1 Corinthians (Written)

Wednesday, 13 August 2014

So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.1 Corinthians 7:38

Having stated his instructions on the giving of one’s virgin in marriage, Paul sums the thought up in today’s verse beginning with, “So then he who give her in marriage does well.” He has not erred in his actions nor sinned against God by them. He has given a wife to a husband and his virgin to a man for her care and protection. Even if this were during a time of “distress,” no wrongdoing has occurred.

Having said that, Paul then notes the contrast by saying, “but he who does not give her in marriage does better.” He cannot be speaking of “better” in a moral sense because if so, then the other chosen path would have been morally deficient. The better moral path should always be chosen. Instead, “better” must refer to the issue of the distress of the times. For the sake of the virgin, by withholding marriage it would be a better expedient for the care of her heart and any possible sadness which might result from the challenges which lay ahead.

Life application: If a path can be taken which avoids the pitfalls of heartache and sadness, it is certainly the better one to choose. Getting ourselves into trials and difficulties should naturally be avoided because we are then much more likely to have freedom to praise God instead of worrying about the trials which surround us.

Lord God, it’s hard to lose friends that I am close with as they move away for work, marriage, or some other reason, but at the same time they will have new adventures, meet new people, and will hopefully be blessed in the path they take. Above all, I would pray for those who have set out on a new trail that they would remember You as they go. Help them to keep their lives in focus concerning their need to pursue You first. And then Lord, bless them beyond their wildest imagination! Yes Lord, bless Your people. Amen.

Tuesday, 12 August 2014

Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. 1 Corinthians 7:37

These words are set in contrast to what was stated in verse 36. It is assumed from these verses, and known from the customs of the times, that the father had control over his daughter’s marriage decisions. Unlike the world today where young people fall in love and decide who they will marry, those in the Roman empire were simply told who they would marry and when. It might be that in the afternoon a father could come home and say, “Tomorrow you will marry a man I met today.” Arranged marriages were the standard, not the exception.

Paul noted previously that the father didn’t sin if he allowed his virgin daughter to marry. And now he introduces the contrast by saying, “Nevertheless…” What was said is acceptable, but there is another point to consider. And all of it is based on the “present distress” already noted in verse 26. Because of this difficulty “he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well.”

By withholding marriage from his virgin daughter, he is doing well because he will keep her from the great troubles which were expected at this time of distress. Someone had to tend to her, be it him or her new husband. Because she was already in the home and because there was no external need to marry her off, they could ride this time of distress through together without causing sin. The idea here is that if keeping her from marrying would cause her to be tempted to the point of losing her virginity, then it would be sin. If this wasn’t the case, then they were doing well by having her not get married.

Life application: Paul’s words continuously show his regard for purity, holiness, and keeping sin at bay. If we can learn from his examples and his words of instruction, how much easier will our lives be and how much more pleasing to the Lord will we walk!

O wondrous God. Around me are the sounds of life. The crickets are chirping, the chimes are tinkling in the wind, and the house is stirred with morning routine. It is a comfort and a joy to have such things and I thank You for them. But should times of loss and disaster come my way, I will be unwavering in my thanks to You. My love and gratitude to You isn’t based on the present delights, but on the surety that nothing can separate me from Your love because of Christ. Thank You for this steadfast hope. Amen.

Monday, 11 August 2014

But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry. 1 Corinthians 7:36

It is generally agreed that this verse is speaking of a man who is responsible for a virgin daughter or who otherwise has the charge and responsibility over the young woman. There is an age where she will naturally be inclined to want the company of a man, even if there is a time of distress occurring in the world. Just because there may be, it doesn’t change the natural process of her life. Eventually, she will be tempted to express those desires if she is not allowed to marry.

The one in charge of her should understand this and may eventually feel that his care of her, even if it is for her own good, may cause her to sin if he doesn’t allow her to get married. And so when she reaches or exceeds that point by becoming “past the flower of her youth,” Paul says that he may “do what he wishes” by giving her away in marriage.

It is more preferable to do this than it would be to restrict her from marriage and eventually cause her to act on her natural impulses in a sinful way. Obviously, the world is different today and parents don’t exercise the same control over their children than they once did. The custom of prearranged marriages is all but over and instead the decision is left up to the one marrying. Now however, even under the best of circumstances, parents may agree to the marriage, but there is little control exercised by them over the “who” and the “when” of it.

Regardless of this, whether it is the arranging of a marriage or simply the “nod of consent” to it, if the girl is of marrying age and his approval is given “he does not sin.” Instead Paul says that it is ok to “let them marry.” Again, all of this is based on the “present distress” which was referred to in verse 26 and has been cited as a general guideline for such an instance. For the past 2000 years, marriages have continued as normal during the time that the church awaits the return of Christ.

Life application: Marriage has been ordained by God. Likewise the urges and desires for marriage were instilled in us by God. It is better to marry than to sin against Him by engaging in sex apart from marriage. And so even in times of distress, the situation and circumstances of marriage must be carefully considered for the good of all involved.

