January 14, 2024
1 Corinthians 7:25-40
“Sanctified Singleness”
Service Overview: There was an impending crisis in Corinth, and Paul gives advice to the believers regarding their relationships in light of this coming crisis. And in sharing his wisdom, Paul provides much in terms of principles that effect those who are single; imparting profound insights when it comes to the art of contentment and the dynamic interplay of faith and relationships.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV)
Background Insights:
- There has been discussion among scholars regarding the nature of this “crisis.” Some have suggested that Paul expected the Lord’s return and was referring to the certain calamities that would take place prior to the Second Coming. Most likely, however, Paul foresaw the impending persecution that the Roman government would soon bring upon Christians. He gave this practical advice because being unmarried would mean less suffering and more freedom to throw one’s life into the cause of Christ (7:29), even to the point of fearlessly dying for him. (Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 104)
- consider the present circumstances (vv. 25–31). It was a time of distress (1 Cor. 7:26) when society was going through change (1 Cor. 7:31). There was not much time left for serving the Lord (1 Cor. 7:29). It is possible that there were political and economic pressures in Corinth about which we have no information. In view of the difficulties, it would be better for a person to be unmarried. (Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Wise, 90)
- When Paul says “let even those who have wives be as though they had none” (v. 29), he cannot be telling married Christians to renounce sex, for he has explicitly given the opposite advice in verses 1–7; rather, he means that they should live out their marriages with a watchful awareness that the present order of things is not ultimate. (Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 127)
- Although persecution had been sporadic and localized in Paul’s day, based on Jesus’ teaching (Matt. 23:34) and on reading the signs of the times, the apostle knew that full-blown persecution was just around the corner. (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 119)
- Some have thought that the present crisis must refer to some unique historical circumstances of famine or persecution in Corinth. But as far as we can tell, the city in the mid-50s was as prosperous as any in the Roman world. And there is no indication that Corinthian Christians were persecuted much, at least not more than most first-century Christians. …Paul knows that after Christ’s first coming, his second coming could take place very soon (“the time is short”—v. 29a). This does not mean that Paul had set any dates or necessarily expected the Lord to return within his lifetime. (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 202)
What concerns about singleness does Paul express here and why do they matter?
That they be spared difficulty that may otherwise serve to distract their faith.
- (vv. 25-28 | Psalm 119:9-10; Prov. 21:9; Luke 21:34; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Colossians 3:1-2)
Life holds plenty of difficulties—and in the first-century Roman world, one of those difficulties would be persecution of Christians. Paul wanted the believers in Corinth to be able to let go of everything in their faithfulness to God—that would be much easier without the attachment of marriage. (Grant R. Osborne, Life Application Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Corinthians, 104)
Paul still gives the Christian woman a clear choice. He does not force his view of these matters on anyone but does remain concerned that people think through the practical issues of how best to serve the Lord and be devoted to him in stressful times. (Paul Gardner, 1 Corinthians, 359)
- That their focus remain on the kingdom at hand.
(vv. 29-31 | Matthew 16:25; Luke 21:34; John 15:16; Rom. 12:1; Col. 3:1-2; Heb. 12:28)
All things that are connected with the enjoyment of the present life are sacred gifts of God, but we pollute them when we abuse them. . . . The sum is this, that the mind of a Christian ought not to be taken up with earthly things, or to repose in them; for we ought to live as if we were every moment about to depart from this life. (John Calvin, 1 Corinthians, 257)
Paul’s focus, as always, was that believers make the most of their time before Christ’s return. (Osborne, 1 & 2 Corinthians,105)
- Singleness offers a strategic advantage to serving the Lord.
(vv. 32-35 | 1 Chr. 16:24 ; Psalm 37:4 ; Isaiah 41:10; 52:7; 56:4-5; Mat. 19:12; 28:19-20)
Verses 32–35 offer crucial guidance for people in any time and culture trying to decide whether or not to marry. Instead of adopting the countless other criteria society suggests, Christians should ask themselves in which state, single or married, they can best serve the Lord. (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 205)
- If marriage is in the cards, it should only be to another believer.
(vv. 36-40 | Deuteronomy 7:3-4; Matthew 7:16-20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15; 2 Timothy 3:5)
In the one thing that matters most of all, the believer and the unbeliever are tragically divided. No marriage can paper over that division! If they marry, it will always be like a canyon between them. The more the believing spouse grows in the love of Christ, the wider and deeper the canyon will grow. (J. Budziszewski, How to Stay Christian in College, 116)
Conclusion… What should singles glean in light of this?
