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1 Corinthians 7:8-9
In 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 the Apostle Paul addresses yet another group of people; the unmarried and the widows. Paul instructs that in being dedicated to a life of service, as is Paul, it is good to remain unmarried as to put one’s focus completely on sharing the gospel. But if one has trouble abstaining from sexual activity, then it is better to marry than to commit sexual sins that would lead to condemnation. Referring to his comment in 1 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV), “…It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.”
This is a promise that for those who are able to overcome sexual temptation and desire, it is okay to remain unmarried.
This is a command that for those who are susceptible to sexual temptation, they should get married as to not fall into sexual immorality that leads to condemnation.
We must make clear here that the message that the Apostle Paul is teaching in 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 is not focused on marriage but sexual immorality. God created man and woman to be companions in this physical world. The bond of sex is a privilege of marriage and is intended to strengthen the bond of marriage in a relationship that is special and reserved for the man and woman in marriage. Paul’s instructions for the unmarried, and his guidance to remain unmarried if possible, is to focus totally on one’s relationship with God through salvation in Christ Jesus – just as is Paul – totally dedicated to God with no distractions. This does not mean that one cannot be totally dedicated to God while being married, but as we will see; God calls each person to the life that He has for us – some are called in marriage, and some are not. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 7:17, “But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk.”
Dear LORD,
For many, You have called us to a life of marriage, but not for all. Please give us the strength in marriage or out of marriage to follow Your calling on our lives that we would bring glory to You through our lives as You lead. In Jesus name I pray, amen.