Epistles (written)

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.

Wednesday, 9 July 2014

Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:3

Paul is using delicate terms to speak of the marriage bed. He began to allude to this in the previous verse and he will expand on it in the verses to come. After having discussed celibacy and that it was a fine and acceptable action to take, his words to those who decide rather to be married are that they should act in a manner which demonstrates that state.

There is an affection that is due between a man and a woman who are united in marriage and it goes in both directions. If one has decided against celibacy and for marriage, then that which belongs to marriage should not be denied by either spouse. His words are subdued to avoid any hint of perversity or indecency. Instead, the marriage bed remains undefiled and he is using terms which express this.

Life application: When one is married, there are expectations from the spouse which are not to be denied by the other spouse. If they are, then why would they have agreed to the marriage? But they did and they therefore have obligations to provide the affection due to the other.

Lord God, how wonderful it is to have a wife by my side. We can walk the highway of life and experience things together which would never be as enjoyable alone. In seeing this, I see even more why You have called a Bride to yourself. What a pleasure it is to know that together we will forever enjoy the streams of goodness which flow from Your throne of grace. Until then, thank you for that little slice of heaven that I have now with my own wife, anticipating that great Day ahead. Amen.

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 1 Corinthians 7:2

Our second verse of chapter 7 shows us that Paul was certainly responding to a direct question in the previous verse. There he said, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” The concept of “marriage” is connected to “touch a woman.” In other words, to remain celibate is a good thing and he had no problem with such a lifestyle. He himself remained unmarried.

However, there is also a reason for marriage instead of celibacy which he now explains by beginning with “nevertheless.” His words now are set in contrast to what he just said. The idea is, “Remaining celibate is fine, but on the other hand…” And the reason is immediately given which is “because of sexual immorality.”

Someone who decides to remain celibate is just as likely to be tempted as he is able to refrain. If he is tempted and fails, he will then be engaged in “sexual immorality” because sex is confined to the bonds of marriage. Therefore, being celibate is a noble goal, but it is not the norm and it is bound, in many cases, to result in sin rather than devotion to the principle for which it was intended.

And so, because of the propensity for falling into sexual immorality, “let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.” Paul is indicating that being married is preferable to falling into sexual immorality. Although marriage increases problems and trials in many ways, it is a better option than engaging in illicit behavior which thus defiles the body of Christ (as he spoke about in detail in chapter 6).

It is rather unfortunate that some denominations within the church failed to heed these words of Paul and instead mandated that their clergy remain unmarried. This is for several important reasons –

1) It binds those who are in such positions to something which is contrary to nature.
2) It leads to exactly what Paul notes today, sexual immorality.
3) Christianity is disgraced by the actions of those who have so conducted themselves in these vile practices.
4) It is unbiblical.

Once sexual immorality sets into such an environment, it leads to greater perversion as sexual misconduct becomes entrenched in the clergy. And sadly, the greater sexual perversion is directed to those who are easily controlled and manipulated. It has become a horrifying result of the misuse of what God intended for His people and it has so tarnished some denominations that those outside of the church view Christianity with eyes of contempt.

Life application: God created woman for man and it is normal and healthy for them to be married. No other sexual relations are authorized by the Bible except those of a man and a woman who are married to each other.

Heavenly Father, there are things which You have mandated in Your word which are held in contempt today. Among the most prevalent is that sex is to be limited to a man and a woman who are united to one another in marriage. This precept is looked down on, shunned, and belittled by the world, but Your word asks us to be in the world but not of the world. Help us to be obedient to You above all else and never to act in a manner contrary to Your word. Amen.