17. NOW CONCERNING ... MARRIAGE - 1 Corinthians 7:1-9

 

In this passage of Scripture Paul now begins to address questions that have been raised with him from the believers in Corinth. Perhaps one of the church members having visited Paul passed on a letter containing the questions (1 Cor 16:17). However they were conveyed to Paul, he now begins to address himself to them.

 

Please read 1 Corinthians 7:1-9

 

NOTE: INDIVIDUAL DISCOVERY QUESTION HERE: Is Paul advocating celibacy as a superior way of life in 1 Corinthians 7:1? Why do you answer the way you have?

 

Verse 1: The subject of marriage is but one topic that was raised with Paul via a letter that was sent to him from the Corinthian believers. It would seem that the Corinthians were not sure about certain issues and therefore sought out the apostle for a better understanding of these things from a Scriptural perspective.

The first issue raised is that it would be good for a man not to touch a woman. Some believe that this may yet be another statement doing the rounds in Corinth and is not the thought of Paul himself, especially given the teaching of the Old Testament on marriage (Gen 2:18). However, Paul himself may be referring to a local or historical situation in which it would be wise to remain unmarried (7:26). It would seem very unlikely that Paul is advocating celibacy (1 Tim 4:3; Heb 13:4), though some in Corinth may have done.

But is the statement referring to the married state at all? Could it be speaking about sexual contact itself and therefore be a reference to sexually immoral contact? Perhaps we can arrive at a better conclusion when we consider the remainder of the passage.

Verse 2: This verse perhaps indicates that the thought of verse one was part of a Corinthian question that Paul in this verse responds to. Because of the problems associated with the temptation of sexual immorality in Corinth, it would be better for each one to be married in order to have a legitimate sexual partner. In order to help a believer resist the temptation of sexual immorality in Corinth, Paul advises that each believer be married to his/her own sexual partner (see word usage in 5:1). In a city such as Corinth, with rampant sexual immorality and the temptation to such, it would be better for believers to be married in order to answer their sexual desires in a legitimate way.

It should also be noted that the verse clearly indicates that monogamy is right for the Christian and not polygamy, for Paul states that each should have his/her own partner, not partners.

QUESTION: How would having a spouse help prevent a believer resist the temptation of sexual immorality?

 

Verses 3 and 4: In these verse Paul issues godly practical advice on the prevention of entering into sexually immoral temptation. He speaks as one inspired of God, passing on what God requires of the husband and wife in a marriage relationship. Each one is to fulfil their sexual responsibilities to their partner within the marriage bond. As far as sexual matters are concerned, each marriage partner belongs to the other.

QUESTIONS: Are Paul’s thoughts in these two verses tempered by anything else at all?

 

What should the church’s response be to a believer that is withholding sexual relations from his/her marriage partner?

 

Verse 5: In this verse it is clear that depriving a marriage partner of sexual relations without common consent is to be regarded as sin. Indeed, the only reason why sexual relations should be withheld with mutual consent is for mutual devotional (toward God) reasons.

Even if there is a mutual agreement to abstain from sexual relations for the purpose of devotional life toward God, it must be for a limited period only. But it is important to note that these three elements must be present in order to do so - that it is by mutual consent, that it is for a limited time only and that it is for devotional reasons.

The mutual abstinence from sexual relations must not continue for a prolonged period of time, for Satan will seek to use this as an opportunity to tempt to sexual immorality.

QUESTION: Does this verse say anything to the person who argues that sexual relations should be for procreation only?

 

Verse 6: What Paul is referring to here as a concession and not as a command is that of a temporary mutual abstinence from normal sexual relations in marriage. The normal experience would be full sexual rights in marriage, with the concession being that of a mutually agreeable temporary abstinence from sexual relations for the purpose of devotional movements toward God.

Verse 7: In this verse Paul passes on his own experience to the Corinthian believers, indicating a desire that all might be as he was. Paul, who may have been married at one time, was now unmarried. Clearly he was very happy in this state, without any need or temptation for sexual relations with a woman. Though he was able to live this way and saw clear advantages for a Christian being unmarried, he still recognized that this is not the case for everyone.

Paul indicates that both marriage and singleness are gifts of God, to be used by each as God has so gifted him/her. Therefore neither singleness nor marriage is the preferred Christian state, for both are gifts from God and legitimate for the Christian.

Verse 8: In this verse Paul indicates that for both singles and for those who have lost their partners it would be good for them to remain in their current unmarried state, even as Paul had remained in this state. Paul gives no immediate reason for his conclusions in this passage, but does indicate some reasons in 1 Corinthians 7:29-35

QUESTION: Why might being unmarried be an advantage to a Christian? Discuss any reasons given.

 

Verse 9: Though advising that those who are currently unmarried that they would be better off remaining in such a state, Paul recognizes that if they are unable to exercise self-control in the area of sexual matters, it would be better for them to be married.

QUESTION: What should a Christian do if he struggles to remain in control of his normal sexual desires? Explain.

 

The correct place to find sexual fulfilment is in marriage. The answer for the believer who struggles with sexual desire is to be married and to enter upon normal sexual relations with his/her marriage partner.

QUESTION: What solution can be found for the believer that ‘burns’ yet cannot find a marriage partner? Does the church have any responsibilities here? Explain.

 

Individual Discovery

What does Paul mean in verse 10 when he says that he commands, but not the Lord?

 

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17/10/2006

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