1 Corinthians 7

Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:10

So far, Paul has been addressing the unmarried and those considering marriage. He now turns to those who are married and begins with, “Now to the married I command…” This is something that is expected to be adhered to at all costs and is not up to the audience’s wishes or desires. It is a set, fixed, and firm rule. And to further bolster this, he adds, “yet not I but the Lord.” In other words, this is a command based on the words of Christ Jesus. Paul is taking extreme care to show that his words are the Lord’s words. They are fixed and inviolable.

And the command from the Lord which is re-transmitted by Paul is that, “A wife is not to depart from her husband.” If a person is married, they are to remain married. It is a solemn agreement to one another that was conducted in the presence of God, regardless as to whether they were believers at the time. It is also regardless of whether one or both have since called on Christ.

The reason for this instruction probably came about because of a question from Christian spouses who may have been concerned as to whether it was unlawful for them to be married to one who is a pagan. It is also possible that Paul’s earlier words about it being good for individuals to remain unmarried may be misconstrued to mean that separating is acceptable and even the favorable position. But the Lord’s words on this issue must stand and they are those spoken by Him in the gospels, including Mark 10:11, 12 –

“So He said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.'”

The issue of divorce wasn’t merely a dispensational issue (meaning under the time of the law or during the church age, etc.). Instead it is an issue which transcends dispensations and is an eternal decree. Marriages are not to be treated carelessly and married people are to remain married until death. Paul will explain why as he continues and he will also provide other pertinent information concerning marriage and divorce.

In the end, there is only one exception to the rule on divorce which is if a spouse commits adultery. In our society, we will look for any and every excuse to be disobedient to this command, but there is none other than adultery. Let us pay heed to these words and consider them carefully. The Lord has spoken and our obedience is expected. Life application: Is it a light thing to ignore Jesus’ words concerning marriage? If we are willing to violate His command on this issue, then what type of follower does that show us to be? Let us remain united to the one we chose as our spouse and never dare to ignore the commands of Christ.

Heavenly Father, there are things recorded in Your word which are difficult for me to obey, but who am I to be disobedient to what You have commanded? Grant me the resolute and determined state of mind that I will be obedient to You no matter what. I know that I am forgiven already because of Christ, but that cannot be an excuse to be disobedient to Your word. Instead, it should be the impetus for gratitude and an even closer adherence to it. Help me to remember this and to stand fast in my faith and practice. Amen.

Tuesday, 15 July 2014

…but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.1 Corinthians 7:9

This is the second half of the previous thought to the unmarried. Paul said that it was good if they remained even as he was (meaning unmarried), “but if they cannot exercise self control, let them marry.” This is obvious. If someone who is unmarried is filled with the desires that come about in such a state, they should then get married.

The surety is that desire leads to action and action in this case is sin because sex is to be between a man and a woman in the bonds of marriage. Referring back to Paul’s statements in chapter 6, a Christian is “in” Christ and therefore to engage in illicit sex is to sin against Christ directly.

And so Paul goes on by saying, “For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” To understand this in a way not evident in the English, the Pulpit Commentary provides an analysis of the Greek tense of the verbs –

“The ‘marry’ is in the aorist – ‘to marry once for all,’ and live in holy married union; the ‘burn’ is in the present – ‘to be on fire with concupiscence.’ Marriage once for all is better than continuous lust; the former is permitted, the latter sinful.”

Paul’s words here follow on the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:27, 28 –

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

The Bible teaches that intent to sin is sin. We are given a remedy for the sins we face concerning sexual desire in today’s verse. However, there are instances where the physical needs cannot be met for whatever reason. In those cases, additional prayer and communion with the Lord is needed. This is no different than an alcoholic or drug addict who must learn to focus on Christ and to rely on Him. We are given our instructions and we need to strive to conduct our lives in holiness and in a manner which is honoring to the Lord.

Life application: The Bible shows us that we need to make decisions that may be difficult, but they are never unattainable. By staying in the word, walking closely with the Lord, and fellowshipping with other believers, we can be victorious over our sinful actions and desires.

