Single or Married for the Lord

1 Corinthians 7:1–16

Single or Married for the Lord

Matt Williams Updated Staff Photo

Matt Williams

Teaching Pastor; Staff Governing Elder; Staff Director

In this passage, Paul addresses the Corinthians’ questions about marriage and sexual intimacy, setting forth ideals for both spouses and singles that nevertheless cannot cover every individual’s situation. His overall message urges his listeners to act with love, truth, and holiness in all circumstances and relationships, seeking not only to have their needs met but to meet the needs of others.

Application

  1. What experiences or circumstances (e.g., abuse, upbringing, health, personality, culture) have shaped your view of sex? Who is a safe person in your life with whom you could talk about cultivating a healthy, biblical view of sex?

  2. Paul is ultimately challenging the Corinthians to assess where they are and take responsibility for their lives. How can you respond to this challenge, whether single or married? How might you need to move to manage your desires in a godly way?

  3. As you navigate challenges of your season and circumstances, where are you looking to the world for answers and solutions? What would it look like for you to instead make decisions by the Spirit in biblical community?

Key Points

  • Duty and delight are both legitimate parts of marriage.

  • Sex is not only the overflow of intimacy; it is also a builder of intimacy.

  • Celibacy—contentment with a life without sexual intimacy—is a gift.

  • Our current statuses as married or single will not forever define us; one day, we will all be married to Jesus!

  • Marriage is sacred, but sin can render some unions unrecoverable.

  • Scripture does not present a simple, reductionistic view of marriage and divorce, and neither should we.

  • Singleness and marriage both reflect the gospel and aspects of God’s nature.

Other Scripture References

Matthew 19:9

1 Corinthians 5:11

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