Devoted to God

Introduction

What do the following people have in common? Paul, Anna from Luke 2, John the Baptist, Jeremiah, Martha, Elijah. God used them all as single people. If I added the name of Jesus, it would perhaps be obvious. And yes, I know that Anna from Luke 2 was married but only for 7 years and she had been single for a long time afterwards when she prophesied about Jesus. God uses all kinds of people. Our sermon will focus on the latter part of 1 Corinthians 7. Paul focuses on the unmarried in this section and we will try to understand the points he is making in our study time together.

The Unmarried

While we cannot be sure the exact nature of the question that Paul is answering in this section, there is a connection between verse 25 and verse 1. The quote from the letter that the Corinthians sent to Paul is found in verse one “it is good for a man not to touch a woman” or have sexual relations. Paul responds directly to that quote in the previous verses answering questions about sex within marriage and God’s intent for relationships between believers and unbelievers. In this section, he applies the principle from verse 20 (remain in the situation you were in when God called you) to another specific group—the virgins or the unmarried.

Jesus did not comment about such in his ministry; thus, Paul has no direct command from Jesus. He does, however, have something to say which is more than an opinion. The idea of judgment carries the idea of what ought to be done. This gives far more force than “let me tell you what I think.” It carries the idea of speaking with force or authoritatively as Paul says he is trustworthy. He has been commissioned by God and Jesus appeared to Paul to instruct him about his purpose. This gives Paul more than a passing opinion.

Paul says to remain as you are. If you are engaged to be married, then go ahead and get married. If you are not married and no prospects on the horizon then don’t go looking for a mate. Why? Because of the present crisis and to avoid future problems. We do not know what the present crisis is. Some speculate that Paul has in mind persecution and that may be the case. The Corinthians lived in relative peace with their neighbors but we do know that it was going to get worse and Paul certainly seems to indicate that worse things are to come.

In verses 29–35, Paul gives further explanation. First, be aware that the things of this world are temporary. The world is passing away. Time is short is to express the temporary nature of this world. Marriage will not be a part of God’s kingdom in the future. We will not always shed tears. And the things that bring happiness now will not last. Things are temporary. Second, being married presents with some divided loyalties. It is difficult to live for God as a married person and also to try to please your spouse. The tension of marriage distracts from full focus on following God. What is important is undivided loyalty and while Paul clearly says he is not restricting marriage, he is acknowledging that those who are single have the better opportunity to have undivided loyalty to God.

Verses 36–38 presents an interesting discussion. NIV gets us closer to Paul’s intent. The point is that if couples want to get married they should. If, however, couples are able to control their sexual desires then they should avoid marriage. It’s good to get married. It’s better to remain single. Better doesn’t suggest an increase in spiritual quality. Such a view would have endorsed the Corinthians’ view of competition and elitism. Instead, it means a practical conclusion. Remaining single allows for focused dedication on God and to avoiding some of the pitfalls that surely comes with marriage but neither singleness nor marriage increases one’s spiritual standing.

Finally, verses 39–40 speak directly to those who are widows. You are free to remarry. However, Paul says he believes remaining unmarried would lead make you happier. He applies the same principle as earlier to the widows. Stay in the condition you are in and serve the Lord and remaining single gives you opportunity for undivided loyalty. But Paul endorses marriage with one qualifier—the widow should marry a man who is “in the Lord” a fellow believer.

So What?

I want to make two points and neither can be fleshed out fully now. First, relational status—married or single—is equally valid to God. To some he gives the gift of marriage and to others he gives the gift of being single (7:7). Both the married and the unmarried at times struggle in the gift, but both need to recognize that God’s gift is given as a sign of his grace and with his full knowledge of how you can use this gift for him. Thus, we need to treat one another with respect. We must not envy the gift of the other. We must learn to appreciate the gift God has given to each. Asking single people when they will marry is to suggest that their gift is inadequate. To make fun of marriage is to suggest that the gift is lacking. Both reflect back on the gift giver—God. So let us endorse the gift that God has given to us whether it is the gift of marriage or the gift of being unmarried. Let us see one another with opportunities that are possible.

Second, God seeks our undivided loyalty and devotion. One of the ways we can do that is to remember that this world is temporary. The things that bring happiness in this world is fading. That which brings tears will not last. There will be no marriage when we are with God. The only relational status we will have is son or daughter of God and brother and sister with Jesus. The earthly families as profoundly wonderful and beautiful as they might be in this world will find their fullness and completion in the family of God. And for those who the very word family lacks few good feelings or memories, the family of God can provide support and love while we all await the fullest idea of family that is yet to come. No wonder Paul tells us that the only thing that really matters is staying focused on God. No wonder Paul tells us to keep in mind that the time is short. No matter our relational status, our undivided devotion to the Lord is what matters. Invitation.

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