Topic Study: God, Sex & Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7)
Summary
Divorce touches us all in some way. One in two marriages in Australia today end in divorce.
Divorce was common in Corinth. Also their view of sex in marriage. Plus the problem if their partner had not become a Christian.
Do not initiate divorce (v10-11). Is this doable or reasonable?
1. Why not initiate divorce? Not because of rules, but marriage is a picture of our relationship with Him (bride). (a) Marriage points to the Gospel (Ephesians 5:31,32). (b) To initiate divorce is always sin. Marriage is an advertisement for what God wants.
2. What or when there are troubles? Children may multiple the troubles and stresses. (a) Reconciliation (v11) - separate for time to allow time for healing. Often things are left too late. Trust God to lead us through it. (b) Relational maintenance - work on the marriage before there is a major issue.
3. Our need for Grace. If we have failed in this area, or initiated divorce, we need to fall on His Grace for forgiveness.
4. What if we are married to an unbeliever? The new situation in Corinth. (We should not marry an unbeliever). They are given the same command (v12,13) not to initiate divorce. Somehow the partner and children are better off (v14) - that is, they might be saved (v16).
5. What if your are divorced by your spouse? You are not bound (v15) - things are taken out of your hands - trust the Lord. (1 Corinthians 10:13).
