1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7:1

After addressing his concerns for them, here we come to the second section of Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, wherein he will give answers to them regarding six specific questions they had asked of him. Chapter 7 deals with marriage; chapters 8-10 with Christian liberty; chapter 11 with church conduct; chapters 12-14 with spiritual gifts; chapter 15 with the resurrection of the dead; and chapter 16 with giving and offering. The first question the Corinthian church asked Paul concerned marriage and intimacy in marriage. Why? Due to the prevalent heresy of Gnosticism that propounded that anything physical was inherently evil, whatever one did with one’s body became either evil or immaterial. This resulted in two extreme reactions. One group said, “Since purity in the material realm is impossible, we can do whatever we want with our bodies.” The other group beat and abused their bodies in an attempt to rid themselves of the evil within. Thus, it is no wonder that, because of cultural confusion, the church had some questions for Paul concerning marriage. Paul will later explain that certain people have a gift whereby they don’t have the inclination or need for intimacy. However, Paul says for everyone else, marriage is the way to avoid the entire realm of immorality.

1 Corinthians 7:3

Due to the fact that when two people get married their bodies are no longer their own, the husband is to give his wife the intimacy she desires, and likewise the wife to the husband.

1 Corinthians 7:5

Contrary to the wisdom of the world, which prescribes separation for ailing marriages, the principle of the Word is that, rather than moving out to find oneself, to discover what one wants, or to determine what’s wrong, husbands and wives are to give themselves to each other because intimacy binds people uniquely.

1 Corinthians 7:6

Chapter 7 is a most interesting chapter for many reasonsnot the least of which is that throughout his discussion on marriage, we’ll see Paul offering his personal opinion quite freely. Paul’s example shows us there’s a place for us to share our opinionsas long as people understand the difference between our personal persuasion and the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 7:7

Although he was single at this point, there are two strong indications that Paul had been married previously. As they do to this day, the rabbis taught that God’s edict to be fruitful and multiply (Gen_1:28) was a commandment given to all holy or godly men. Therefore, they said whoever didn’t marry and have children violated the commandment. And, concerning the law, Paul was blameless (Php_3:6). Secondly, Paul was most likely a member of the Sanhedrinthe Jewish Supreme Court. To be a member of this seventy-member body, one had to be married because the Jews believed that he who was married was more prone to mercy. What happened to Paul’s wife? Some suggest she died. History, however, weighs in on the side of the premise that his wife left him when he converted to Christianity. Jesus referred to the gift of which Paul speaks when He said, But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.Mat_19:11-12 Jesus said some are born without a need or desire to be married. Othersfor example those who were in charge of a king’s haremwere involuntarily made that way. I suspect that Jesus was speaking of those who made themselves eunuchs in the sense that they said, “I am not going to become involved with women in order that I might focus on the kingdom.”

1 Corinthians 7:8

If you are at a place where you can live by yourself, Paul says, “Good for you. I wish all men were like thatliving in single-mindedness and in freedom.”

1 Corinthians 7:9

Although Paul enjoyed his single state, he knew it was better for someone to get married than to burn with passion. And such would be the normal pattern for the vast majority.

1 Corinthians 7:10

Wives, do not leave your husbands. Period. Marriage is like a violinit doesn’t work without strings. But even when the music stops, the strings are still attached.

1 Corinthians 7:11

After saying under no circumstance should a wife leave her husband, why does Paul give instruction to the wife who leaves? Because he’s realistic. Although leaving is against the heart of the Lord and the command of God, Paul knew the frailty of the flesh. According to this passage, the wife who leaves her husband has only two options: to remain unmarried or to return to her husband.

1 Corinthians 7:12

Again, giving his opinion, Paul says a person who gets saved is not to divorce or drive away his unbelieving spouse.

1 Corinthians 7:14

The unbelieving husband or wife is sanctified by the believing spouse. This doesn’t mean the unbeliever is saved, but rather that he or she is sanctified, set apart, blessed simply because they’re linked to a believer. Of his firstborn child with Bathsheba who died as a result of his sin, David said, “He cannot be with me, but I will be with him” (see 2Sa_12:23)which tells me the baby was taken into heaven.

1 Corinthians 7:15

Because God has called us to peace, if a man is blatantly mistreating his wife, I don’t tell her to tough it out. No, I say, “God has called you to get out.” Having said that, however, we are not to use the argument of peace as an excuse to walk out of a marriage we feel is less than perfect. This is a loophole Christians use all too readily, one that ought to be closed tightly. Short of physical abuse or abject negligence, even if your marriage is tough and full of heartache, my word to you is to stay. If you travel to enough counselors, you’ll find one who tells you to leavebut be careful. Far too many marriages break up due to a failure to take into account the full counsel of God.

