1 Corinthians 7:25-40

Marriage is talked about a lot in our society, even though more people are rejecting it today.  Recent articles on news pages I frequent gave marital advice. 

·        One asked if we should be expected to change, to sacrifice our personal identity, in order to have a good marriage.  The changes were cosmetic and not really those that lead to the oneness of the Bible.

·        Another encouraged finding some soul connection as we search for a soul-mate.  The Bible consistently teaches that the search for a spouse involves a consistent walk with God generally.  Stories such as that of Isaac and Rebecca (Gen. 24) and Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 1-4) illustrate this.

·        Still another discussed five things to do about finances before entering the marriage relationship.  For the most part it was built on a view that marriage is not likely to be permanent nor the expression of Biblical oneness.

Counter this with Paul’s word to virgins (v25, never-married women) and widows (v39).  Remember: Paul is giving advice (v25: I have no commandment from the Lord), from one who is both trustworthy (v25) and Spirit-led (v40).

·        The encouragement to REMAIN.  Paul encourages remaining single as he was (v26).  He says this because of the present distress, referring not only to the situation in Corinth but to life in general in this age.  This is an application of the teaching on contentment earlier (v17-24).

·        The priority to MINISTER.  Paul’s advice is also based on his desire for greater ministry in the short time we have.  Marriage brings essential duties both to the husband and wife.  Marriage adds the care of another person to our schedule.  More than once I have heard men say that divorce gave them greater freedom to serve Christ.  But it was clear that this was merely a justification for failing as husbands.  Once we marry our spouse and children move to the top of our ministry list!  Verse 29 indicates that both a Christian husband and wife are to serve Christ in every way they can, supporting each other in such a way that each is freed up to serve Christ as much as possible.

·        The permission to MARRY.  Throughout the passage it is clear that marriage is honorable among all and the bed undefiled (Heb. 13:4).  It is not a sin to marry (v36); the father who gives his daughter does well (v38).  The widow has the freedom to remarry whomever she wishes (only in the Lord, v39) though Paul maintains his belief that remaining single will be better.

These principles address certain issues in the Corinthian church.  But they also present a view of marriage that exalts it far above the selfish, what can I get out of this relationship attitude evident in marriage in our culture.  It is strange to most people that someone would deny themselves the pleasures of marriage because they desire to serve Christ without distraction.  That doesn’t make Paul strange; it shows our low commitment to Christ.  If you are single or married, serve Christ fully.  If you are married serve Christ and your spouse as well!