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First Corinthians “Solving Church Problems”. Lesson 9, Section Ten, Part 1 Problem Eight: “Confusion About Marriage” First Corinthians 7:1-24 Pages 45-47. Quick review... First Corinthians 6. Paul concluded his last discussion with “Flee immorality” (6:18)
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First Corinthians“Solving Church Problems” Lesson 9, Section Ten, Part 1 Problem Eight: “Confusion About Marriage” First Corinthians 7:1-24 Pages 45-47
Quick review...First Corinthians 6 • Paul concluded his last discussion with “Flee immorality” (6:18) • This includes all improper sexual acts, such as, fornication, adultery, homosexuality • He started this subject in chapter 5 • He shows the sinfulness of one who had his father’s wife • He continued this subject in the last part of chapter 6 • A Christian cannot be joined in the flesh with a harlot
Now, to today’s lesson...First Corinthians 7 • Paul discusses his eighth problem with the church at Corinth - “Confusion About Marriage”
Notes before we begin...First Corinthians 7:1-24 • This section [chapter seven] begins the second main division of First Corinthians. • The first dealt with problems that had been reported to Paul by the “household of Chloe” (1:11). • This section addresses matters contained in a letter sent to the apostle by unknown persons and under unknown circumstances (7:1).
God’s Basic Law For MarriageFirst Corinthians 7:1-9 • The questions asked by the Corinthians may be reconstructed from the discussion Paul offers about various aspects of the marriage relationship. • The first question appears to be: • “Is it better for Christians to be married or single?”
God’s Basic Law For MarriageFirst Corinthians 7:1-9 • It is good for a man not to touch a woman (sexually, or not to marry) (vs1, 6-7) • IF they can exercise self-control of their passions • However, to avoid sexual immorality (v2) • Let each man have his own wife and each woman have her own husband • But, to the unmarried and widows (vs8-9) • It is good to remain unmarried • IF they can exercise self-control of their passions
Principles of MarriageFirst Corinthians 7:3-5 • Let each mate meet their responsibilities (v3) • Must satisfy the other’s sexual urges • Each partner has control over the other’s body (v4) • Do not deprive one another of sexual satisfaction (v5) • Except for mutual consent for a time • So you can devote yourself to prayer and fasting • Otherwise, Satan might tempt you because of your lack of self-control (v5) • Causing your mate to commit adultery
Advice to the Unmarried and WidowsFirst Corinthians 7:8-9 • Paul recommends that they stay unmarried (v8) • However, He recognizes that each man has his own particular gift or ability in this manner (7) • But, IF they cannot control themselves, then let them marry (v9) • It is better to marry than to burn with desire (lust)
Keep Your Marriage VowsFirst Corinthians 7:10-16 • The second question appears to be: • “Is marriage to be dissolved by Christians if it is better to be unmarried?”
Keep Your Marriage VowsFirst Corinthians 7:10-11 • God’s commands to the married: • Remain married (10) • A wife is not to depart [divorce] (11) • A husband is not to divorce his wife (11) • But, remember Matt. 5:32, 19:9 [except for fornication] • If separation comes, remain unmarried, or be reconciled (11) • Service to the Lord is of more importance than preserving a marriage
Keep Your Marriage VowsFirst Corinthians 7:12-16 • The third question appears to be: • “Should Christians remain married to unbelievers?”
Keep Your Marriage VowsFirst Corinthians 7:12-16 • For Christians with unbelieving partners (vs12-16) - • Neither party should divorce the other (vs12,13) • They are sanctified [in regard to the marriage] and their children are legitimate (v14) • IF the unbeliever departs, let him depart (v15) • The believer is not under bondage [obligation, duty] • He is at liberty to live separate, but not free to re-marry • The unbeliever may be converted (v16)
Live As You Are CalledFirst Corinthians 7:17-24 • “Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called” (v20) • One can serve God whether: • Jew [circumcised] or Gentile [uncircumcised] (v18, 19) • Slave or free (21) • Married or single • Paul’s final word about believer/unbeliever marriages: “Brethren, let each one remain with God in that calling [condition]in which he was called” (v24)