Sunday, May 16, 2010
pm
STUDIES IN 1 CORINTHIANS
“Because of the present distress”
1 Corinthians 7:25-40
We have been studying Paul’s discourse relative to marriage vows.
He addressed some problems that with all probability had surfaced
as a result of the spread of the gospel in Corinth.
It seems that some in obeying the gospel faced marital issues
including understanding proper roles in marriage as well as the
importance of marriage vows, even if married to an unbeliever.
He challenged brethren to live as they were called seeking to
serve God. In our text
today, we find Paul addressing the advantages of remaining single at
that time. We will find he
was in no way binding such a lifestyle, but for personal and societal
reasons it was his preference.
Today we want to notice a lengthy text and make some applications
from it.
a.
Paul now
speaks of those who have never been married (both male and female).
b.
(vs. 25)
He appeals to his own judgment, but this does not diminish its authority
as he even recognizes in this verse.
His point is that this is his preference – NOT binding.
And when you consider what he is talking about it makes sense.
This does present a lesson in respect for the liberties of others.
c.
26 –
Paul’s desire was that one who is single remains as he is.
Why? “Because of the present distress.”
What did Paul mean by this?
This epistle (and all of the New Testament) was written during a time
when persecutions were present and on occasion increasing within the
Roman Empire. There were
troubles that family relationships would make it more difficult (but not
impossible) to serve God since you need to be concerned about the
welfare of your family (which Paul emphasizes). That is the concern.
d.
Vs. 27 –
remain as you are. If you
are married, do not seek to be loosed. (Observation: Don’t use service
to the Lord as an excuse to get out of a bad marriage).
e.
Vs. 28 –
to marry or not does not involve sin.
NOTE: Paul here specifies the virgin who marries. It is NOT
dealing with one who has divorced.
f.
Vs. 29-31
– Paul appeals to the time being short – it is not necessary that this
means he understood that the Lord would return soon (i.e. before the
falling away, etc.).
Instead, it makes reference to the temporary and uncertain nature of
this life – you don’t know how much time you have (especially
considering the persecutions they faced).
Why the examples of being without a wife, not weeping, not rejoicing,
not possessing, or not misusing this world?
Paul’s point is that all such things are temporary and passing
away!
g.
Vs. 32-35
– Paul explains WHY he prefers the single life – he/she who is married
has the concerns of their family in addition to the concerns of the
Lord.
h.
Vs. 36-38
– Paul notes very clearly that it is NOT sinful or unwise to provide a
mate for your child (i.e. get married).
What does he mean in vs. 38 that one who does not give his daughter in
marriage “does better”? Does
this imply a superior lifestyle for those who are single?
Absolutely not!
Paul here is dealing with a specific circumstance – when facing
troublesome times of persecutions, one unmarried is better equipped to
let go of this world.
There are many benefits to being married – producing children, providing
for natural desires, companionship, etc.
All these are noble and often superior to staying single.
Let me give a specific application: What about elders to shepherd
the church? Such requires
one to be married and raise godly children.
Would the church be better off if everyone remained single?
i.
Vs. 39-40
– Paul expands this application to one whose spouse dies.
NOTE how he begins – a wife is bound to her husband as long as he
lives (this sounds to me like he is not advocating divorce and
remarriage for any cause, as we discussed in previous verses of this
chapter. cf. Romans
7:1-3, Matt. 19:9)
Note: IF a woman remarries it should be “only in the Lord”.
This could mean that she should only marry a Christian OR only
scripturally. Good arguments
could be made for both considerations.
But, Paul’s point for this entire section
applies to her as well – God is better served if she remains unmarried.
j.
Paul
concludes noting, “and I think I also have the Spirit of God.”
This is more than a commentary.
II. Applications
a.
The
need to make preparations for difficult times. Being a Christian was not
without social consequence.
Paul describes it as a “present distress”.
While at this time, we are not in that same predicament, (bet we
still have troubles) a time could come soon where these words will have
even stronger bearing.
Rev. 2:10 tells us, “Be faithful until death…”
b.
On
arranged marriages – while
we do not arrange marriages today, there is a good lesson for us as
parents. What are we doing
to prepare our children to choose the proper mate?
Are we ARRANGING proper biblical understanding and principles to
predominate their lives? (Prov. 22:6, Eph. 6:4)
Are we ARRANGING interaction with other Christians so that the chance of
choosing a Christian mate is enhanced?
c.
Don’t put your trust in this world - Vs.
31 – (1 John 2:15-17, Matt. 6:19-21)
d.
Concerning obligations to family
– Do NOT neglect them.
But at the same time, do NOT use your family as an excuse to neglect
service to the Lord.
They can and ought to complement one another.
When the home is governed by Biblical principles (everyone does
their godly part) there will be no conflict (cf. 1 Peter 3:7).
That which brings glory to God will always be chosen first, God
will be magnified in the affairs of the home, AND there will be
understanding of these things (no criticisms when one does something for
the Lord, or complaints because the home suffers some physical loss or
disadvantage due to standing for what is right, etc.).
e.
“And I think I have the Spirit of
God.”
Note how Paul was able to come to conclusions of what he deemed
best. In this text we find a
mature person able to discern both good and evil and to partake of meat
(Heb. 5:14). One Biblical
commentator noted the following traits in judging difficult matters:
i.
Modesty
(vs. 25) – Paul was not dogmatic about that which God has not bound.
ii.
Wisdom
(vs. 26-28) – he was aware of the circumstances and used tact.
iii.
He had
fear and love for God (32-34) – God must come first
iv.
He was
kind (35-40) – he did not come in with demands and arrogance.
Perhaps there are other lessons we could consider in this text. We again see the application of God’s word and how it is profitable for us. May we continue to grow in wisdom so that we too can have “the wisdom of God.” May we seek to prepare for whatever distress come our way. Think about it.