing Keep God’s commandments no matter where you are.
- He is not talking about any specific commandments here.
- He is talking about obedience at any specific time.
- Live out your christian life in the situation you were called. Vs 20
- Do not compromise for comforts sake.
- Second illustration slavery Vs 21
- If you become a believer, do not become a revolutionary
- Become free if at all possible.
- Examples from slavery Vs 22 – 24
- You are free in the Lord. Vs 22
- Circumstances cannot dictate your ability to serve the Lord.
- You are a slave to Christ.
- God bought you with a high price. Vs 23 (Repeat of 1 Corinthians 6: 20)
- You are free in the Lord. Vs 22
- Things can become a distraction in our lives Vs 24
- Marriage, sorrow, joy, commerce, or the world. WE need to learn how to turn our backs on distractions of things that are even good.
5. Answering more questions Vs 25 – 40
- Is it better to be married or single? Vs 25 – 28
- No command from the Lord…No specific quote
- Not saying a direct order but from the circumstance that is happening, you can see that it is better to remain single.
- There is a specific crisis happening in Corinth at this time. Vs 26
- It is obvious that in a crisis, you are thinking of your own family during it.
- He is repeating what he said in Vs 17 – 24
- If we try to change our place during this crisis, you will just add problems to it.
- Crisis should remind them time is short 29 – 31
- Some say he is a false prophet because he said time is short. So did Jesus Matthew 24: 44 and so did David Psalm 39: 5
- Short is a sailing term. It means the sails are rolled up and we are rowing into port.
- Not saying don’t act like you are not married. Vs 29
- Don’t let the circumstances you are in affect your pursuit of pleasing God.
- Marriage
- Joy
- Sorrow
- Possessions
- Use of the world. Use it don’t let it use you.
- Must live as knowing this world is under judgement and will pass away.
- Don’t let the circumstances you are in affect your pursuit of pleasing God.
- Some say he is a false prophet because he said time is short. So did Jesus Matthew 24: 44 and so did David Psalm 39: 5
- Unmarried undistracted. Vs 32 – 35
- Married people have less opportunity to serve the Lord because of commitments.
- Unmarried are free to obey in anyway with no distractions.
- He is not putting a leash on anyone, he is just stating the obvious.
- Am I being a distraction to my mate?
- Should I allow my daughter to get married. Vs 36 – 38
- The man here is a father
- The virgin is his child.
- Don’t keep your child from getting married thinking you are making her spiritual. This is talking about the practice of prearranged marriages which was common during these times.
- Choice between married and unmarried is not between right and wrong, but between good and best.
- Marriage of widows 39, 40
- You are bound by marriage until the death of a spouse.
- She can remarry, but only if the spouse loves the Lord.
- Same advice as single people.
- Get married if you want
- Better not to be married.
- He is not talking that sex is evil as some take this chapter to mean. He is talking about being able to serve the Lord with no distractions