1 First Corinthians “Solving Church Problems” Lesson 9, Section Ten, Part 1 Problem Eight: “Confusion About Marriage” First Corinthians 7:1-24 Pages 45-47

2 Paul concluded his last discussion with “Flee immorality” (6:18) This includes all improper sexual acts, such as, fornication, adultery, homosexuality He started this subject in chapter 5 He shows the sinfulness of one who had his father’s wife He continued this subject in the last part of chapter 6 A Christian cannot be joined in the flesh with a harlot Quick review... First Corinthians 6

3 Paul discusses his eighth problem with the church at Corinth - “Confusion About Marriage” Now, to today’s lesson... First Corinthians 7

4 This section [chapter seven] begins the second main division of First Corinthians. The first dealt with problems that had been reported to Paul by the “household of Chloe” (1:11). This section addresses matters contained in a letter sent to the apostle by unknown persons and under unknown circumstances (7:1). Notes before we begin... First Corinthians 7:1-24

5 God’s Basic Law For Marriage First Corinthians 7:1-9 The questions asked by the Corinthians may be reconstructed from the discussion Paul offers about various aspects of the marriage relationship. The first question appears to be: “Is it better for Christians to be married or single?”

6 God’s Basic Law For Marriage First Corinthians 7:1-9 It is good for a man not to touch a woman (sexually, or not to marry) (vs1, 6-7) IF they can exercise self-control of their passions However, to avoid sexual immorality (v2) Let each man have his own wife and each woman have her own husband But, to the unmarried and widows (vs8-9) It is good to remain unmarried IF they can exercise self-control of their passions

7 Principles of Marriage First Corinthians 7:3-5 Let each mate meet their responsibilities (v3) Must satisfy the other’s sexual urges Each partner has control over the other’s body (v4) Do not deprive one another of sexual satisfaction (v5) Except for mutual consent for a time So you can devote yourself to prayer and fasting Otherwise, Satan might tempt you because of your lack of self-control (v5) Causing your mate to commit adultery

8 Advice to the Unmarried and Widows First Corinthians 7:8-9 Paul recommends that they stay unmarried (v8) However, He recognizes that each man has his own particular gift or ability in this manner (7) But, IF they cannot control themselves, then let them marry (v9) It is better to marry than to burn with desire (lust)

9 Keep Your Marriage Vows First Corinthians 7:10-16 The second question appears to be: “Is marriage to be dissolved by Christians if it is better to be unmarried?”

10 Keep Your Marriage Vows First Corinthians 7:10-11 God’s commands to the married: Remain married (10) A wife is not to depart [divorce] (11) A husband is not to divorce his wife (11) But, remember Matt. 5:32, 19:9 [except for fornication] If separation comes, remain unmarried, or be reconciled (11) Service to the Lord is of more importance than preserving a marriage

11 Keep Your Marriage Vows First Corinthians 7:12-16 The third question appears to be: “Should Christians remain married to unbelievers?”

12 Keep Your Marriage Vows First Corinthians 7:12-16 For Christians with unbelieving partners (vs12-16) - Neither party should divorce the other (vs12,13) They are sanctified [in regard to the marriage] and their children are legitimate (v14) IF the unbeliever departs, let him depart (v15) The believer is not under bondage [obligation, duty] He is at liberty to live separate, but not free to re-marry The unbeliever may be converted (v16)

13 Live As You Are Called First Corinthians 7:17-24 “Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called” (v20) One can serve God whether: Jew [circumcised] or Gentile [uncircumcised] (v18, 19) Slave or free (21) Married or single Paul’s final word about believer/unbeliever marriages: “Brethren, let each one remain with God in that calling [condition] in which he was called” (v24)