1 Corinthians 7:6-24

Living for the Lord no matter what!

Sermon Notes

Each disciple has his own gift/calling from the Lord

Single in the Lord

“Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.  I wish that all were as I myself am.  But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.  To the unmarried and widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am.  But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry.  For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.  [I Cor. 7:6-9]

Married & One Flesh in the Lord

To the married, I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.  [1 Cor. 7:10-11]

Married to an Unbelieving Spouse in the Lord

To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.  If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.  For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband.  Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is they are holy.  But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so.  In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved.  God has called you to peace.  For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband?  Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?  [1 Cor. 7:12-16]

Live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ (no matter what)

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.  This is my rule in all the churches.  Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised?  Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision.  Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised?  Let him not seek circumcision.  For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncicumcision, but keeping the commands of God.  Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.  Were you a bondservant when called?  Do not be concerned about it.  (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.)  For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord.  Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ.  You were bought with a price, do not become bondservants of men.  So brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.  [1 Cor. 7:17-24] 

 

Notes, Quotes & Scripture References:

Definition of manhood:  Real men reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, and live eternally. 

How do you decide who to marry?

“You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff.  Like if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.” - Alan, age 10 

“No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry.  God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with.” - Kirsten, age 10 

What is the right age to get married?

“Twenty three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.” - Camille, age 10 

“No age is good to get married at.  You got to be a fool to get married.” - Freddie, age 6 

Is it better to be single or married?

“It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys.  Boys need someone to clean up after them.” - Anita, age 9 

Marriages that are full of rich, exciting, God-glorifying sex are marriages in which husband and wife are clear on some of the basic truths about sex and marriage.  For example, where did sexual desire come from?  Easy question.  It came from the mind of God as part of his plan for creation.  So what is sex anyway? … Sex is a gift of God, a gift to be enjoyed by a man and a woman exclusively within marriage.  It’s meant to accomplish several key purposes: union … intimacy … comfort, pleasure and play … creation of life … protection from sexual temptation.  [C.J. Mahaney]

Biblical Reasons for Marriage:

Marriage is for Procreation – ‘be fruitful and multiply’ (Gen. 1:28)

Marriage is for pleasure – ‘be exhilarated by the wife of your youth’ (Prov. 5:18-19; Song of Solomon).

Marriage is for partnership – ‘finding a helper suitable’ (Gen. 2:18).

Marriage is to illustrate a gospel-centered church – ‘husbands have authority over and are to love their wives as Christ Jesus loves His bride, the church’ (Eph. 5:23-32).

Marriage is for purity – it protects those who are burning with lust (1 Cor. 7:1-5).

Marriage is a binding contract/covenant commitment till death do us part (1 Cor. 7)