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July 2, 2017

Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.

Reading along with us in 1 Corinthians? Here’s today’s reading:

1 Corinthians 7 (ESV)

Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7 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.

8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion… Continue Reading

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This Post Has 6 Comments
  1. its about the relationship with your creator first. Have that relationship prioritized and healthy and the human to human relationships – even that of a spouse will be healthy

  2. Ah, yes…the “better not to marry” chapter of 1 Corinthians. How many of us who are both married AND devoted to the Lord have experienced the division of the heart Paul writes of here?

    In youth ministry, we see all the time how easily a young woman’s tender heart can be stolen from the Lord when “sweet words and long looks” arouse her hidden desire to be “loved above all others” by the object of her affections. And how heartbreaking when she turns from devotion and consecration to Jesus, and is abandoned instead to her emotions and feelings, even to the point of shipwrecking her faith and losing her peace and joy by conceding to sexual immorality (Galatians 5:19) or being unequally yoked with someone (2 Corinthians 6:14) who does not understand how her love for God must be paramount in her life and relationships.

    We live in a culture NOT devoted to the Lord, and therefore one that enables, pushes, and even advocates sin. And even as evidence abounds of the damage to society, individuals, and our children caused by these so-called “sexual freedoms,” those who have discovered TRUE freedom in their devotion to our Lord and Savior are mocked.

    What a confused world we live in.

  3. I really appreciate how this chapter gives a window into Paul’s interaction with the churches and His interaction with God in writing the letters. “Now for the matters you wrote about” shows that Paul here is answering questions the Corinthians have raised. And like a good apostle, he is answering. He does that often in 1 Corinthians. I also like how He differentiates between sharing the Lord’s opinion and His own, which shows us he is more often sharing the Lord’s opinion as he writes his letters because he tells people when it is his own.

    And how important instruction about marriage is. It is neither a panacea nor a ball and chain. We shouldn’t look to change any circumstances as if changing them is what our hope or expectation is based on. It is God’s will and His provisions that matter. If God changes your circumstances (marriage, health, employment, geographic location, etc) than that is fine. If God doesn’t change your circumstances, than that should be fine too. We are to look for God’s purpose, will and provisions in any circumstance. How is He calling me to obey, serve and minister should be the primary questions, not a focused need to change the circumstances. Paul’s point here is the circumstance is secondary. How often do we and the world make it primary? We should change circumstances that are defined by or lead to sin naturally.

    And I think we all understand the benefits and drawbacks that come from marriage. Certainly Paul emphasizes here the provision it makes for appropriate sexual expression, but it’s benefits go way beyond that. But there are benefits in being single and focused time and attention on God’s kingdom and work is certainly one of them.

  4. So much direction and guidance about marriage here. I see my kids struggling with loneliness and yet, I see how God is uses them in their singleness. I do pray for them to apply this to existing relationships….and before entering them.

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