1 Cor. 7:6-9; 32-34; 39
Life is in stages and for each, the Lord has His plan for His children that will make them experience peace and fulfilment in life. This divine plan is found in the Word of God – the Bible. In it, we find all that pertains to life and godliness.
I. V. 32-34 THE BLESSINGS OF THE SINGLE LIFE
There are peculiar opportunities that are available to singles that married couples would not have if they are to be faithful to their marriage vows. Some examples are:
1. Singles Generally Have Less Distress – Singles faceless emotional and materially demands. The word “distress” speaks of one’s needs. Generally, the needs of singles are less. Two cannot live a cheaply as one!
2. Singles Generally Have Fewer Distractions – There is no one to please but the Lord. The married are mutually responsible for providing care, love, and intimacy. Singles are free to focus on the Lord and his will. They experience fewer distractions.
3. Singles can accomplish more, in tasks that depends on personal strengths and skills both in the church and secularly.
II. V. 9 THE BURDENS OF THE SINGLE LIFE
Considering these peculiar advantages of being single, does that imply that we should remain single throughout life? (Gen. 2:18) The general will of God is that after a man/woman has to a certain point in life, he/she should marry.
There are many in our society, who adopt the policy of being perpetually single. They live loose and immoral lives with multiple partners without commitment to any. To such, the counsel of the Lord is clear – “… it is better to marry than to burn”.
However, there are few exceptions where it is permissible and appropriate to remain unmarried for life. (Matt 19:10-12). The people that fall into this category are those with congenital defects; those who have been handicapped through surgical procedures/accidents; and those with the gift of celibacy. These have no need nor inclination whatsoever, for intimacy with a woman or man.
1. V. 9 The Advantage Of Being Married – Inside the marriage relationship alone, physical needs get legitimately. It comes with the resources to meet needs that require another human. (Eccl. 4:9)
2. V. 36 The Approach To Marriage – When and if a person decides to marry, specific rules are laid down here that need to be noticed and diligently observed.
a. One Should Marry Only After Waiting On The Lord. Marriage should not get rushed in other to avoid regret. Some have wound up divorced and disqualified in the Lord’s work. God’s plan for marriage is permanent. He has the right person in mind for you. Pray and cautiously wait on Him. (Gen. 24:12-14; I Sam 16:7).
b. One Should Marry Only Within The Will Of The Lord. Ask yourself if God’s will is for you to be married to this person. God will never lead you to marry a non-Christian, 2 Cor. 6:14-16. it is never His will to marry outside your faith. You will save yourself much heartache if you patiently and prayerfully approach marriage. Do not let your flesh or someone rush you. If you get it right, or not it is all yours. So, do not hurry. Pray and wait for the Lord.
3. V. 39 The Allowance For Being Married – Here, Paul turns his attention to the third group of singles. Those who are single because of the death of their spouse. Paul’s teaching is perfectly acceptable and right for those who were widowed to remarry. He does, however, add this condition: “Only in the Lord!”
CONCLUSION
As with every other aspect of the Christian life, trust in the Lord and obedience to His word is all that is required to live an exemplary life as a single and eventually transit into a godly and fulfilling married life. Your life will be blessed if you keep to the Word of God.
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