1 Corinthians (Written)

Sunday, 3 August 2014

But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.1 Corinthians 7:28

In the preceding verse, it was noted that there is no reason to suppose that Paul’s words in that verse were a fixed and firm rule, but rather a temporary guide. Verse 28 verifies that. He had just said “Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife.” His words were spoken because of the difficult circumstances those in Corinth were facing at that time and he wanted them to not be further troubled through the added weight of marriage.

In substantiation of this, he now says, “But even if you do marry, you have not sinned.” Therefore, his previous words cannot be considered prescriptive, but rather as an exhortation based on circumstance. Those who do marry are not in violation of his inspired words. Continuing on, he notes that “if a virgin marries, she has not sinned.” The same is true with the virgin. No sin has been committed, but it may be that the new couple will face undue hardships because of their decision and in this, Paul says, “but I would spare you.” In other words, “I give you advice to spare you from those hardships.” He is acting as if a loving father giving advice to his still naive son.

If we consider the soldier who is in battle, of course he would not be thinking about marriage. He is under fire and there is death all around him. However, if he gets a pass to an area which is not under fire, he may meet a young lady and fall in love. His desire is to marry her and never let her go. But he also has the reality of returning to the battle when the pass has expired. This then may be likened to the situation to which Paul is writing.

There was some sort of hardship at the time of his letter and it would make for a difficult path for newlyweds. In his words, he is giving them advice to alleviate that difficult situation. A commander might write to his young private and say, “You will be coming back to the lines and you could die. Or, your wife’s village may come under fire and you might lose her.” His words would be an attempt to help him think the issue through. However, in the end, the private will make his choice and whichever way he chooses, unless specifically ordered to the contrary, he will not be considered insubordinate. Such is the case with Paul’s advice here.

Life application: The Bible gives explicit commands which require obedience. It also gives words of advice and counsel which, if acted upon, will lead to happiness. If not acted upon, the result isn’t sinful, but sadness, loss, or difficulty may be the result. As God made man, and as God gave us the Bible for our instruction, the best route is to always apply it’s precepts to our lives.

O God, I read Your word and I see in it so many valuable lessons. Some things I see are points I wish I had known long ago. I would have saved myself a lot of grief and troubles. And yet, I know that by paying attention to Your word now, I will have a much firmer foundation to walk on in the days ahead. You gave us Your word not to hamper our happiness, but to make it full and also that we might be pleasing to You. Thank You for Your superior word. Amen.

Saturday, 2 August 2014

Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 1 Corinthians 7:27

There is no reason to suppose that Paul’s words in verse 27 are a fixed and firm rule, but rather a temporary guide. This is based on the previous verse which spoke these words –

“I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it is good for a man to remain as he is:”

The colon at the end of that verse, used by the translators to signify the thought being presented, shows that verse 27 is based on “the present distress.” It is also evident from the coming verses. Therefore, based on this, and taking in context the other times Paul speaks of this issue, this is a temporary measure, not a fixed and prescriptive directive. In this temporary state, he asks, “Are you bound to a wife?” His answer, which is based on his previous guidelines and which is confirmed by the word of the Lord Himself is, “Do not seek to be loosed.”

And his next question is, “Are you loosed from a wife?” This can mean “free” from a wife, such as in being single. Or it can mean one who is loosed in a host of other ways – death, divorce before becoming a Christian, divorced because of sexual immorality, or single because the non-believing spouse departed, etc. If in this state, and because of the temporary trials he says, “Do not seek a wife.” Again, this doesn’t mean a suitable woman for a wife might not come along and that she should be shunned. Rather, he is certainly inferring that a man who is caught up in the current dilemma should focus on those circumstances and not be seeking a wife.

Who would be in battle during a war and be looking for a wife at the same time? Who, in a time of famine would say, “Gee, it should would be nice to find a wife to starve with?” And so forth. There is a time for all things and the current distress that Paul was writing about showed the need for right thinking on the issue of marriage.

Life application: Seeking a spouse is a good thing, but doing so in a time of hardship or calamity will more than likely only increase the hardship or calamity. Therefore, take all things in a proper order and without causing increased suffering in what is already a tough world.

O wondrous God! Thank You for the day which lies ahead. Every blessing, every trial, every bite of food, and every flower on the path has been arranged by You for us. Some things will be great, others may not be so, but they are given to us for growth, learning, and appreciating You all the more. And so I look forward to whatever comes my way as a gift from You. I’ll take the good, take the bad, and do it all with gratitude to You. How I love You, O God. Amen.

Friday, 1 August 2014

I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it is good for a man to remain as he is:1 Corinthians 7:26

A portion of the words in today’s verse are probably either a direct quote from the letter he had received (verse 7:1), or are the same basic substance of what was asked. There was obviously a “present distress” which afflicted those in Corinth. Possibly the entire population, or Christians in general, were affected by this distress which might have made getting married a difficult proposition at that time. Some believe it was a time of general famine and deprivation (see Acts 11:28). Others believe it was from the persecution of Christians by Nero which was coming around that time. Whatever is being spoken of, they had probably asked Paul, “Don’t you think that it is good, because of the present distress, for a man to remain as he is?”