Lord Jesus, it sure is wonderful to know You. I cannot imagine being without the hope found in the eternal life promised through Your shed blood. And so today, I simply want to thank You, to praise You, and to acknowledge Your wondrous majesty. Hallelujah and Amen.

Sunday, 10 August 2014

And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. 1 Corinthians 7:35

Paul’s words, “And this I say” is referring to the instructions on marriage that he has given from verses 25-34. In this, his words were “for your own profit.” Explained differently, what he has said is advice which is meant to help those in Corinth and to assist them in their thinking about the issue. Remember, in verse 26, he wrote of the “present distress” which they were facing. As a person who understood the complexities of the times and was able to process them in a valid Christian context, his words were intended as general guides for a sound life through that distress.

This is certain that the words are only recommendations and not directives because he next says that it was “not that I may put a leash on you.” The word translated as “leash” is the Greek brochon. This is its only use in Scripture and it implies a noose, snare, or cord which is used to restrain something or someone. The gist of his words then are that he was not intending to bind them with a man-made rule and thus add to the gospel of freedom which is found in Christ, nor to bind them from anything lawful within the society which didn’t contradict the gospel, but rather his intent was to provide sound, helpful, and fatherly advice for their welfare.

In contrast to such an over-reaching command, Paul simply wanted them to consider “what is proper” in order that “you may serve the Lord without distraction.” His intent then was solely for their good during the “present distress” and his words are not to be considered directives for any time at any point of the church age. Rather, in times of upheaval and distress, believers should be able to go to Paul’s words and determine a sound course of action that will keep them from trials and heartache, and yet able to serve the Lord fully and without additional burdens which could take away that full devotion.

Life application: Again we see the importance of context. Reading a single verse and applying it without context inevitably leads to crummy doctrine. But by checking the context of what is given, we can be certain that we are on the right path in our walk and in good stead with the Lord.

Lord God, I am so thankful to You for the guidance Your word gives. There are proverbs of wisdom which provide a general guide for our daily walk. There are words of exhortation to build me up and keep me thinking correctly. There are commands which if followed will ensure that I am right with You and in Your favor. And there are psalms of praise which show me how I too can express my own personal feelings to You in a way which is pleasing. These and so many other aspects of Your word fill me with wonder, delight, and surety that I am walking correctly in Your presence. Thank You for Your word! Amen.

Saturday, 9 August 2014

There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:34

In the same manner as there is a difference between the unmarried and the married man (concerning focus on the Lord and proper allegiances to Him), there is also a difference in the case of women. Paul notes that “There is a difference between a wife and a virgin (meaning a female virgin). He is not at all speaking about the physical difference, but the same difference noted among men from the previous two verses as he next explains.

“The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord.” When a believer is unmarried, they have a much better opportunity to keep their minds and thoughts on the Lord. Their actions will be directed towards Him alone, and their spiritual life will be filled with Him as well. Because of this, “she may be holy both in body and in spirit.” Regardless of the surroundings, even in a time of certain distress, her actions will be directed toward Him. On the other hand, Paul notes the contrast which is found in a married woman by beginning with “but.”

“But she who is married cares about the things of the world – how she may please her husband.” When a woman marries, she is bound to her husband and will naturally set her affections on him. In a time of distress, this may be even more so. The cares of their marriage, the thought of losing him, and the separations which might arise may consume her mental and emotional strength and even debilitate her physically. When this occurs, she is no longer focusing on the Lord as much as the virgin would be.

Having said this, Paul is not in any way saying to not marry. Nor is he saying that there is anything wrong with marriage. He is speaking to those in Corinth at a time when there is a “present distress” as verse 26 noted. This distress, whatever it may have been, could only increase the troubles and trials associated with a marriage.

A good example of the divided allegiances that result in such an instance is found in the sisters Martha and Mary. One was worried about many things when Jesus was in the house. At the same time, Mary was content to sit and listen to Jesus. The account is found in Luke 10 and is a great example of what Paul is relaying concerning this issue of marriage even though it isn’t specifically speaking of marriage. Martha, like the married woman, was concerned with many things and her priorities reflected that –

“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:38-42

Life application: What is your priority? Are you following Christ, reading His word, and listening to the prompting of the Spirit in your life? Or, are you being distracted by many things and allowing them to shut His presence out of this one life He has granted you before you stand before Him? Make sure to spend this valuable time wisely. Spend it with Christ.

Time is fleeting Lord and the days go so fast
And yet there is so much for me to do
But when the sun is setting and the day is past
I look back and see I spent too little time with You

And so I commit to spending more time with You on the morrow
Surely I will do better when the sun rises anew
But at the end of the next day, again I’m filled with sorrow
I failed again, O Lord, to spent precious time with You

O God, give me a wise and discerning heart
Grant me the resolve to open Your word as I should do
And to walk with You and talk with You, yes help me to start
To spend my quickly fleeting life in sincere fellowship with You

Heavenly Father, my days are rushing forward and the time that is gone I cannot get back. And yet, so little of it has been spent in the pursuit of You. Help me to set my priorities aright and to pursue the knowledge of You now. I desire to stand before You approved and commended for the years I have lived. Help me in this Lord. I ask this that You will be glorified. Amen.