1 Corinthians 7:1-16

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Responsibilities and Regulations for Marriage

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Marriage as God intended it has its responsibilities.

  2. Marriage as God intended it has its regulations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Remember, you don’t have to get married!

QUESTIONS

  1. How does Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians change with this chapter?

  2. Is it more holy to be celibate or to be married?

  3. Is divorce a biblical option in the case of an unhappy marriage?

  4. When a husband or wife gets saved should they divorce or separate from the unbelieving spouse?

  5. Explain 1 Corinthians 7:14.

ANSWERS

  1. In the first six chapters Paul wrote about certain problems in the church at Corinth which had been reported to him. Now here in Chapter 7 he begins to answer questions that the Corinthians themselves had raised in a letter that they had written to Paul.

  2. Paul wrote that it was good and even commendable to stay single and celibate as he was. However, celibacy is not for everyone. If God did not give you the gift of celibacy, then it is good and proper to get married.

  3. No, see 1 Corinthians 7:10-11.

  4. Absolutely not. Many times the unbelieving spouse may get saved because of the life and testimony of the believing spouse. If the unbelieving spouse insists on leaving the marriage, the believing spouse should let them leave.

  5. God sees a household in which one spouse has become a believer, as sanctified, not saved, but set apart and special because of the Christian influence in the home.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Husbands and wives should not use sex as a weapon or bargaining chip. Discuss why communication breakdowns often lead to problems in the area of sex.

  2. A mixed marriage between a believer and unbeliever is certainly a tough situation. How can you encourage someone you know who is in such a marriage?

CHALLENGE

  1. It’s okay not to be married. In fact, if you can handle it, celibacy is good because in general you can be more efficient and dedicated in serving the Lord, because you are free from family responsibilities.

KEY VERSES

  • “Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer.” 1 Corinthians 7:5

  • “For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” 1 Corinthians 7:9

  • “And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.” 1 Corinthians 7:13



1 Corinthians, New Testament, TalksDeb Harms1 Corinthians 7:1-16