I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. It is now time for us to get back to the old grind, but I hope we can all take time to enjoy studying God's Word. I will begin this year's Bible studies where we left off last year, with the 7th chapter of 1 Corinthians. This chapter is near and dear to my heart because I have struggled with the subject of divorce. As most of us have done, I've discussed my marital problems with my closest friends and been asked the inevitable question, "Why do you stay?" This chapter is my answer to that question.
This chapter is a good example why we should study the Bible in depth rather than take verses out of context. There are several instances when Paul gives his opinion based on the situation during that era of time. If you take those verses out of context, you might believe he is giving instruction from God when he is merely expressing his opinion. If you read carefully, he clearly tells when the directive is from God and when it is Paul’s own opinion.
In verse 26, Paul refers to the present crisis. Corinth was over-run with immorality and corruption. This is what Paul is referring to here. While looking around at what was going on, the Corinthians wrote to Paul asking him several questions, obviously one of which concerned marriage. This chapter is written in response to their question.
1Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.
Paul is NOT suggesting it is good for man not to marry, but is referring to a quote from their letter questioning this idea. He tells them when surrounded by the kind of immoral corruption taking place in Corinth during this period of time, he is strongly in favor of marriage. By having their own wife, or own husband, they won’t be as tempted by the prostitutes and immorality surrounding them.
3The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. 5Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Married couples should have normal sexual relations. Abstinence deprives the other partner of his or her natural right and may cause temptation.
6I say this as a concession, not as a command.
Although Paul is saying it’s a good idea to marry, it is not mandatory.
7I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 8Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. 9But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Paul says he wishes all men were like him, unmarried. Paul feels it is a gift from God he has no desire to marry. But he says men who cannot control their sexual desires should get married so they won’t be tempted to live immorally.
10To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.
Paul is teaching something Jesus taught during His earthly ministry— a married woman must not separate from her husband. Although Paul did not hear Jesus preach this, he probably heard such commands from other disciples or from a special revelation from Jesus or the Holy Spirit.
11But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
If a woman does leave her husband, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled with her husband. Married couples should stay together.
12To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.
Here Paul is making it clear this next statement is his opinion, not a command from the Lord. He makes it clear here that having a spouse who is not a believer is NOT grounds for divorce—unless the non-believer refuses to stay with the believer.
14For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
The unbelieving partner is influenced by the Godly life of the Christian partner. Through the Christian partner, the Holy Spirit becomes influential in the family. The children have the advantage of being under the influence of at least one Christian parent.
15But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.
But if the unbeliever wants to leave, let him go. The Christian is not obligated to remain married to someone who doesn’t want to be with them. God has called us to live in peace, and if the unbeliever were forced to remain with the Christian when they don’t want to be, there will be no peace in their home.
16How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
By not leaving, the Christian partner may have the opportunity to bring the unbeliever to Christ.
17Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.
No matter what economic, social, or religious station in life God has seen fit to place you, each Christian is to live contentedly for the Lord. The only thing that matters is we keep God’s commands.
20Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. 21Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.
Whatever your status when you were called by God to become a Christian, you should be content in it. If you were married, stay married, even if your spouse is an unbeliever. If you were a slave, don’t allow that to dampen your enthusiasm as a Christian—but if you can gain your freedom, do it. He’s not asking us not to grow in life, only to be content and joyful no matter what our situation. There is nothing wrong with seeking to improve your condition, but be content in every stage.
22For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
Being in Christ frees us from earthly bonds and bounds us to be workers for Christ. Christ has purchased us with His blood and therefore, our focus should be on Him and not man. Whatever situation you are in, God has a purpose for you being there.
25Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
At this point, Paul is moving on to the Corinthians’ next question, which pertains to virgins or unmarried women. He makes it clear again that this is his opinion and not a command from God. But he is not denying he is writing under divine inspiration. In fact, in verse 40 he says he believes the Spirit of God is influencing him in his answers to their questions.
26Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.
“present crisis”: a reference to the pressures a Christian faced at that time of immoral and particularly hostile environment. Paul’s recommendations here do not apply to all times and all situations. He is addressing their present situation only.
27Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. 28But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.
Paul tells them to stay as they are. Don’t seek a divorce if you are married. If you are unmarried, then stay that way, if you can without being tempted. But if you feel the need to be married in order to avoid temptation, then you will not be sinning.
By being married, they will be facing extra hardships as Christians. The ‘present crisis’ included a great deal of persecution toward Christians. It’s easier to suffer and be persecuted for Christ when it’s only yourself you have to be concerned with. But if you’re married, then you have to be concerned for your mate and their well-being. It’s more difficult to watch someone you love be persecuted.
29What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep;31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
This appears to contradict Paul’s previous statements if you take them out of context. Paul is simply pointing out how fleeting our earthly life is. The time for doing the Lord’s work is short. Don’t be unduly concerned with the things of this world because material things are changing and disappearing. What Paul is saying here is not to count on these things. Don’t count on the fact that you’re married because tomorrow your circumstances may change. Don’t revel in your present happiness, because it can change in an instant. Be prepared for those changes by not depending on your circumstances. Lean on the Lord and live for doing His work.
In the following verses, Paul goes on to explain those statements which seem contradictory. If you continue to read and not take those verses out of context, his point becomes more clear.
32I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
An unmarried man or woman can concentrate more on pleasing God, but a married man or woman must be concerned about pleasing their mates. So it is better to remain unmarried so you can live your life more fully for the Lord, giving all your attention and devotion to Him. This is particularly true during times of persecution.
36If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. 37But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. 38So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.
Whether you marry or not, it’s okay. God does not fault you for wanting to be married or not wanting to be married. Paul is only saying that it’s easier to live your life more fully for the Lord if you are not married.
39A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. 40In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
If a woman’s husband dies, it is okay for her to remarry. However, Paul sticks to his belief that she could be happier putting all her efforts into serving the Lord rather than marrying again.
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