Heavenly Father, how often I fail You! Were it not for the cross of Jesus, that eternal void between You and me would be a horrifying thought to contemplate. But because of what He did there at Calvary, there is hope, there is forgiveness, and there is the wondrous surety that I am forgiven and free. What kind of love is this! You are beyond glorious in how You have dealt with Your wayward child. Thank You, O God. Amen.

Monday, 14 July 2014

But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am;… 1 Corinthians 7:8

This is a follow up to the question levied to Paul about being celibate as opposed to getting married. He answered the question about celibacy, spoke of marriage, and has returned to both those who are unmarried, and those who were married but who are now widows. He is doing this because eventually the question would have been made, “Does his advice on celibacy and marriage pertain in these circumstances too?”

He is presenting a logical, orderly, and complete response to their question. And so “to the unmarried and to the widows” he gives guidance – “It is good for them if they remain even as I am.” In other words, there is nothing wrong with never getting married, nor is there anything wrong with a widow remaining a widow. Having said that, he is neither mandating this, nor is he saying that there is something wrong with getting married or getting remarried. In fact, in 1 Timothy, he will give this advice concerning younger widows –

“But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” 1 Timothy 5:12-14

Everything must be taken in context and the reason behind each statement must be considered. To take any of these individual verses from Paul and use them as a stand-alone text, will inevitably result in bad doctrine. Eventually, things like Catholic doctrine where priests are to remain unmarried will result from a misinterpretation of Scripture and then other, much greater, problems will inevitably arise within the church.

Life application: The Bible covers the main issues that we need for the conduct of our lives. If we properly apply it, we will be in good shape as we live lives of holiness and purity in the presence of the Lord.

How wonderful it is to have Your word to rely on, Lord. When troubles and questions arise which are difficult for me to resolve, I can go there and find out what You would have for me to do. And as You are the Creator of man and the Author of the manual for man, I know that I will always find the right and proper resolution to my needs. Thank You for such attentive care for us, the work of Your hands. Amen.

Sunday, 13 July 2014

For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. 1 Corinthians 7:7

Paul’s words here are debated, not because they are difficult to understand, but because of presuppositions in those who read what he has penned. This is true with much of the Bible. What we already believe will affect what we read and assimilate. It is difficult, but not impossible, to set our presuppositions aside, but it is always the right course to take.

He begins with, “For I wish that all men were even as I myself.” This is the disputed portion of the verse. Paul was unmarried as we can glean from 1 Corinthians 7:8. Because of this, those who prefer the single, celibate life will naturally tend to infer that he means that he “wished all were unmarried as he was.” This however is not what Paul means. He is speaking of his ability to control his sexual desires, even in his unmarried state. He wished that all had the same control as he did.

This is obviously the correct rendering for several reasons. First, marriage is a God-instituted rite and was given to man for the very reason of having a partner that man could join with. Secondly, if all were celibate as he was, there would have been one generation of Christians and then the faith would have ended. And thirdly, he has already given instructions to both the married and the unmarried and they deal with proper handling of sex, not just abstinence, as the main issue.

Instead of improperly engaging in sexual activity, he finishes this thought with, “But each has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.” In other words, some have the gift of remaining unmarried and not being tempted in their celibacy. Others have the desire and urge to engage in a relationship and so God has given them the right to such a relationship in marriage. Thus, even these words, “one in this manner and one in that,” demonstrate that he is not saying that he wished all remained unmarried, “but that every one had the same grace of continence which he himself was endowed with.” (CJ Ellicott).

Life application: Whether we decide to remain unmarried or to marry, we are to abstain from sexual immorality in the state we are in. God has ordained that sex be confined to a man and a woman who are married to one another.

