The Marriage Call: Stewardship of Relationship Status

1 Corinthians 7 provides practical, Godly wisdom on the matters of marriage, singleness, divorce, and remarriage. Paul encourages believers to steward their relationship status for the glory of God and to live in undivided devotion to Him. Whether single or married, every believer is called to live a life of faithfulness, self-control, and holiness. This chapter offers a godly perspective on relationships that transcends culture, reaffirming that in every condition, our primary call is to live in obedience to God's commands.

Verses 1-9: Marriage and Singleness

Paul affirms that it's good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman, but given the potential for immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. He encourages spouses to meet each other's sexual needs, abstaining only for a time of prayer and then coming together again to avoid temptation. For singles and widows, if they can exercise self-control, it's good for them to remain single, as Paul is, but if they cannot, they should marry.

Verses 10-16: Divorce and Remarriage

Paul advises against separation and divorce among believers, but if it happens, they should either remain unmarried or be reconciled. For mixed-faith marriages, believers should not divorce their unbelieving spouses if they're willing to live with them, as the unbelieving spouse is made holy through the believer, and their children are holy. But if the unbelieving partner leaves, the believer is not bound.

Verses 17-24: Stewardship of One’s Marital Status

Paul emphasizes that each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them, whether circumcised, uncircumcised, slave, or free, as it's not about outward conditions but keeping God's commands.

Verses 25-40: Advice to Singles and Widows

Paul suggests that it's good for the unmarried and widows to stay unmarried, as he is, due to the present crisis and the divided interests of the married. But if they lack self-control, they should marry. The betrothed should fulfill his vow if he feels no necessity to marry, but if he's firmly resolved in his heart, he can marry. Neither decision is a sin. Paul concludes with an affirmation of his aim to secure undivided devotion to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7 offers Paul's counsel on marriage, singleness, and relationships within the Christian community in Corinth. Paul discusses the role and responsibility of each spouse in a marriage, the sanctity of marriage, and the value of singleness. He advises believers on issues concerning divorce, remarriage, and mixed-faith marriages, emphasizing that all should live in the state to which they were called when they became believers.

Marriage and Singleness
Sexual Responsibility within Marriage
Stewardship of One’s Marital Status
Practical Advice on RelationshipsMarriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
Role of Husband and Wife
Singleness and Devotion to God
Uncircumcised and Circumcised
Slavery and FreedomPaul
The Corinthians
Husbands and wives
Singles
The Married
The Unmarried and WidowsCorinth

1. How does Paul's teaching on marriage and singleness challenge or affirm your personal views?

2. What does this passage teach about the purpose and responsibilities within a Christian marriage?

3. How does Paul's advice to singles apply to your current stage of life?

4. In what ways can believers steward their current marital or single status for the glory of God?

5. What does Paul's command to "remain in the condition in which you were called" mean to you?

6. How can we apply Paul's counsel on marriage and divorce to present day situations in the church?

7. What is the significance of Paul's advice to those in mixed-faith marriages?

8. How do the teachings in this chapter inform your views on relationship, marriage, and divorce?

9. How can the church better support both single and married individuals in light of Paul's teachings?

10. What practical steps can a married couple take to ensure they are fulfilling their responsibilities to one another?

11. How does the idea of marriage as a form of protection against sexual immorality resonate with today's culture?

12. What can we learn from Paul's teachings about the sanctity and permanence of marriage?

13. How can we reconcile Paul's teachings on marriage and singleness with societal views today?

14. What does it mean for an unbelieving spouse to be "sanctified" by the believing spouse?

15. How can a Christian partner best influence an unbelieving spouse, according to this chapter?

16. What can the church do to support those in mixed-faith marriages?

17. How does this chapter challenge the way you view your current relationship status?

18. What role does self-control play in Paul's counsel to the unmarried and widows?

19. How does Paul's discussion of marriage and singleness influence your understanding of commitment and personal relationships?

20. In what ways can the teachings from this chapter be applied to non-marital relationships in the Christian community?