Day 139, 1 Corinthians 7
We just read a chapter that affirms how important sexuality is, reflecting the spiritual union between Jesus and The Church. Today we are going to wade into territory that has caused many arguments, too many judgments, and too little love (at least in the past century in the west).
As you read today, try to put down any rigid applications of Paul’s writing that you have been taught. We humans love to approach things dualistically (right vs wrong) and in the process we often miss God altogether! This was the error that drove the Pharisees to have Jesus crucified. It is also a scar on the Protestant church in the recent past.
Instead, I suggest you highlight the times Paul says “I’m not giving you a divine command” or similar phrases. He is expressing opinions and emphasizing concessions, not just specifying rules. He also understands the human condition: how difficult it can be to be single (as Paul was) AND how challenging it can be to be married!
His purpose in this chapter is to show us how encompassing the gospel is.
A pattern that Paul uses repeatedly in this chapter is “it’s ideal to remain as you are” followed by “but this is my concession if you don’t.” And these concessions are not a form of “you failed, here’s a participation award.” Instead, Paul is expressing how God’s grace goes beyond the ideal, and thus redeems us from any legalism.
So here are some applications using those patterns:
Ideally, be single. It’s simpler and easier to follow God. But if you can’t, then marry and put each other’s rights ahead of your own.
Ideally, stay married if you are married (even if your spouse is an unbeliever) - God’s grace extends holiness to you both, and to your children, because one spouse believes. But if you can’t stay married, then stay separated and be at peace.
If you are a bondservant, stay as you are, unless you can gain your freedom, then do. Both can represent a believer: a bondservant of Jesus, or free in Christ. One is not superior to the other, although freedom is preferable.
If you are betrothed, it’s okay to get married, but it’s better to be single so you can be undivided in your devotion to Jesus.
Paul wants us to live as free from anxiety as possible, and to have our identity firmly rooted in Christ.
Have a great day!
Mark.