1 Corinthians 7:16

You never know what the next year, month, or day holds. Stick with the calling of God for your life, whatever that may be.

1 Corinthians 7:18

Not only as it relates to your marriage situation, but in every areabe who you are. Paul says, “If you’re called as a Jew, then be a believing Jew. If you’re called as a Gentile, be a believing Gentile.”

1 Corinthians 7:21

“If you’re a slave, don’t try to escape. But if you’re set free, go for it,” says Paul. Again, he’s saying, “Just be yourself, doing all things for God’s glory in a spirit of contentment.”

1 Corinthians 7:22

The dynamic of Christianity is that the slave is free in Christ, while the free man is a slave to Him (Rom_1:1).

1 Corinthians 7:23

After paying forty-one million dollars for Barry Bonds to play a few seasons for them, you can be sure that the San Francisco Giants will take very good care of him. They made sure he had the finest trainers, dietician, and health care available. They made sure he had everything he needed to stay healthy and happy. Why? Because their investment is was significant. But guess what. Forty-one million dollars is nothing compared to the blood of Christ paid for you. Therefore, He’s going to see to it that you are tended well, that whatever comes into your life or goes on in your life is according to His plan and for your good.

1 Corinthians 7:25

Again offering his opinion, Paul reiterates that the single state allows one to be singularly committed to the kingdom.

