"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"
Chapter Seven
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To be impressed with basic principles governing marriage and the
single life
2) To see the importance of studying scripture in its proper context
SUMMARY
At this point in Paul's letter, he begins to address those things about
which the Corinthians had written to him (7:1). In this chapter he
discusses matters relating to marriage and the single life. The first
half deals with issues involving those married (1-24), and the last
half covers those who are single (25-40). It is important to notice
that some of what Paul says is in light of the "present distress" being
experienced by the Corinthians; also that much of what he says is
clearly identified as his personal judgment, not necessarily the
commandments of the Lord. In such cases, it is not a matter of right
versus wrong, but good versus better.
OUTLINE
I. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THOSE MARRIED (1-24)
A. IN GENERAL (1-9)
1. It is good to marry to avoid sexual immorality (1-2)
2. Proper attitudes to govern the marriage relationship (3-4)
3. Abstinence appropriate for short times devoted to fasting and
prayer (5-6)
4. Living the single life with self-control a gift from God, so
unmarried and widows should marry if they cannot exercise
self-control (7-9)
B. IN REGARDS TO DIVORCE (10-16)
1. As commanded by the Lord (10-11)
a. A wife is not to depart from her husband; if she does, let
her remain unmarried or else be reconciled (10-11a)
b. A husband is not to divorce his wife (11b)
2. As instructed by Paul (12-16)
a. Christians are not to divorce their unbelieving spouses
(12-13)
b. Because of the "sanctifying influence" the believer can
have on the family (14)
c. If the unbeliever departs, the believer is not under
bondage, let the unbeliever depart (15)
d. These instructions given in view of the possibility of the
believer being able to save the unbelieving spouse (16)
C. PRINCIPLES GOVERNING PAUL'S INSTRUCTIONS (17-24)
1. As the Lord has called each one, so let him walk (17)
2. The example of circumcision versus uncircumcision, where
keeping the commandments of God is what is important (18-20)
3. The example of being a slave versus being free, where one
might improve their condition if it is possible and profitable
(19-24)
II. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THOSE SINGLE (25-40)
A. FOR THOSE WHO ARE VIRGINS (25-38)
1. Paul gives his personal judgment in light of the "present
distress": remain as you are (25-26)
2. Of course if you are married, remain so; but those who are
single would be spared much trouble in the flesh in light of
what is to come (27-31)
3. Remaining unmarried enables them to serve the Lord without
distraction, and be totally devoted to Him (32-35)
4. If it is necessary, the single may marry (36)
5. The choice is not between good and bad, but between good and
better (37-38)
B. FOR THOSE WHO ARE WIDOWS (39-40)
1. They are free to marry, but only "in the Lord" (39)
2. Though Paul's personal judgment is that such a one will be
happier to remain single, which is also the advice (though not
demanded) of the Spirit of God (40)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) List the main points of this chapter
- Instructions Concerning Those Married (1-24)
- Instructions Concerning Those Single (25-40)
2) What are Paul's instructions to married Christians? (3-5,10-11)
- Render affection that is due to one another
- Do not deprive one another, except for short periods of fasting
and prayer
- Do not leave or divorce your spouse
3) What does he advise those who are unmarried and widows? (8-9,25-40)
- It is better to remain as they are
- But if they marry, that is alright
4) What does he tell Christians married to unbelievers? (12-16)
- If the unbelievers are willing to live with them, do not divorce
them
- If the unbelievers depart, the Christians are not under bondage,
let the unbelievers go
5) What underlying principle is governing Paul's instructions in this
chapter? (17-24)
- For people to remain in whatever position they find themselves
when they are called by God
- Though where change is possible and profitable, such is permitted
6) What advantage do the single have over the married? (32-35)
- They are better able to serve the Lord without distraction
7) What restriction does Paul place on widows who desire to remarry?
(39)
- They are to marry "only in the Lord"
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