Strive To Honor God 1 cor 7:1-9

"As conscience grows more passive and the evil spirit supplies his guidance, some Christians begin to lower their moral standard - thinking they henceforth live according to a higher life principle, and therefore treat immoral matters as not quite so immoral any more." (Watchman Nee)

1 Cor. 7:1-9 NKJV 1Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 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. 5 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. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. 7 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. 8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Corinth Wealth Wisdom Culturally diversity Sexual immorality Idolatry

Context Replying to their inquiries on matters relating to Celibacy Abstinence Marriage Divorce

Singleness Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. (1 Cor. 7:1 NKJ) ‘touch’ - euphemism for sexual relations

Marriage & Sex Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. (1 Cor. 7:2 NKJ) Marriage is God’s only provision for sexual fulfilment sexual immorality: (porneia), generally, of every kind of extramarital, unlawful, or unnatural sexual activities

Principle of Mutual Sexual Responsibility Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. (1 Cor. 7:3 NKJ) Render – fulfil Due – duty, obligations

Principle of Mutual Sexual Responsibility 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 Cor. 7:4 NKJ)

“The Gift” “Paul is explaining that sex in marriage is designed for the fulfilment of each partner. The husband is the only one God has designed to be able to fulfil his wife. The wife is the only one able to fulfill her husband. Each one, Paul says, has the right and responsibility to give to his or her mate the fulfillment of sexual desires as a gift, and each one’s responsibility is not just to the mate but to the Lord in doing so.” - Jeremiah Study Bible

Do not deprive one another 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 Cor. 7:5 NKJ) But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. (1 Cor. 7:6 NKJ)

Gift of singleness or marriage 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. 8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1 Cor. 7:7-9 NKJ)

Case for Marriage God instituted Be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28) It is not good that man should be alone (Gen 2:18) To prevent sexual immorality (1 Cor 7:2) Marriage is honorable to all (Heb 13:4)

Principles to Strive to Honor God

1.Discipline training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character’ Knowing God’s law Corresponds with your love to God Danger of going with the flow

Israelites scattered in the wilderness 1 Cor 10: 1-5 God was not pleased with most of them

Preparing the mind for action Gird up the loins of your mind…as obedient children (1 Pet 1:13,14)

Daniel’s discipline Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself (Dan. 1:8 NAS)

2. Love one another Commandment of Jesus Selfishness is the biggest threat to love and relationships "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Mat 7:12)

“Greatest Gift” – Love (1 Cor 13:4-7) What it is What it is not Suffers long Kind Rejoices in the truth Bears all things Believes all things Hopes all things Endures all things Does not envy Does not parade itself Not puffed up Does not behave rudely Does not seek its own Is not provoked Thinks no evil Does not rejoice in iniquity

Summary Don’t be a passive Christian Disciplined life (inward state) Love one another (expression of heart)