1 Cor. 7:6-9; 25-41
The Singles are a growing portion of our society. In 1989, the Census Bureau noted that 39.9 million singles over 18 had never been married and that 50% of all marriages will eventually end in divorce. You can see that single women comprise a significant portion of our population. In addition to that population, there were 11 million widows and 2 million widowers.
Singles have a special place in the kingdom of God, and there is a particular word for them. This passage speaks to those who have never married, are ready for marriage, or to widows or widowers.
Point 1. V. 7-8; 26-35 THE BLESSINGS OF THE SINGLE LIFE
A. V. 7-8 Concerning The Will Of God – It is God’s will for everyone to get married – Gen 2:18. However, there is no shame or reproach in choosing to remain single if that is the Lord’s will for your life.
There have been times when being single was a badge of shame. In ancient Greece, unmarried girls were thought to be prostitutes. The Jews considered unmarried girls as a disgrace. They believe that “a Jew who had no wife or had a wife but no children” will not get to Heaven. Childlessness is like “slaying a posterity.”
But it is alright for a person to be single if that is the Lord’s will. With all honesty, it is not God’s will for most, but for those whom God gifts it. To live a clean and godly life as a single requires the gift of celibacy. If the Lord wants you to be single, He will “gift” you for that lifestyle.
Q: What are some benefits of the single life.
B. V. 26-35 Concerning The Work Of The Lord
(i.) V. 26-32 Singles Generally Have Less Distress – Singles face less physical, emotional, materially, and financial demands. The word “distress” speaks of one’s needs. Generally, the needs of singles are less than those of the married. Then, in verse 32, Paul uses the word “carefulness.” This Word speaks of stress and strain. Married couples have stress in their lives that singles do not. Singles have stresses and strains too but these become more remarkable when couples or children are factored in.
(ii) V.32- 35, Singles Generally Have Fewer Distractions – Singles are free to focus on the Lord and His will for their lives. When two people are married, they are mutually responsible for providing for each other’s needs. Luke 2:36&37
Q. Give examples of people in the Bible who maximized their singleness for God’s glory.
(Do not misunderstand; neither lifestyle is more spiritual than the other. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The secret is, find God’s will and exercise the gifts He has given to you.)
Point 2. V. 9, 36-40 THE BURDENS OF THE SINGLE LIFE
In verse 9, Paul says that it is better to marry than to “burn.” This Word means to be consumed with passion and lust. Paul is telling us that it is far better to marry and legitimately exercise the gift of sexuality than it is to practice fornication and incur the judgment and wrath of God in your life! If you cannot “contain,” that is, it is better to marry than dishonor God!
A. V. 9 The Advantage Of Being Married – Singles are denied some needs, such as companionship, emotional support, etc. In these verses, Paul speaks of the unique burdens singles face. Those with the gift of celibacy have exceptional control over their sexual drive. Those not called, are advised to marry.
Inside the marriage relationship alone can physical needs be legitimately met. Along with that also comes the resources to meet other needs that require another human being.
(Verses 36-38 tell us of the Jewish tradition of a father’s deciding who his daughter would marry. However, Paul tells us that contrary to tradition. It is acceptable for a young person to remain single if that is the Lord’s will for their life.)
B. V. 36 The Approach To Marriage
( i) vs. 36 One Should Marry Only After Waiting On The Lord, this verse referenced a father who refused to marry his daughter to the first fellow that came along. Instead, he has waited to find out what the Lord’s will is for his daughter, and this is acceptable, even if society disagrees.
There are fundamental questions to be addressed by all who are contemplating marriage.
- Are we mature enough to be married?
- Are we ready for the responsibilities of marriage?
- Is this the will of God for my life?
Marriage is a permanent union and should never get rushed; instead, it should get cautiously and consistently approached. Do not rush into getting married because it is a significant decision that requires prayer and caution. Those who rush into marriage regret, and many have wound up divorced and disqualified for duty in the Lord’s work. God has that perfect person in mind for you, and He will bring them to you in perfect time.
(ii.) In vs. 36, the term “he sinneth not” brings a spiritual element into the discussion. The father in question is concerned about the Lord’s will for the marriage. Many people have married because of looks, money, or some need. The real issue is, “Is this person God’s will. Remember it is someone you will spend the rest of your life together.
God will never lead you to marry a non-Christian, 2 Cor. 6:14-16. You might do it and even get the unbelieving person saved. It is an exception rather than a rule. It is never God’s will for you to marry outside your faith.
Many could have saved themselves much heartache and problems had they been patient and approached marriage spiritually instead of from a fleshly point of view.
C. V. 39-40 The Allowance For Being Married – In these verses, 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 suitable for those widowed to remarry. However, he adds this condition: “Only in the Lord!” Again, the Bible teaches the necessity of waiting on the Lord and finding a godly spouse. It makes no difference how old you are or how you feel about this issue. The only thing that matters is what the Lord has said about it. And He has said that men could marry, but only in the Lord!
Q: What does the Bible say about marriage for widows/widowers according to 1 Corr 7:39?
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