CHAPTER 7

1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Notice Paul is writing about "the things whereof ye wrote unto me..."
The church at Corinth had written asking his guidance on some things.

The Greek word use here for "touch" is haptomai, and means to be attached to, or marry.

"It is good,"
if the man so deems his spiritual work for the Lord to be of more importance than marriage.
(See vss 32-33 below)

This was the life of Paul who never married.

Note: Paul does NOT advocate celibacy here, as we shall see in the next verse.

2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Corinth was a city of immorality.
There were temples to many idols.
And some of those contained temple prostitutes!

Paul was familiar with the tendency of Corinthians to be attracted to sensuality.

Marriage is a holy union.
And, as we shall see in the following verses, marriage dictates faithfulness to one spouse.

Therefore, Paul is saying if a man (or woman) cannot contain their attraction to sensuality, they should enter
a marriage and be faithful in that marriage.

3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Husband and wife are to be faithful to one another in their sexual intimacy.

When two become one in marriage, they no longer have the "power" over the use of their own body.
They relinquish that power to one another.

5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

The married couple are not to turn away from one another in intimacy, except by consent.
To do so is to invite temptation.

However, if both agree to abstain for awhile and "give" themselves to "fasting and prayer,"
then it should be for a designated time.

6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

Verse 6 is a transitional statement between verses 5 and 7.

When Paul uses the word "permission" (Greek: suggnome), he is making a two-fold statement.
First, as an apostle under Divine inspiration, he has no direct "commandment" from God concerning
abstaining from sexual intimacy in order to consentually practice prayer and fasting.
Second, this "permission" is a concession, to which all Christians should generally concede that this is
proper action for married people when they are seeking to draw closer to the Lord.

"For" -- or BECAUSE -- and this is an interactive statement concerning Paul's own lifestyle of celibacy.
BECAUSE -- not EVERYone can do as he did.
Some are called to marriage.
It is good if a person can give themselves totally to God and be celibate.
It is ALSO good if a person determines to be married and give themselves to God.
Remember what Jesus said about that. (See Matthew 19:11)

May I say that very few people are called to a life of celibacy.
Most desire the affection and support of a wife or husband.
After all, God has said that the man NEEDED a "help meet."(See Genesis 2:18) .
He was not COMPLETE without his partner in marriage!

And, at this point, I add: God did NOT create Adam and Steve, but Adam and Eve!!
Man is so created that same-sex marriages CANNOT, and I repeat CANNOT complete the man or woman!

If everyone were celibate, we would have no children.
If marriages weren't between man and woman, we would have LESS children.
And, God said He wanted man and woman to "be fruitful and multiply!" (See Genesis 1:28)

God wants more people to whom He may extend His mercy and grace!
Homosexuality and lesbianism defy the Biblical God-given description of marriage!
That is why it is called an abomination to God and immoral!
(See Leviticus 18:22 and 1Corinthians 6:9and Romans 1:22-27 and Jude 7).

That being said, neither celibacy nor marriage are MANDATES to serving God!
The only mandate is to surrender to and follow Christ! (See Luke 9:23)

And that is the conclusion Paul draws in the next two verses.

8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Many things may be called "good" but most are not NECESSARY!
It depends upon the person.

If the person can live alone, that is well.
But if they desire the companionship and support of a spouse, then "it is better to marry than to burn (with desire)"

10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

This concerns one spouse, a Christian, who is married to one that is NOT.

In Corinth, there were laws which allowed for marital separation.
Perhaps this was one of the things which the Corinthian church wrote to Paul about.
For instance, should a Christian married to a non-Christian obtain a marital separation or divorce?

Paul's answer was DON'T!
Following is why.

14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

Not that they are "sanctified" to holy union with God; but that the marriage is sanctified with God for bearing children.

One person, no matter how intimately connected to another, CANNOT sanctify the other to God!
ONLY Jesus can do that!

Marriage is a holy institution.
No matter how the vows are written, or whether the couple are believers in Christ,
marriage is still a union of two becoming one in the eyes of God!

And, marriage is to be considered sacred.

Remember Jesus' discourse concerning divorce?
In Matthew 19:3-12, Jesus said the two were joined by God, and should NOT obtain divorce.
The Pharisees asked, then why did Moses give a commandment for divorce.
Jesus told them that commandment was given because of the "hardness" of their hearts!

They were treating women WRONG!
They were tossing them out of the house for ludicrous reasons!

The story is told about one couple.
The wife (at breakfast) asked the husband how he wanted his eggs.
He said, "One scrambled, the other fried."
She brought them to him as requested.
He looked up and said, "You fried the WRONG one!"

When men put wives out of the house, they had no means of support.
Either they had to rely on understanding relatives, or try to find a job.
And jobs for women were scarce in those days.

So, God gave a commandment that if a man put a wife out, he must WRITE a "bill of divorcement".
(See Deuteronomy 24:1-2)

Now, can you see some guy writing a bill of divorce because his wife fried the wrong egg?
He would look ridiculous!
He would be shamed!

THAT's the reason God gave that decree!

Would to God that sin was SHAME again TODAY!!

15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

Now, if the "unbelieving depart" -- then let it happen.
The fault would not then be upon the believer.

Christians, Paul says, are "not under bondage" to try and maintain a marriage if an unbelieving spouse wants a divorce.

We are "called to peace!" (See Hebrews 12:14)
If peace can only be obtain by the unbeliever leaving, then the believer must suffer it to be that way.

16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

It IS possible that the believing spouse may draw the other to Christ for salvation.