1 Corinthians 7:27

If you’re married, stay married, says Paul. If you’re single, don’t strive to find a wife. The Right Mate: Finding and Being A Topical Study of 1Co_7:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth…Gen_1:27-28 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.Pro_18:22 The church in Corinth was, no doubt, familiar with these Scriptures. And yet they saw their spiritual father, their church founder, the apostle Paul living a life of single devotion to the Lord. And so they asked him, “Should we get married as the Scriptures declare? Or should we follow in your footsteps and serve the Lord in a single state?” Paul sums up his answer to them by saying, Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.1Co_7:27 The full understanding of his answers lies in the understanding of the word “seek.” The Greek word implies a frantic, obsessive searchingan activity that dominates one’s thoughts and fills one’s days. With regard to finding a mate, the way of the Lord is very much different than thisseen perhaps most powerfully and practically in His provision of a wife for Adam. God Saw Adam’s Need Of each thing He created, God said, “It is good"until He created Adam. Of Adam exclusively, He said, “It is not good that man should be alone. He needs help” (see Gen_2:18). Thus, before Adam even had a clue that he was alone, God saw his need. God Made Adam Aware of His Need Recognizing Adam’s need, God did something most intriguing. He told Adam to name the animals in the Garden of Eden. So, as they perhaps paraded before him two by two, Adam said, “There’s Mr. and Mrs. Rhino, Mr. and Mrs. Giraffe, Mr. and Mrs. Hippo, Mr. and Mrs. Anteater.” And somewhere in the process, it must have dawned on him that, while there were two of every animal, there was only one of him. Maybe, like Adam, you feel like you’re missing something. Maybe the desire to be married is increasingly tugging at your heart. The Lord is not surprised. He knew you would have this need before you did. God Provided for Adam’s Need After the Lord made Adam aware of his need, He didn’t say, “Adam, cruise through the jungle and try your luck. There’s a singles’ bar over there, and a meeting on the other side where singles mingle. Climb the trees, beat the bushes, and see what you can come up with.” If that had been God’s plan, Adam would most likely have ended up with a gorilla, an ape, or an orangutansomething that vaguely resembled him, but was far from a match for him. Too many people say, “I want to be married, so I’ll climb this tree. I’ll beat that bush. I’ll find somebody"and they end up with someone who’s somewhat compatible, kind of close, but hardly a perfect match. That’s why God didn’t tell Adam to beat the bushesbut to take a nap. And that’s what He says to you who are single when He says, “Rest in Me.” When Adam did this, he woke to find a being so compatible to him, so perfect for him that he described her as “bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh” (Gen_2:23). Single brother or sisterhow will you recognize the perfect match God has for you? I believe within Adam’s description of Eve lies the answer. You see, God is a triune Being: Father, Son, and Spirit. Being made in His image, we are, in a sense, a trinity as wellconsisting of body, soul, and spirit (1Th_5:23). The body is our material nature that relates to the physical world around us. The soul consists of our mind, emotions, and willour personality, that which relates to people. The spirit is our true naturethat part of us which relates to God and will live eternally. When, as a single man or woman, you meet the counterpart for your body, soul and spirit, you’ll know he or she is God’s choice for you. Physically, there will be a romantic spark, a physical attraction between the two of you. In the area of the soul, you will appreciate the uniqueness of each other’s personality. In spirit, you will be moving in the same direction with the same intensity concerning the things of the kingdom. Too often, however, people settle for a match in only one or two of these three areas… “We’re so attracted to each other physically,” says the starry-eyed young man. “And spiritually, we both go to church, pray, and study the Scriptures together. But our personalities are quite different. I love hunting and fishing. She loves the mall. I love football. She can’t stand sports. She listens to Bach and Beethoven. I like the Beach Boys and the Beatles. She talks by the hour. I hardly talk at all.” Watch out. While there’s romantic and spiritual unity, in the area of the soul, you’re on different wave-lengthsand there will be problems. Am I saying that two people must have identical interests in order for their marriage to work? No, for there is truth in the old adage that opposites attract. But there must be genuine appreciation rather than mere toleration of the other’s interests. “We’re best friends,” boasts the young lady. “We talk by the hour and love hanging out with each other. We also go to church and pray together. But physically? I don’t really like him to touch me.” Watch out. You’re going to have problems because sooner or later, someone will come into your life who will cause a romantic spark within you. And then there will be trouble. Others say, “We see fireworks romantically. We have the same flavor in personality. But spiritually? I want to serve the Lord radically, but she only goes to church sporadically.” Watch out. Even though you are both believers, if you’re not united in the spiritual realm, you’re headed for hard times. I believe you will recognize your perfect match when, regarding body, soul, and spirit, you can say, “We’re romantically attracted, personally connected, and spiritually united in our priorities, zeal, and intensity.” If you desire to be married, don’t settle for a match in one or even two of these three areas. Instead, go to sleep. Wait on the Lord. And in due seasonat just the right timeHe’ll bring you someone who matches you beautifully on all three levels. “Great,” you say. “Where was this teaching ten years ago? I thought I was supposed to go out and find someone on my own. So I didand now I’m stuck. What do I do now?” Understand this: Even if the person you married was #886 on the Lord’s list of ideal mates for youthe moment you said, “I do,” #886 became #1. You see, even if there was a mistake made initially, no one on the face of the earth will be better for you than the person you’re sitting with right now. Once you get married, your spouse automatically becomes your Adam or your Eve, God’s perfect match for you. “But our marriage is so flat,” you say. “The sparkle is no longer there.” I have good news for you! The first public miracle Jesus ever did was that of putting the sparkle back into a watered-down, washed-up marriage ceremony. “Servants,” He said, “fill those earthen jars to the brim with water, pour it out, and watch what happens” (see Joh_2:7-8). They did, and that which was once water became the wine of joy. Husband and wife, listen carefully. Paul says that we have the treasure of Christ in earthen vessels (2Co_4:7). Thus, the Lord will miraculously fill your relationship with joy if you will fill your earthen vessel with the Water of the Word and pour it out to your spouse as you share with him or her the things of the Lord; as you study the Scriptures, pray, serve, rejoice, and worship together. Jesus said, “If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give good gifts to His” (see Mat_7:11). Whether that be providing the single brother or sister with the mate He has for them, or infusing a lifeless marriage with His wine of joy, He will be faithful. Rest in Him, gang. Spend time waiting on Him. And watch and see what our faithful, creative, matchless God will do.

1 Corinthians 7:28

Because they consist of two imperfect people, every marriage has days of struggle and difficulty. Therefore, if yours does, don’t think you’re alone, off the wall, or out to lunch. Paul says matrimony inevitably brings its own challenges.

1 Corinthians 7:29

“Time is short,” Paul says. “Life is a vapor,” James echoes (see Jas_4:14). Whether the Lord comes back for us todayor whether we live out full lives, time is rapidly coming to a close because we’re getting older and the Lord’s coming is nearer. In light of this, Paul identifies three obstacles that could keep us from investing in the things of eternity… The first potential pitfall is in the area of relationships. There are people who miss out on being engaged in the kingdom because they’re caught up in family relationships. There are people called into ministry, missions, or other opportunities to serve the Lord who say, “We can’t do it now because we’re getting married. But after we’re settled, we’re going to really go for it for the Lord.” So I talk to them a year later, only to hear them say, “We’re really excited about serving the Lord, but we have to get our baby out of diapers. Then we’re really going for it.” But then Junior is in elementary school and they say, “We can’t pull him out of school, Boy Scouts, and sports.” And what happens? All too often those who focus completely on the family find problems abounding within the family because they weren’t true to the calling God placed upon their lives in the first place. Get outside of yourselves, married couple. Say, “We’re engaged in something bigger than ourselvesit’s called eternity.” Seek first the kingdom, Mom and Dadand watch everything else fall into place (Mat_6:33).

