1 Corinthians 7:17-40

 1 Corinthians 7:17-40

The Church of Corinth had written Paul and asked several specific questions which he answered beginning in this chapter. Rather than address each issue the Corinthians bring up, there are some key principles that we can apply to our circumstances.

First, when a person becomes a disciple, that will not suddenly change their status. A laborer suddenly doesn't become a manager, a poor man doesn't suddenly become rich, and a person in a bad marriage doesn't suddenly become single. Sometimes Christianity is presented as a quick fix or cure for all of our personal hardships, and Jesus is seen as a genie to do tricks for us. What we are when we become Christians is what we are going to be as we begin our lives in Christ. But as a Christian, there is now Grace for our circumstances.

The second principle is about engagement in life and ministry. Paul is not discouraging improving lives or circumstances. However, we must do this in view of our engagement in life as disciples and our ministry. Gaining freedom for a slave is good, but a Christian slave serving the Lord faithfully is better off than a freeman who is still in sin. Wherever we are, we ought to serve, thrive, and minister. Building a better life ought to be secondary to our ministry.

The third principle that we can apply is that of freedom. If a disciple wants to marry, they are free to do so, but there will be consequences, specifically a certain loss of freedom in ministering. If they wish to remain celibate, there are specific advantages for ministry, but they must make sure that they are able to live holy in that life. There is no one pattern that must be applied to all believers apart from holy living. In holy living there is great freedom for the disciple.

The fourth principle is to be astute and aware of our circumstances. Corinth was beginning to experience persecution, and that persecution would get worse and spread. This is what Paul is talking about in verses 26 and 29. They were about to face growing pressure, and they would need to get on a persecuted footing in advance. As Christians, we need to be especially aware of what is going on around us. That doesn't mean being panicked by every dire warning but wise and astute enough and preparing accordingly. Jesus said, “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” He never said to be as dumb as donkeys.

The disciple in the world that is not engaged in the Lord’s service where they are and in their current condition will be of little value to the kingdom.

“Lord, help me live the life I have to the fullest for You and Your Kingdom. AMEN”

1 Corinthians 7:1-16

 1 Corinthians 7:1-16

The lax moral culture of Corinth and the Corinthian Church crept into the church's understanding of marriage and the Christian’s life. Sexual promiscuity and divorce were common in Corinth. Strange religions taught strange doctrines about sexual conduct and produced a lack of self-control. The Corinthians were so confused that they actually wrote to Paul to ask for advice.

Since marriage is a picture of the Trinity, this is no small matter but needs to be given serious and continuous thought and meditation. It is not possible to address all the issues of marriage Paul teaches in this passage, but we can address some key and foundational principles. In the same way that the persons of the Trinity live to bring joy and glory to the others, so a husband and a wife need to make their focus and marriage to bring joy and honor to their spouse. The provision for love and mutual support is not an actuarial expression of marriage but the core of what marriage is about. A couple in which one partner has become a believer and the other is not, the believer is still bound to that union. The unbelief of one does not corrupt the faith of the believer. In fact, the faith of the disciple sanctifies the marriage. Believers ought not to initiate separation; in fact, they ought to stay married in the hope of the salvation of their unbelieving spouse.

As we might expect in Corinth, there were sexual hang-ups, which apparently led in some cases to the denial of conjugal contact. Both partners ought to, in mutual submission, gratify the wishes of their spouse. Aside from the positive benefits, this shared love will help prevent sexual sin. It is not a cure for all sexual issues, but it provides a legitimate expression of sexual passions. There are some, we might say a rare few, who have been given the gift of celibacy. Like all gifts, it is not to be presumed but accepted and used for God's glory.

Within the context of marriage is an openness and intensity that ought to remain beyond the observation or review of an outsider. There is both radical restrictiveness, one man plus one woman for one lifetime only, and free openness. Inside this restriction, a husband and wife are free. There is no place for coercion or demanding, but there is limitless space to freely serve and give. It is a picture of our discipleship to Christ, and that as we die to self and live for the other, we find the richest, fullest, and greatest life.

“Lord, thank You for the joy and gift of our sexuality and marriage. AMEN”