I remember a lady who had been married to an unbelieving spouse for 35 years.
She was not a Christians when they were married, but became one soon after their marriage.
Suddenly, she became very ill.
Many people of the church came to help out, and to pray for her.
The husband became truly broken as he saw the outpouring of love.
In tears, he told me, "I've watched my wife live as faithful to Christ, and never thought anything of it.
I never repented and surrendered MY life to Christ. But now, I feel all this love from Christians.
I must repent so I can RECEIVE that love!"
He did.
And, his wife was miraculously healed!

No, it won't happen everytime.
But it COULD!

By living an exemplary life before an unbelieving spouse, one may, one day, be able to lead them to Christ for salvation!

17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

Now, a short conclusive note to the subjects of celibacy and marriage to an unbeliever.

As an explanation to verse 17, we might read what Paul wrote in Colossians 2:6-7.
Col 2:6-7
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

If God has "called" you to be saved, then He has also "distributed" to you the strength
to live as a believer!
He has given you His Holy Spirit.
He has given you the Bible, His Holy Word.
He has given you a NEW perspective upon life (2Corinthians 5:17).

Therefore, as He has "distributed" to you - so LIVE!
Celibate or married -- LIVE for CHRIST!

18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

If a person was called to be saved while "circumcised", then he was not to try and change it.
(There were instances in those days of circumcised men trying to hide the circumcision marks.
I'm not sure of the procedure for such, and it was not a common thing, but it was done.)

If a person was called in "uncircumcision" (or as a Gentile), then the rite of circumcision was certainly not incumbent upon him.

The MAIN idea here is to keep "the commandments of God" as pertains to salvation through Christ!
A person can do that whether he is or is not circumcised!

20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Perhaps a person was "a servant" when he came to Christ.
Perhaps he could not CHANGE the life of being a servant.
Then, he was to live exhibiting Christ's salvation in his life AS a servant!

Perhaps a person who was a servant, then saved, was given the opportunity to "be made free."
Then, he was still to "use" that freedom to exhibit Christ.

Even a servant is "the Lord's freeman."
Because, spiritually, that person is freed from the condemnation of sin.
And, even a free person must be set free from the consequences of sin through Christ.

Christians are purchased out of the bondage of sin through the blood of Christ.
And, they should not become servants to the ways of mankind.
Rather, they are to exhibit living with and for Christ even in a sinful world.

If you cannot CHANGE your occupation, or status of life, then live for Christ IN it!
If you CAN change your occupation or status of life, then do it FOR Christ!

25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

Again, Paul says there is no "commandment" for the following situations.
I think this is very important to see.
He is giving advice as a man totally devoted to God.
Paul is a man who has given his life for Christ, and stands among men as devoted to his calling.
His advice then should be revered.

If you are unmarried then perhaps you should not seek a wife.
If you are married, then don't seek to be "loosed" from that Holy bond.
HOWEVER, if you are single and DO marry, there is no sin in it!

There is "trouble in the flesh" for both men and women when married.
For the man will seek to please his wife, and may err from the faith.
A woman may do the same.
Also, the woman may have physical problems due to bearing children.
And, the man is certain to have the burden of caring for his wife and children.

But these things are up to the Christian.
He/she should pray and seek God's guidance in decision making for marital status.
Paul's statement in Philippians 4:6-7 helps us to understand HOW to seek God's guidance.
Phil 4:6-7
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Don't be overanxious about it.
Go to God in prayer, and let Him know what you are seeking.
Soon, His peace will flood your mind and allow you to be confident in a decision.

29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

Life is brief and uncertain.
Whether one is married or not, the main thing is to be sure of salvation!

Live above the world and worldly ways.
Live according to God's will, expressed by His Word and Holy Spirit.

WE are going to pass away.
And, this WORLD is going to pass away.
All that will be left then is our commitment to Christ!

Whether you have trouble or not;
Whether you own much or little;
KNOW CHRIST!

32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

"Without carefulness."
Without anxiety, or secure in thought and faith.

Think clearly, and seek God's guidance about marriage.
The unmarried Christian can devote his/her life totally to God.
The married Christian must be concerned about the spouse AND about pleasing God.

35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

The advice given above about marriage is "for your own profit."
It is no "snare" to be married or unmarried.

One must determine which is best for them concerning their life for the Lord.

36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

The words "his virgin" refer to a daughter or a female ward under the father's care.
If she has passed marriageable age, and desires to marry, then the father may certainly allow it.
There is no sin in marriage!
And, there is no sin in giving in marriage!

Verse 37 presupposes a father who has conversed at length with his daughter (or ward).
There is "no necessity" or engagement that has been entered into; and,
the daughter is not inclined at that time to marry.
Then, the father may determine to keep her at home.
He does not need to FORCE a marriage.

Verse 38 proclaims there is no fault in giving a maiden to be married;
and, also states to NOT give her in marriage is better providing she is inclined to remain single.

Note there is no DEMAND from the father here.
He converses with his daughter (or ward), and determines the best result for her concerning HER attitude.

39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

These verses concern a CHRISTIAN marriage.
The wife (or the husband) is "bound by the law" to the spouse.
However, if the spouse dies, either might marry again -- but "only in the Lord."

In other words, they should choose another devoted Christian for a marital partner.

Again, Paul makes the statement that he believes it would be better for the widow or widower to remain unmarried.
And, again, there is no command from God here.
It is simply the advice of a man who fully follows God.

Each Christian is to consider carefully God's will for his/her ministry.
God can and will work in ministry with either married or unmarried people.

There is NO command for a person to be celibate in order to be involved in ministry for the Lord.
AND, there is no command for a person to be married in order to be involved in ministry for the Lord.

PLEASE CONTINUE WITH US IN BIBLE STUDY TOMORROW.
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