Sunday School July 2nd, 2006 1st Corinthians 7(2-15)
1st Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
Single life
It is very important that we understand this verse in the proper context. There is nothing neither sinful nor unholy about being married. It was God’s idea to pair up Adam and Eve and God who said it was not good for man to be alone. One of the signs of the last days apostasy is the forbidding to marry. Here is the Scripture I am referring to: 1st Timothy 4:1-3, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” The denominations who forbid their ministers to marry have no Scripture basis to back this principle on whatsoever. This verse does not even mean that Paul was suggesting that Christians are better off not to marry. Look at vs. 26 of this same chapter. 1st Corinthians 7:26 “I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.” When Paul is advocating that they avoid marriage if possible, it is because of “the present distress.” Christians were being persecuted terribly and having to hide their faith. It would be much harder to serve God with a family to watch out for. The Scripture says the marriage bed is undefiled. This chapter speaks about advantages of being single and serving the Lord: 1st Corinthians 7:32-33 “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: 7:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.” With all of this you would think it would be good to require ministers to not be married right; wrong! Look at this verse which gives some qualifications for the office of bishop which is the office we call Pastor today. 1st Timothy 3:2 “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;” Notice the bishop is to be the “husband of one wife.” 1st Timothy was also written by the Apostle Paul. The implication is clear: Paul had nothing against Christian ministers being married. The Christian is advised to marry to avoid fornication which means sex outside the sanctity of marriage.
7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 7:4 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. 7:5 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.
Due Benevolence
The word “benevolence” literally means good will, or kindness. From the context we can assume part of this benevolence that is being referred to is the physical part of marriage. Verse 2 mentions one of the reasons to marry is to avoid fornication. Verse 4 speaks of the partner having “power over the body” of the spouse. It is important that this part of the marriage be by mutual consent. Both people must be aware and sensitive to the needs of the other. Not defrauding each other which means they are not to avoid sex unless it is by consent, or agreed to by both partners, for a time which means on a temporary basis. Couples who avoid the physical for long periods of time are subject to be tempted for their “incontinency” which means lack of self control. The husband and wife should be in love spiritually, emotionally, and physically. There should be neither need nor room for someone else to enter their romantic lives. It is God’s ideal for human existence. A man and a woman, united in life, in order to build their lives and raise children in God’s way.
7:6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
Not a commandment
Paul is not speaking about having permission from God to say this, as being an Apostle of Christ and being directed by the Holy Spirit to write, his words would’ve have been required Scripture. He is referring to the principle of men and women separating themselves from each other physically, for a time, as a way of giving themselves to fasting and prayer. There was no commandment to withdraw from sex in order to pray, nor is there any commandment concerning when they should come back together again. Paul realizes that abstinence could very well cause them to be tempted to commit adultery. Some folks had the will power to abstain for longer periods than others, but there was no commandment from the Lord as to any of this. These things were to be decided by the married couple.
7:7 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.
As myself
This verse is very often misunderstood. The phrase “even as I myself” is not referring to being unmarried. I have said this before, but let me repeat it again; there is nothing wrong with being married. Paul is smart enough to know that if all Christians avoided marriage, and therefore procreation, Christianity would die out pretty fast. The “even as I am” refers to possessing the gift of self control. Paul is saying I wish you all were not incontinent. The Syriac version of the Bible says “like me in purity and chastity.” Listen to this verse, also written by the Apostle Paul: 1st Corinthians 9:5 “Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?” The word translated “power” means the free choice, permission, or the liberty to do something. If it was wrong for a Christian minister to be married, why would Paul say he had the choice to be married if he so desired? If it was wrong for a minister to be married, he would’ve said “I have no power to lead about a wife.” Also, God in numerous other places sanctioned marriage and family. Never was a man or woman condemned for getting married as long as the marriage is scripturally sound.
