1. 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 God's plan: Sex within marriageSummary: 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.
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2. 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 Do not initiate divorceSummary: 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).
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3. 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 Living in difficult situationsSummary: What is the best life situation for you to be a great Christian?
For the Christian, our current situation is where God wants us.
1. Remain. Remain where we are (v17, 20, 24). Examples (a) Religious background (v18,19) - A Jewish (or any religious) background never helps or hinders us in our relationship with God. (b) Slave or free. We are now Christ's slaves. - Don't let your current situation of slavery hinder your relationship with God. In all circumstances, stay as we are. God can handle it, and He knows we can.
2. Obey. To remain involves obedience (v19,20). Obey Christ within those structures and situation (v23,24). Our ministry begins where we are now. V23 - our priorities are now different.
3. God can be trusted. (Romans 8:28,29). His aim is to make us more like Jesus, within our current situation. God can take us, regardless of situation, and He can make us like Christ.
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4. 1 Corinthians 7:25-38 Is being single OK?Summary: World's message - romance is the goal of life for women. For men, it is often sex, sex, sex.
Paul gives us three goals:
1. Be free (v25-28) Free to get married, and free not to get married. V26 - remain as you are, that is, being content and serve God as you are. Marriage should not be the goal in life. Sometimes we wrongly pity people who are not married.
2. Think big (v29-31) - get our priorities right - think eternal. Don't get distracted by the things of this world. If we think the big picture, it might mean we choose not to get married. (Note: references to Marty is one the preacher's lecturers who is single). We need to find the right balance in our life, whether we are married or single. We as a church, need to support and encourage those who choose to be single.
3. Be honourable. (v36-38) - respect the person you engaged to.
Comment: See similar sermon 'Singleness and God' by clicking here
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5. 1 Corinthians 7:39-40 What is a Christian marriage?Summary: We are often told about the problem of type 2 Diabetes. There is a spiritual disease pervading our community. (v39,40).
1 Corinthians was written against the background of the situation in Corinth. Chapter 7 deals with problems of sex, divorce, celibacy, widows etc.
1. The issue of Widows. Marriage is not eternal, it ceases on death of one of the partners. Marriage begins when a man and women 'contract' publicly agree to stay together. (v39). Human marriage is a covenant or contract. Also, a Christian can only marry a Christian.
2. Objections to Christian view of marriage.
(a) If God can bring out of marrying an unbeliever, does that justify it. No. While God in mercy can bring good from evil, it doesn't justify us doing the wrong.
(b) If two unbelievers are living together, and one becomes a Christian. Maybe they have Children.
3. Why do we disobey God on marriage, when the Bible is so clear. We only understand God's plan when we rest in God alone. Psalm 62:1. Sin is when we try to 'rest' in something other than God. We can worship marriage - by marrying a non-christian, is really saying 'rest' is found in romance.
Marriage in itself cannot fulfil us. Our spouses cannot give us all that God can give us. It is two contented people in Christ, that can make a good marriage.
4. Conclusions. How to deal with common situations.
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