1 Corinthians 7

Summary

 

1 Corinthians 7 provides practical guidance on marriage, celibacy, and various life situations. Paul encourages believers to live in a manner that promotes devotion to the Lord and emphasizes the importance of considering one's circumstances in making life choices.

 

1. Marriage and Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:1-9): Paul begins by discussing the advantages of both marriage and celibacy. He acknowledges that marriage is good and a way to avoid sexual immorality. However, he also praises the benefits of celibacy, emphasizing the undivided devotion that unmarried individuals can have to the Lord.
2. Instructions to the Married (1 Corinthians 7:10-16): Paul gives instructions to married believers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the marital covenant. He addresses situations where a believer is married to an unbeliever, advising that if the unbelieving partner is willing to live with the believer, the marriage should be preserved. However, if the unbeliever chooses to leave, the believer is not bound.
3. Remain as You Are (1 Corinthians 7:17-24): Paul encourages believers to remain in the situation they were in when they became followers of Christ, whether married or unmarried, circumcised or uncircumcised. The key is to live in obedience to God's commands.
4. Concerns for the Unmarried and Widows (1 Corinthians 7:25-40): Paul addresses the concerns of the unmarried and widows, advising them to consider their circumstances and choose the path that allows them to serve the Lord with undivided attention. He speaks of the advantages of remaining unmarried but acknowledges that marriage is not sinful.

 

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