7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
For the present distress
Remember the phrase “even as I” does not refer to being unmarried, but to possessing the gift of continence. If they could keep their flesh under control, “in this present distress” they were better off to remain unmarried. It is not meant as an endorsement of the single life nor is it a commandment for Christians of all time. If they were unable to contain themselves or keep their sexual urges under control, then they were directed to marry. Note the warning; it is better to marry than to burn. This means it may be tough to live a married life in this dangerous time, but it is better to take the risk than to live outside the commandments of God and die lost.
7:10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 7:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
Inspired Apostolic authority
Paul’s writings are Scripture under the principle of inspired Apostolic authority. That means that although the words were written by a man, not Jesus Himself, they were still to be regarded as God’s word because they were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Paul is casting no aspersions to that principle here; he is just reminding them that this commandment for couples to remain together was spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Here is the Scripture being referred to: Matthew 5:32 “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” Here Our Lord reveals one justifiable reason for divorce. Putting away, or divorce, was not allowed “saving (unless) for the cause of fornication.” Fornication means sex outside of marriage. Adultery committed by one of the spouses is a justifiable reason for the other to divorce. It is not mandatory that they divorce; they are permitted to forgive and reunite, but there is no Biblical commandment for reconciliation. The offended partner is not required to remain unmarried in such a case as the marriage vow has been broken by the other spouse. The offended spouse cannot be caused to suffer for the sin of the other partner. When Paul says they must be reconciled or remain unmarried, he is referring to the case of one spouse leaving the other without proper cause.
7:12 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. 7:13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
Not justified
It is not commanded, nor recommended, that men and women divorce just because one of them is not a Christian. Let me make something very clear: I think it is a good idea, and actually commanded by God, (1st Corinthians 7:39 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.) that Christian people marry Christian people. Marriage is hard enough. When you have 2 people heading in 2 separate directions; conflict is certain. One of the partners will usually win over the other one eventually. Often the Christian finds it difficult to remain faithful when the spouse has no desire to live godly.
7:14 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.
Sanctified
The word “sanctified” means “consecrated, hallowed, or dedicated” to God. There is a lot of unbelieving husbands out there who are being blessed by God in their home lives and finances because of the relationship between the Lord and their wives. They might not realize it, but that is still the case. God looks at that home as a Christian home because of the presence of the believer. It does not mean the husband is saved and going to heaven; it only means the household is a Christian home in God’s vision and the children are regarded as Christian children. They are dedicated to God, and belong to God, until they reach the age of their own accountability. At that time they must make their own decision for Christ. When the Lord returns to rapture the church He will take those children who are being raised in “sanctified” homes with Him. In God’s eyes they are “holy.” They will be protected by the faith of their saved parents.
7:15 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.
Desertion
I often have people argue with me on this point, but there are two reasons which are Biblically sound for divorce. The first we covered earlier; fornication by one of the spouses. The other reason is given here; desertion. This verse realizes if the unbeliever decides to leave, there is nothing the believer can do. They have no choice in the matter. They cannot kidnap their partner for “God has called us to peace.” They must allow that person to make their own decision. Also notice they are free to remarry. This verse says “a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases.” The word “bondage” means to be a slave of someone. If my wife could leave me and force me to remain unmarried the rest of my life to please God I would be in bondage to her actions. God does not desire for us to be in bondage, but to be free to enjoy the pleasures of life which are His gift to us. The believer should not seek divorce, but if divorce is forced upon them by the desertion of their partner, they are free to remarry without any repercussions. I would like to speak on one more matter concerning justifiable divorce if I can. I don’t have as clear Biblical authority as in these two cases, but I firmly believe God does not desire nor require that a spouse remain in a relationship when there is physical violence involved. The Christian husband is commanded to love his wife “as his own flesh.” No right thinking man would beat himself up. I don’t believe the God I have come to know and love would demand that a woman allow herself to be tortured and remain in that situation. I would like to remind those who would beat their wives of one little verse which should make you straighten up or at least tremble at your future. Romans 12:19 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” You may think you’re getting away with it, but remember “vengeance is mine.”
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PASTOR RICK BARCUS