His response then would follow their words – “Yes, I suppose therefore…” Having said this, there is nothing to suggest that this was anything other than a temporary arrangement and not the standard for all times. In other words, Paul is not promoting monasticism. Were there a massive famine in the world today, his words would still ring true. Why would someone want to get involved in a marriage, which is a time of expected happiness and family growth, when neither of those could be expected because of the difficult circumstances? Should things get worse, only sadness and death would result. This isn’t what one would expect for a marriage!

Likewise, if it were a time of war or major persecution, would it be wise to get married and spend those moments of life together fleeing, hiding, and possibly dying? No. Rather it is better to get through such a major calamity without the additional burdens and heartaches which may come from a marriage.

Having noted this, the next few verses will show that even if staying single is a wise choice during such a time of deprivation or hardship, remaining married is expected for those who are already married. Paul is covering each contingency in order and ensuring that proper biblical and Christ-honoring standards will be upheld at all times.

Life application: The context of life around us is an important guide in making big decisions about the future. Would it be wise to invest in a construction company when the housing market had collapsed? Would it be wise to buy land for a farm during a cycle of severe famine? Likewise, is it wise to consider getting married in a time when one cannot provide for a spouse and family those things that they need to remain healthy and content? Just as ensuring proper context when reading the Bible is necessary, so is considering context when evaluating the world in which we live concerning major decisions about the future.

Most gracious heavenly Father, I would ask that You direct my steps according to Your infinite knowledge. I cannot see the future before it unfolds, but You can. And so, should there be obstacles or hindrances to a sound walk with You and a content life for me in the time ahead, grant me the ability to make decisions now which will allow me to honor You through them. Guide me for the sake of Your glory and honor. Amen.

Thursday, 31 July 2014

Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 7:25

Based on the opening words “Now concerning virgins,” we can infer that this begins another section of answers to questions addressed to Paul by those in Corinth. This is based on his opening line of chapter 7, which said “Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me…” The question which begins in verse 25 is about virgins. What is it that a family with young virgin daughters who are coming of age should do with them? Should they keep them in an unmarried state? Should they allow them to be married? And so forth.

His response begins with, “I have no commandment from the Lord.” There is nothing that was spoken about concerning this issue by the Lord during His earthly ministry, nor did Paul receive anything specific from Him during his time of direct instruction from Him. He is careful to note this so that his words are not intended to be taken as such. Instead, he is giving his personal opinion on the matter for their consideration. Because of this he says, “yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy.”

In other words, the Lord demonstrated confidence in Paul to reason out an issue and to make a right, sound judgment on it. What he writes has the full force and authority of that bestowed upon him by the Lord. Being considered “trustworthy” also implies that he will render a judgment which has no self-seeking motivations or biases, but rather will be with the intent of bringing glory to Christ and also building up those who receive his instruction.

Life application: Paul wrote his letters to the Corinthians who received them and kept them for sound counsel. Eventually, these letters became a part of the Bible. They are the inspired words of God, spoken through Paul, as doctrine for the church age. Let us consider them with that in mind, never deviating from the precepts he has laid down under this state of inspiration.

Lord, help me to stand fast on Your word, even when tested by those who “pick and choose” what they want to accept from it. Help my doctrine to be pure and my understanding of Your word to be kept in proper context and with the intent that You have given. Be with me in this, because so many refuse to submit to its precepts and it takes fortitude to stand up and proclaim what is correct and right. Without Your hand of help, it is a battle which seems overwhelming. So be with me in this daily fight. Amen.

Wednesday, 30 July 2014

Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. 1 Corinthians 7:24

This verse is somewhat of a repeat from verse 17 and it covers the entire thought from verses 17-23. In essence, Paul is saying that whatever state one was called in is acceptable and that there is nothing wrong with remaining in that condition. Whether one is married or single, a slave or a master, or whether they are circumcised or uncircumcised, there is nothing in the Christian faith which they have accepted that would ask them to change that state.

In this thought though, there is nothing which condones a lifestyle which is contrary to the Christian message. In other words, if someone’s lifestyle was contrary to what is expected of a Christian, that is not included in Paul’s word here. Only those things which are neutral, or those things which are set aside in Christ (such as circumcision) fall within the parameters of these words. We are not granted license to continue in the life of sin which we were engaged in when we called on Jesus.

We are to conduct our walk side by side with the Lord and in harmony with His expectations, but not fearing that we must change our state now that we are in Christ.

Life application: Let us walk confidently with Christ, knowing that He has accepted us in the state in which He called us. If we are poor and drive an old car, we are just as acceptable to Him as if we were loaded with money and had a large house and many possessions. What we possess is not what is important. Our faith in Him and our adherence to His word, however, is worth much in His sight.

Heavenly Father, I feel so blessed just to be allowed to come into Your presence knowing that You hear my prayers. Thank You for access to Your throne of grace which I have because of the shed blood of Christ. Today, my prayer is one of thanks, gratitude, and praise. Be exalted, O God, in my life and in the lives of all Your saints. Amen.