1 Corinthians 7:30

The second obstacle to keeping eternity’s values in view is in the area of emotions. The most widespread disease today is “I” diseasepeople focused on themselves, analyzing why they’re depressed or why they’re discouraged. But the more they analyze themselves, the more depressed they become. Paul’s remedy is simple: Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice (Rom_12:15). In other words, get involved with how others are doing. It’s amazing what will happen. The Lord will use you, and you’ll be set free if you get your eyes off yourself. Finally, Paul names possessions as the third obstacle to seeing the big picture of the kingdom. He who is caught up in his investment portfolio or in the fashion of this world will be too busy, too preoccupied to engage in ministry. Yes, we should be wise stewardsbut our possessions should not preoccupy us. Tithing is so important and giving so freeing because every time you put money in the offering, you’re giving away a part of your stinginess, shortsightedness, and selfishness. The Lord isn’t saying, “Don’t focus on your relationships, your emotions, or your possessions because I want you to be miserable.” Quite the opposite. His intention is for you to be free. And the way to freedom is to forget about yourself and seek first the kingdom. This applies to marriage, to emotions, to possessions. When you seek first the kingdom, everything else is added to youand you’re blessed beyond belief. Time is short, gang. Be about the work of eternity. Maintain a walk with the Lord personally. Serve Him however He leads you enthusiastically. And you’ll be blessed abundantly.

1 Corinthians 7:32

If you are married, you will inevitably find yourself caring for your spouseand that’s the way it should be. But it will distract you nonetheless from the freedom you would have enjoyed had you remained in a single state.

1 Corinthians 7:34

The woman who is married has an obligation to please her husband. The single sister, on the other hand, has the opportunity to be about pleasing the Lord singularly.

1 Corinthians 7:35

There is a woman in Scripture who models this very effectively. Her name is Anna… And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.Luk_2:37-38 Anna didn’t panic about her single state. She didn’t lament her situation. Rather, she realized she had an opportunity to serve the Lord without distraction. And what happened? She was given special revelation, for she recognized that which only one other mana man named Simeonknew. She knew the Babe in the arms of Mary and Joseph was not an ordinary Child. How I encourage you who have been widowed or divorced to follow the example of Anna: Look for the Lord. Pray to the Lord. Walk with the Lord. Anna didn’t hang out in the temple with God’s people because she was miserable there. Rather, I suggest she stayed there year after year because she found in the Lord exactly what her soul was craving. So will you.

1 Corinthians 7:36

After talking about the freedom found in the single state, in his day of arranged marriages, Paul goes on to talk to fathers about their unmarried daughters, saying that if their daughters desired to marry, that was acceptable.

1 Corinthians 7:37

On the other hand, Paul says that the father who can guide his daughter into living as a single woman, devoting herself to the Lord, does a good thing.

1 Corinthians 7:39

Clarifying the questions presented to him, Paul tells the Corinthian believers that a wife is bound to her husband until death separates them. After that, she is at liberty to marry anyone she wishes as long as he’s a believer and the Lord so directs. Throughout the centuries, people have read 1 Corinthians 7 and come to the conclusion that, because he speaks so highly of the single state, Paul has a problem with marriage. But that is because they fail to take into account Paul’s full counselfor in his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul elevates marriage to a place of utmost glory when he uses it as an illustration for no less a relationship than that of Christ and His church. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.Eph_5:25-27 The way a husband lays down his life for his wife, and the way a wife submits to her husband is a powerful illustration seen on every street in every neighborhood. Bunches of people aren’t into going to church. So the Lord brings the church to them through the illustration of marriage wherein people see how much He loves the church and how the church submits to Him. It’s an awesome responsibility for all who are married. Unbelievers don’t need to see perfection in our marriagesjust something remarkably different from what they see in society. And yet, as seen here in 1 Corinthians 7, Paul says singleness has its own unique beauty, its own important role to play in the body. The single state is not to be looked down upon, dreaded, or merely endured. Those who are called to a single life or who find themselves in a single state fulfill a very real function: to serve the Lord with spontaneity and without distraction. Marriage is a picture, but, in a sense, singleness can be the realityfor it is the single person uniquely who can say, “I am married to You, Lord. You are my Husband, my Love, my best Friend. And I will be devoted to you single-heartedly for as long as You have me in this state.” Whether single or married, widowed or divorcedbe content wherever God has you. And whatever your position, make Jesus your passion.