By Robert L. Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Keeping Commitments
1 Corinthians 7:1–13
Marriage and Intimacy (1–7)
Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians is Paul’s response to questions concerning marriage. Corinth was known for its sexual immorality and the Corinthian believers needed instruction on how they should view sex and marriage. Since they saw the damaging result of sexual immorality in their culture, the Corinthian believers thought that perhaps it was the correct action to not have sex at all, even within marriage. Therefore, those Christians who were married wondered if they ought to get divorced to avoid having sex, and others thought that perhaps they could remain married but just not have sexual relations.
Paul counters these views by affirming that sex and marriage are not wrong. Because there is so much sexual immorality in Corinth, it is wise for believers to be married so they are not tempted to fall into sexual immorality.
Marriage and Singleness (8–9)
However, while Paul affirms marriage, Paul demonstrates his value for singleness because it enables the believer to be totally devoted to the Lord without having to consider their family. Paul does not say that it is better to be single but it does have its advantages. In our Christian culture, there is an emphasis on marriage, which of course is an important event in the Christian life. But we need to recognize that some Christians are not called to be married and we need to value this. Many parents want their kids to get married so they can have grandchildren but we really need to want God’s will to be done rather than our own will. While God uses marriage to sanctify us and to raise up children to serve the Lord, God also calls single Christians to serve Him in ways that married couples cannot.
For example, a single Christian is able to devote more time to their particular ministry because they do not have to care for the needs of their immediate family. One who does not marry is able to be involved in the lives of others and in other ministries in a way that is difficult, if not impossible, for those who are married. They can devote much more time to this ministry — their time is not required by a spouse or children.
Instead of being selfish and wanting grandchildren, we need to want to see God’s kingdom furthered even if it means our children being single. For those who are called to singleness it is imperative that they remain celibate. Our culture emphasizes sex and tries to convince people that sex outside of marriage is acceptable, but for the Christian this is never the case.
Marriage and Divorce (10–13)
Because of the marriage scenario in Corinth, Paul encourages believers to remain with their spouses, even if the spouse is an unbeliever. If the Christian is separated from their spouse, they are to seek to be reconciled or remain unmarried. In Ephesians 5, Paul demonstrates that marriage is a picture of the gospel — the relationship between Christ and the Church. For this purpose, marriage is sacred and we need to avoid divorce. God does not abandon us — He remains faithful in His covenant to us and marriage is a picture of this covenant.
Unfortunately we live in a culture that seeks to flee any difficulty, and in marriage when things get difficult or unenjoyable the culture emphasizes divorce as the best option. But this is not the Christian view. Marriage is to be preserved and upheld even when one of the spouses is not a believer.
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