Topic Study: God, Sex & Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7)
Summary
Two things we often leave out of 'sex education'.
1. Sex belongs within marriage The church had asked Paul about sex in marriage etc. Some thought it was to avoided, even within marriage (v1). Sex is to be restricted to within marriage (v2), in contrast with what is happening in Corinth. V5 - do not deprive each other. It is God's design. Outside marriage its wrong and disastrous. The relational elements of sex are often ignored.
2. It is about the other person. World's view is it often is about me and my desires. The Bible always talks about sex in context of relationship. (v3,4). Paul is totally pro woman and pro man. Our culture is infatuated with sex and it is about self - whereas God's view is about the other. And this is why it must only be expressed in marriage.
3. Sex is to be enjoyed within marriage. World says sex within marriage is 'boring'. Some people also say its just for to have children. What about the unmarried (v8) (widowers, widows). OK to stay unmarried, but better to marry if a problem (v9).
We are sexual beings - God designed it, and we must follow His rules.
