Paul continues discussing marriage, but now turns the focus primarily toward those who’ve never been married.

Following Christ in 21st Century Corinth – Week 10

presented 14 November 2018

1 Corinthians 7: 25-40

AUDIO

Lecture Handout

Handout Week 10

Lesson Notes

First, A Few Reflections on 7:14 

• The impact/importance of a believing spouse in a relationship
• There’s no claim of salvation by proxy – that word isn’t used, and verse 16 is clear on that point
• Rather, sanctification in this case meaning to be “set apart” – the marriage itself is set apart for God’s use and it’s set apart from the typical pagan context or marriage in Corinth.
• The unsaved family members are benefited by the presence of a believing witness speaking, praying, setting an example, etc. There is far more God influence in their lives than in a fully unbelieving marriage.
• Both Jewish and Roman commentators discussed the status of children in religiously mixed marriages
• Since Roman kids typically went with the father in a divorce, a Christian mother would lose her ability to influence the children for Christ if she divorced
• God has blessed the family with gospel influence on the children, until they are old enough to choose Christ for themselves

Marriage (1 Corinthians 7: 25-40)

• Verse 25 – Concerning the betrothed
  • The word here is “virgins” – the never married of marriageable age
  • Those with plans to get married (particularly in light of verses 36-38)
  • What does a life in Christ mean for those in this situation?
  • “I have no command from the Lord” means that Paul isn’t pointing to a specific teaching from Jesus
    • But Paul is writing under the inspiration of Scripture
    • So it’s still authoritative to us
    • All Scripture is God-breathed, it’s all authoritative, don’t be a “red letter Christian!”
    • But Paul is actually just giving advice in much of this – this is good, this is better, I think this is a bad idea, etc.
• Verses 26-27 – In view of present distress, don’t marry or separate
  • Literally “Do not seek to be free” which means “don’t get a divorce”, because those were the words on a certificate of divorce – you are free to marry any man
  • What is “the present crisis”?
    • Some argue for a general eschatological view – these are the end times, Christ will return one day (and great suffering will occur beforehand)
    • Others argue for a specific crisis in Corinth that makes it a particularly bad time to get married
    • Verses 29ff argue for the general view of Christ’s return
    • Very little else in the letter implies a significant current crisis – Paul talks about giving generously, issues between rich and poor, gives little indication of persecution, etc.
  • Jeremiah 16: 1-4 imposed a temporary restriction on marriage for Jeremiah as a sign to the nation, but that wasn’t typical
• Verse 28 – It’s not wrong to marry
  • But Paul knows they’ll have trouble in life -> later he will describe issues that divide our focus on God once we’re married
  • If there’s anticipation of coming persecution, deprivation, or general suffering, that is harder to endure when you also must provide for a family
• Verses 29-31 – This does seem eschatological – Paul definitely has Christ’s return in sight
  • Not necessarily thinking Christ was about to return imminently. Some argue that, but in truth, living in expectation of Christ’s return doesn’t mean we expect it to be soon.
  • It’s a recognition that we need to live in expectation of Christendom, because we are in “the latter days”
  • So we need to live in light of the ultimate – Christ’s return, possibly happening any day
  • So we cannot overvalue anything in this temporal life – even our spouses, deceased relatives and friends, stuff, etc. These are temporary and will pass away, while God is permanent
  • Don’t let these things be our excuses not to share Christ or do ministry – yes, they must be factored in, but we can’t use them to hold us back
• Verses 32-34 – Paul wants us to be focused on the Lord
  • He desires we be free from anxieties and diversions
    • Verse 32 – when we’re unmarried, a Christian can fully focus on serving and pleasing God
    • Verse 33 – being married means we need to care about how to care for, nourish, love, cherish, provide for, and please our wife.
    • This is a reality of ministry – we have this home ministry that’s otherwise an important part of how we glorify God
    • Verse 34 – likewise for women
    • Note this parallel language and very beautiful spirit of mutual submission and concern for marriage and pleasing one another
    • This is what makes godly marriage. And it glorifies God even if we’re less focused specifically on serving Him
• Verse 35 – Paul is giving this advice just to encourage a life of devotion to the Lord
  • But celibate singleness isn’t meant for everyone and it’s no sin to get married – IN THE LORD (verse 39)
  • For many couples, ministry and devotion is enhanced through marriage
• Verse 36 – If you think you should go through with your engagement, particularly if it’s been dragging on awhile, go for it!
• Verses 37-38 – If you have self-control, that’s good, then choose not to marry
  • Don’t marry her, keep her as betrothed
  • Marriage is good, but refraining from marriage to serve God is even better!
• Verses 39-40
  • Marriage is for life, but once widowed, free to re-marry whomever she wishes
  • But marry “in the Lord” -> Christians should not choose to marry  unbelievers
  • But Paul still prefers a life devoted and dependent on God, viewing that as superior
  • 1 Timothy 5: 9-16 gives additional insight on widows and remarriage
  • Claiming the Spirit affirms that Paul’s aware he is writing Scripture: 2 Peter 1: 20-21
  • Warren Wiersbe’s 5 questions when considering marriage:
    1. What is my gift from God?
    2. Am I marrying a believer?
    3. Are the circumstances such that marriage is right?
    4. How will marriage affect my service for Christ?
    5. Am I prepared to enter into this union for life?

 

 

In Two Weeks:

1 Corinthians 8