1 Corinthians (Written)

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.

Friday, 11 July 2014

Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:5

Based on his words of the previous verse, Paul now introduces a word of instruction to avoid problems which may arise between the married. Beginning with “Do not deprive one another” his intent is to show that it is not right for a man to deprive a wife, nor a woman to deprive a husband of their rightful due within the marriage. As one another’s body belongs to the other, there is no “right” to deny what actually has mutual ownership.

However, there may be times where there may be a mutual agreement to remain temporarily celibate. It should not occur “except with consent for a time.” The only reason for one to deny the other is when it was mutually agreed and then only for a short time. The verb used here is in the aorist tense showing that it is intended for brief periods at best, not for continuous years or some lengthy period. A span may be desired, for example, for mourning the loss of a loved one or possibly for seeking God’s face for some reason. This is not without prior precedent. When the people were to see God’s presence on Mount Sinai, they were given this instruction –

“So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. ¹⁵ And he said to the people, ‘Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives.'” Exodus 19:14, 15

In a like manner, Paul says that by mutual consent, a couple could abstain “that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer.” For a higher purpose of a spiritual nature, temporary celibacy is acceptable. However, Paul understood that we are still in our frail human bodies and it is not the norm for married couples to live in such a manner. Instead, he instructs that they are to “come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

Should a prolonged time of such celibacy occur in a marriage, thoughts will begin to wander, temptations will begin to arise, and the flesh will make itself known once again. In such a weakened state, Satan will come to tempt even the strongest person. Many pastors and other followers of Christ have fallen because of such enticement. And this comes from a “lack of self-control.” This is the natural thing which occurs when someone is weakened through temptation.

King David found this out personally as have so many others. There was probably no initial thought in his mind that he would disobey the Lord’s command. But in his weak state he succumbed to adultery and then murder to cover it up. If this can happen to Israel’s sweet psalmist who penned words of beauty to the Lord even in the most trying circumstances, how certain is it that we too can fall in this manner!

Life application: God, through Paul’s hand, has given us these instructions for intimate conduct between a man and a woman who are married. If they are not adhered to, or if the man or the woman intentionally violates what He has instructed, it is sin. Be ready to perform the duties which you promised when you made the original vow of marriage to your spouse.

Heavenly Father, I want to thank You today for those You have placed in my life and who have such a positive effect on me. You have blessed me with a wife beyond compare, children who have blessed me in ways they cannot imagine, people who help me with words of comfort, actions of support, and times of happiness and fellowship. I’m blessed with a great group with whom I worship and wonderful people that I work with. Lord, just thinking on all the people who are in my life – close by or as distant friends who I only hear from occasionally, I feel so blessed – even to overflowing. Thank You for the intimacy of such people. Amen.

Thursday, 10 July 2014

The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 1 Corinthians 7:4

This verse is a truth which goes back to the very creation of man. In Genesis 2:24 it says –

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Because they are now “one flesh,” there is an authorized control over one another that cannot be dismissed. This verse is not to be separated from the previous verses. Paul noted the appropriateness of marriage because of what would otherwise devolve into “sexual immorality.” After that, he showed that a man is to give his wife due affection and the wife is to offer the same to her husband. In other words, they are not to deny the rights of the bed in marriage.

To further strengthen this concept, he provides this verse of clarity. “The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.” The wife cannot force the husband to live as a celibate. Nor should the wife force him into even temporary celibacy. Instead, she is to offer herself to him because he possesses authority over her.

“And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.” In the same manner, the husband it not to deny the wife what she desires in the marriage bed too. She has like-authority over the body of her husband. Neither has a higher standing in this relationship; both are to be granted the fulfillment of their needs and desires. And the reason, based on his previous words, is obvious.

If either denies the other their rightful due, it will more than likely end in frustration leading to divorce or adultery. If to divorce, it may still be considered adultery (as will be seen in the coming verses). Whichever is the case though, sexual immorality (and thus sin) is the expected result. And this sin came about from denying what is otherwise a God-granted right because of the marriage vows which were taken.

Life application: Marriage and the marriage bed are not to be used as weapons between spouses. They are to be used to build a harmonious relationship which meets the needs and desires of one another.

Glorious God! Thank You for the wondrous creation You have given us. There are a seemingly infinite number of smells, tastes, and sensations to delight our minds and souls with wonder. Even those things which are offensive actually serve a purpose, because we can then have something to use as a contrast. Adam and Eve didn’t know how good they had it until they lost Eden. We have that knowledge and even more… because we have the surety of being in Your presence, surrounded by delight, forever. And it’s all because of the shed blood of Christ. Thank You for the Lord Jesus! Amen.