Monks seclude themselves to deny the temptations and desires of this world. There are two extremist groups in Corinth; those who indulged in life and those who withdrew from it. Paul is concerned that people embrace life. All situations belong to God.

1. The external issues

There seemed to be mixed signals. Paul saw hard times coming at believed that it was preferable to remain single if you are already single.

2 – The internal issues

Marriage causes trouble. We have problems in marriage. You are both sinners! It can accelerate your spiritual growth. Iron sharpens iron. Paul is realistic that marriage brings problems. If you are unhappy before you get married then don’t expect marriage to make you happy.

3 – The timing issue

Life is temporary. James 4:4. We could be basing too much on something which is not permanent. Marriage is part of this earth and not carried into heaven. We should attach ourselves lightly to the things of this world. Marriage is important but not as important as our relationship with God.

4 – The commitment issue

The unmarried people can be more involved in the things of God. The married people need to commit to their spouse. The single person can commit more to God as they do not have the distraction of marriage commitment. To get married or not is within our Christian liberty. Following God is not optional.

“The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams. But God is the ocean.” — Jonathan Edwards

Categories: 1 Corinthians