A. Realize the important and potent gift you are to Jesus’ Kingdom.
(Isaiah 54:5; Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 7:8; 12:26; Colossians 3:1-2; Hebrews 12:28 )
The Lord Jesus Christ and his kingdom will last forever. This world and its stuff will not. Each of us should seek to become heavenly minded, for that will lead to us accomplishing the most earthly good. (Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians, 159)
What would it mean for Christians to learn to think about their choices between marriage and singleness within the framework of the church’s mission to carry the gospel to the world? It would mean, at the very least, that our conversation in the church about these matters would begin to pose a serious challenge to Western culture’s frantic idolatry of sexual gratification as a primary end of human existence. (Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 133)
B. Be encouraged by and leverage the unique freedom you have for Jesus.
(Isaiah 58:10-11; Matthew 16:25; Mark 10:45; John 15:16; Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 4:10)
If [singleness] is God’s calling for you, be content in it. Rejoice in it. You are free to serve Christ with no strings attached. (Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians, 140)
Some single people feel tremendous pressure to be married. They think their lives can be complete with a spouse. But Paul underlines one advantage of being single—the potential of a greater focus on Christ and his work. If you are unmarried, use your special opportunity to serve Christ wholeheartedly. (Grant R. Osborne, Life Application Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Corinthians, 106)
C. If eyeing marriage, only eye those whose eyes are on Jesus.
(Psalm 84:11; Proverbs 18:22; 31:10; Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15; Eph. 5:25)
Keep from me Thy loveliest creature, till I prove Jesus’ love infinitely sweeter. (Charles Wesley, as quoted by John R. Tyson in “Assist Me to Proclaim”, 156)
If you cannot be contented in singleness, you will not be contented in marriage… No one person can be the source of your contentment. Contentment comes only from God, and the sooner we start seeking it in Him, the better off we will be (Richard and Sharon Phillips, Holding Hands and Holding Hearts, 171)
When you’re seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, whatever else you need will be added to you—from contentment in the single life to the right mate at the right time (Matt. 6:33). (Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 123)
Gospel Connection…
The gospel call is for all to embrace both the person and mission of Jesus, and to position one’s life to follow and serve him.
(Matthew 16:25; 28:18-20; John 3:3; 14:15; Acts 1:8; Romans 6:19; 1 John 2:3; 2 John 1:6)
More than just belief, being a disciple of Jesus entails living a life which seeks to follow, obey, and grow in relationship with Jesus, by the help of the Holy Spirit. … Jesus’ disciples seek to…Take an active role in helping others follow Jesus, as part of his commission for all disciples. (HFM Discipleship Essentials)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- What is God’s ultimate concern for our lives? How does Paul’s opinion in this passage reveal this concern?
- How should the truth that “this world in its current form is passing away” (v. 31) shape all our decisions?
- What lies can married people and singles be tempted to believe about their life situations?
- When it comes to serving the church, what advantages do singles have that married couples do not have?
- How does a marriage between a believer and an unbeliever fall short of God’s design?
Quotes to note…
One of the most important messages of this text for the church is that the single life has dignity and value before God. Most Protestant churches, historically in reaction against the Catholic imposition of mandatory clerical celibacy, have come to regard the unmarried state as aberrant and unhealthy. This tendency has been reinforced by powerful forces in popular culture that insinuate the idea that human wholeness is possible only through sexual relationships. …. Paul argues that for many people it is better to remain unmarried—not because sex is dirty or wrong, but because the single life allows Christians the freedom and flexibility to serve God without distraction. This line of theological reflection merits sustained reflection. (Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 133)
When we claim to love God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength, and then willfully choose to unite ourselves with an unbeliever in the most intimate personal union on earth we profane the holiness of God. We act as though our emotional drive for human intimacy is more important than affirming the preciousness of God’s holiness and nearness. (John Piper, Let None be Faithless to the Wife of his Youth, Sermon, Nov. 22, 1987)
Christians live in the eschatological tension of the now and not yet. The kingdom has come, but it is not yet here fully and completely. Soon, however, it will be. We must live in the wonderful truth that the end could come anytime, any moment. (Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians, 158)
Paul’s counsel makes it clear that God takes marriage seriously, and that we cannot disobey God’s Word without suffering painful consequences. (Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Wise, 93)
Sudden death claims too many lives for any of us ever to assume complacently that we have a certain number of years or decades left to serve God more leisurely. (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 208)
Relax! Quit hungering for the grass on the other side of the fence. Stay in your pasture and feed on the many benefits God has for you there. The pasture of singleness can be a place of contentment and even fulfillment if you will rest in Him, wait on Him, and serve Him through trusting obedience. (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 123)
He is rich or poor according to what he is, not according to what he has. (Henry Ward Beecher)
The Christian life is not about all the things we do for God- it’s about being loved by Him, loving Him in return, and walking in intimate union and communion with Him. (Nancy Leigh DeMoss, A Place of Quiet Rest, 43)