1st Corinthians 7

Marriage and Singleness

1. Sex

   1. It is good for a man not to touch a woman and vice versa

   2. Yet because of sexual immorality, it is good for men and women to be married and have sex

   3. Let the couple be affectionate with each other

   4. They each have authority over the others’ body

      1. Not as a ‘you owe me’ but as an ‘I owe you’

      2. Mutual sexual responsibility

      3. They are responsible for each other’s sexual needs, and nobody else

   5. Staying abstinent even in marriage is likely to be more damaging

      1. So don’t be stingy in sex or normal affection

      2. Does not apply to just not wanting to have sex one day

      3. Nor during fasting or prayer, but sexual reunion is important

   6. Paul says it is good to be single

      1. But for those with little self-control, just marry rather than burn up with passion and sin

   7. Divorce

      1. Generally, don’t do it!

      2. If you try to, either stay unmarried or reconcile

   8. Married to an Unbelieving spouse

      1. Don’t have to divorce her!

      2. The unbeliever is sanctified by the other’s belief

      3. If the unbeliever leaves, let them!

   9. Live as you are Called

      1. Called to marriage? Marry!

      2. Called to singleness? Stay single!

      3. For example, it doesn’t matter if you were called when circumcised or uncircumcised, but it matters how you obey God

      4. Called as a slave or freeman, it does not matter. Both can glorify God. So don’t be caught up in the state in which you were called, but how to honor God.

   10. Singleness

       1. It’s good for one to be single

       2. Don’t fight against whatever call you have: single or not

       3. Paul believes that there are struggles to marriage as well but will not say it is not a gift of it’s own like singleness

       4. But remember, married ones, time on Earth is short and finite. Do not put everything into worldly matters as the kingdom is coming and the world is passing away.

       5. Those who are single have more time to focus on the Lord

          1. While those married focus on their spouse

          2. He says this not to dissuade marriage, but to warn couples and comfort singles

   11. Parents of Virgins

       1. Don’t let his words make parents ban their children from marrying

          1. Again marriage is a gift

       2. Those who really want to stay single, will do it

   12. Widows

       1. In life, couples are obligated to their spouses

       2. If their spouse passes, remarriage is allowed with whom she wants

       3. But Paul also states he believe she may be happier as a widow and that God may be calling her to singleness