Though many trials and temptations may come my way
I pray for strength to remain faithful to You, O God
Grant me the ability to turn and walk away
From any form of sin which lies ahead on the path I trod

Oh, that I would be faithful to Your word!
And that I would never displease You with the life I live
Help me to bring honor and glory to You my Lord
In this one life which to me You did give

Thank You for Your kind hand of grace upon me
And thank You for looking after Your other children, all of us
I know that it is a gift which is granted for all eternity
And it came through the precious shed blood of Jesus

Lord, You have given each of us gifts, abilities, and strengths. But we also have failings and weaknesses. Help us to use the positives to overcome the weaknesses so that we can be pleasing to You with each moment that we breathe and each step that we take. When we fall short, help us to get up, shake off the dust, and continue down the right path which leads to pleasing You. Amen.

Saturday, 12 July 2014

But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. 1 Corinthians 7:6

This verse has caused great conflict between scholars as to exactly what Paul is speaking of. First, some translations say, “But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment” (KJV). The intent of what Paul says then becomes unclear. Some have taken it that the “permission” is something that was granted him to say, but not as a commandment. This is not the intent at all.

Rather, the word “concession” shows what he means much better. He is leaving the details of the lives of believers, whether they decide to remain celibate or get married, up to the individuals. However, as we will see, he is doing it with his own personal advice on the matter (this will be seen in the coming verses).

The second area of conflict is exactly what Paul says is a concession. Is it from 7:1? Is it from the preceding verse? What is it is that he is not commanding, but rather is giving as sound instruction? The answer is clear from the text itself. Verse 7:1 said, “Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me:” In response to the first question, he began with his instruction on celibacy verses marriage. During this entire set of verses, and for the next two to come, he is giving personal advice on the matter. He has not issued any command, but is merely responding as he believes is appropriate.

When we come to verse 7:10, he will issue a “command.” At this point, the words of concession end and direct obedience to the words issued is expected. Until that time, his words are intended for a sound contemplation of the issues of celibacy and marriage. Both are authorized by God and so it is obvious that there are no commands concerning the issues, but rather words of wisdom which will keep the individual or married couple free from unhappiness in their chosen state.

Understanding this brings us to the third difficulty. Are the words of Paul inspired or not during these first 9 verses? He is claiming that his words are a concession or an “allowance” for believers to follow. If they are his words, and he is not claiming inspiration in the matter, are the words truly to be considered a portion of the word of God and thus inspired?

The answer is “yes.” They are written by Paul as he was carried along by the Holy Spirit. Regardless as to whether his words are merely descriptive, prescriptive, for exhortation, for advice, or for instruction, they are the words God intended for the particular subject in question.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:5, “Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).” This is merely a descriptive thought. Paul is describing what will happen. Nothing is required for us, and yet it is inspired because God intended for this thought to be in the Bible.

In 1 Corinthians 5:11 he says, “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.” This is a prescriptive verse, a command, that is to be followed in Corinth and in all churches at all times. Obedience is expected and something is required for us, and it is inspired because God intends for us to be obedient to His directive, given through Paul.

The same is true with all other forms of writing used in Scripture – wisdom, poetry, history, advice and counsel, instruction, etc. Each has a place and all are inspired. They are exactly what God wants for us to be built up and edified with.

Life application: Understanding context and also style of biblical writing is extremely important to grasp what is being said, to whom, and for what purpose. Arching over all of this though is the expectation that we believe that the Bible is truly God’s word. If we accept this premise, then we will properly apply the context and style to our walk with the Lord. Dismissing even one verse of Scripture because we disagree with it will unravel the entire tapestry of the word and it also demonstrates that we believe that what God says is less important that what we desire; it is idolatry. Let us carefully and tenderly handle God’s precious word.

Oh God, how amazing it is to read Your word and to ponder the beauty which is contained in it. Despite thousands of years of analysis and study, new revelations, patterns, pictures, and secrets are gleaned from it day by day. It is a timeless and precious wonder which is beyond compare. Forgive us for the dust which settles upon it as we neglect it. Forgive us for shunning it, deriding it, and ignoring it. Help us, O God, Your people, to accept it, cherish it, and study it all our days. Thank You for Your superior word. Amen.