|
Marriage and the
Present Distress
(1 Corinthians 7:17–40)
Introduction
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 7:17–40 offer spiritual
guidance for believers facing a time of persecution and
turmoil. He reminds Christians that their circumstances in
life are secondary to their faithfulness to God. This
section of the letter is often called “Paul’s marriage
advice,” but it reaches beyond marriage to emphasize the
greater calling to remain with God in all situations.
The Principle of
Remaining in Your Calling
Paul begins by affirming that each person should live in the
situation they were in when called by God. Becoming a
Christian does not require a complete restructuring of one’s
earthly life. What matters most is obedience and devotion to
God. For example, circumcision and uncircumcision once
divided Jews and Gentiles, but those distinctions no longer
define the people of God. What does matter is keeping the
commandments of God. This principle echoes Ecclesiastes
12:13: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the
whole duty of man.” Whether Jew or Gentile, free or slave,
the true distinction is spiritual—one’s relationship with
Christ.
Freedom and
Faithfulness in Every Circumstance
Paul broadens the principle to include one’s social and
economic condition. A Christian slave in the first century
could faithfully serve God as a slave. If the opportunity
arose to gain freedom, that was acceptable too. The key
point is that one’s worth and standing before God do not
depend on social status. The Christian’s identity is found
in Christ, who purchased us with His blood. As Paul writes,
“You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.”
This means avoiding enslavement to sin or worldly desires.
Christians are to serve God wholeheartedly, whatever their
position in life.
The Context of the
Present Distress
In verse 26, Paul mentions “the present distress,” referring
to a time of severe persecution that threatened the church.
This context shaped his advice about marriage. Because of
the suffering and danger facing believers, he encouraged
them to consider remaining single if they were unmarried.
This was not a command but wise counsel given the
circumstances. Those who were already married were to remain
so; those who were unmarried were free to remain single or
to marry. In every case, the decision should be guided by a
desire to remain faithful and to serve the Lord with an
undistracted heart.
Undistracted
Devotion to the Lord
Paul explains that marriage, though honorable and ordained
by God, brings additional responsibilities that can divide
attention during times of distress. A married person must
consider the needs of their spouse, while an unmarried
person can more easily focus on the Lord’s work. His goal
was not to place restrictions on believers but to promote
“undistracted devotion to the Lord.” This phrase captures
the heart of Christian living—serving God with singleness of
purpose, especially in seasons of trial.
Paul’s Counsel on
Marriage and Singleness
Paul reaffirms that marriage itself is not sinful. Those who
marry do well; those who remain single may find it easier
under certain conditions. His counsel applies especially to
times of persecution. If a man and woman are engaged, they
do not sin by marrying. If a father chooses to give his
daughter in marriage, he does well; if he decides it is best
for her to remain single, he does well also. The underlying
principle is that marriage and singleness are both
acceptable before God. What matters is purity, faithfulness,
and the ability to serve the Lord effectively.
The Principle of
Contentment in All Things
Paul concludes the chapter by emphasizing contentment and
devotion. A widow is free to remarry if she wishes, but he
advises that during times of distress, remaining as she is
may be easier. Whatever one’s choice, the marriage must be
“only in the Lord”—that is, in harmony with God’s will and
within the boundaries of Christian faith. Whether married or
single, the believer’s goal remains the same: to honor God
in every decision and to remain steadfast in faith despite
life’s changing conditions.
Marriage and the
Present Distress Sermon Outline:
-
Introduction:
Context of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians; persecution
shaping his counsel. (1 Corinthians 7:17–40)
-
I. Remain in
Your Calling
-
God calls each
believer to serve Him faithfully in their current
condition. (1 Corinthians 7:17–20)
-
Outward
status—Jew or Gentile, circumcised or
uncircumcised—is meaningless before God.
-
The key
principle: Keep the commandments of God.
(Ecclesiastes 12:13)
-
II. Serving
God in All Stations of Life
-
III.
Understanding the Present Distress
-
IV. Marriage
and Undistracted Devotion
-
Marriage is
good, but during distress it brings additional
concerns.
-
Singleness may
allow greater focus on serving God. (1 Corinthians
7:32–35)
-
V. Paul’s
Judgment and Wisdom
-
VI.
Contentment and Remaining with God
-
Widows and
widowers are free to remarry, but only in the Lord.
(1 Corinthians 7:39–40)
-
The goal is to
live in peace, with undivided devotion to God.
Call to Action
Whatever your situation in life—married or single, rich or
poor, young or old—Paul’s teaching calls you to remain
faithful where you are. Do not let worldly conditions or
external pressures shake your devotion to God. Seek to live
with undistracted commitment to His will, knowing that your
true identity is found in Christ. The most important choice
you can make today is to remain with God and walk in
obedience to His commandments.
Key Takeaways
-
God’s commandments
define true faithfulness. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
-
Social status or
relationship status does not determine your worth before
God. (1 Corinthians 7:17–24)
-
Marriage is
honorable, but singleness can be beneficial during
hardship. (1 Corinthians 7:25–35)
-
The goal of all
believers is undistracted devotion to the Lord. (1
Corinthians 7:35)
-
Every Christian has
been bought with a price—the blood of Christ. (1
Corinthians 7:23)
Scripture
Reference List
-
1 Corinthians
7:17–40: Paul’s counsel concerning marriage,
slavery, and remaining in one’s calling.
-
Ecclesiastes
12:13: The whole duty of man is to fear God and
keep His commandments.
-
Titus 2:9–10:
Servants are to be obedient and faithful, adorning the
doctrine of God.
-
Philemon:
Paul’s letter demonstrating faithfulness in servitude
and brotherhood in Christ.
-
1 Corinthians
7:23: Christians were bought with a price,
belonging to Christ alone.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
|
The
church of Christ
.jpg){kind=small}
