Having a Spiritual Marriage

2000023

Subject: MDR; repentance; adultery

Introduction:

A. The FC was a melting pot of religions, philosophies, & ideas. Both Jew & Gentile had diverse ideas greatly affecting the outlook of the church.

1. same true in today’s church. Many different outlooks, perspectives, and motives behind teaching on the doctrine of Christ.

2. These things affect the purity of the church.

B. Text of today’s lesson: 1 Cor. 7.

1. in Chapter 6 Paul dealt with sexual expression outside the marriage relationship.

a) many of the Corinthian brethren contended they had the right to commit fornication w/the harlots of the temple.

b) Basis: needed to satisfy a human desire just as one needs to satisfy hunger/thirst.

2. Chapter 7 covers the flip side of the coin.

a) is celibacy to be preferred?

b) What about celibacy while married?

c) Should the Christian separate from an unbelieving mate?

d) Should daughters/widows be prohibited from marriage?

3. These just a few of the questions answered here. The Spirit will cover all of this & more – as He through the apostle – the apostle merges marriage, self control, & spirituality.

C. Here Paul dealt w/specific questions, the Corinthians had brought up specific issues & had presented arguments.

1. Paul here responds to their arguments via inspiration of the HS – 7:40

2. Let us hear what the Spirit says throughout the chapter.

I. 7:1-9 – Is Celibacy to be Preferred?

A. Apparently some of the Corinthians were teaching that celibacy a most holy state & that it better not to engage in a sexual relationship – even in marriage.

1. self control definitely has its advantages. See 7:1, 8

a) 7:26-28 – in view of distressing situations.

1) some say Paul referring to persecution that soon confront Corinthians.

2) But can’t know for sure. What we can know is that Corinthians knew & to b/c married could be a burden on remaining faithful.

b) 7:32-34 – allows one to be free of pressing concern.

1) celibacy of Paul left his life relatively uncluttered.

2) Allowed him to fully devote himself to preaching of the gospel; traveling whenever; wherever necessary. Not tied down to family.

c) 7:35 – wished not to place a heavy load on them.

3. Yet 7:6-7 – even Paul knew that celibacy = a gift. Absolutely NO command here. Contrary to the teaching of present day religions such as Catholics.

a) some men must work w/in the confines of marriage.

b) Others do not have to – b/c of their control over their lusts.

c) Let each person serve God by using his particular gift in best possible way. See also Mt. 19:10-12

B. However, Marriage is also a good thing.

1. Gen. 2:18 – God designed it from the beginning – Gen. 2:20-22; 24-25

2. Marriage a good thing b/c of the threat of sexual immorality.

a) 7:2-5

b) not the responsibilities of marriage

c) in marriage – sexual activity not a defilement – but an obligation.

1) partners urged not to rob other of what rightfully theirs.

2) 7:9 – marriage a good thing b/c of passion.

4. One must remember that Paul specifically answering arguments made in favor of celibacy – not trying to present a full balanced view of marriage.

D. W/that in mind, we move to the next part of this lesson – begins at 7:10 - which addresses specific instructions to:

1. the married

2. those in mixed marriages.

II. 7:10-16 – Here are the Spirit’s Instructions to the Married.

A. Underlying theme: marriage = a permanent institution!

1. to those married – v. 10 – do not consider divorcing – this = a life long relationship.

a) Mt. 19:6-9 – Jesus Himself gave a command about marriage – to which Paul referred.

b) Jesus: NO divorce EXCEPT for immorality. See also Mt. 5:31-32; Lk. 16:18

c) Rom. 7:2-3 – this goes along w/principle in 1 Cor. 7:10-11. wife/husband bound for life!

3. Marriage NOT a trial run. Marriage = a permanent institution in the eyes of God & those who honor God.

B. 7:11 – what if the spouse does leave?

1. in spite of the commandments – there would be some that chose not to live together.

2. if this happened – what exactly their options?

a) to remain single

b) to reconcile to one’s mate.

4. Why?

a) Rom. 7:2-3 – still bound for life – b/c in this case – adultery NOT the basis behind the divorce – therefore still bound. See also 7:39.

b) Point of 7:10-11 – DO NOT DIVORCE. If divorce occurs – sin has been committed.

5. There only 2 things in all of Scripture that are said to release, or to provide release from marriage bond!

a) primary thing = death!

b) Sexual immorality on part of one of the partners.

c) According to 7:10-11 – if one who departs wishes to be married – one option – to be reconciled w/other. NOT FREE TO REMARRY ANOTHER.

C. 7:12-13 – what about mixed marriages? Jesus did not deal specifically w/it. Paul does. (Mixed marriages = believers married to unbelievers)

1. these under the same law – no divorce. Don’t consider it & don’t send them away.

a) NOTICE: NO option given to the believer to divorce the unbelieving mate.

b) Why not to send them away?

2. 7:14, 16 – believer may bring unbeliever to salvation.

a) if stay together – completes family relationship – i.e., one man, with one woman – serving as father/mother of children. This way God designed family.

3. 7:15 – but what if the unbeliever leaves? Will the unbeliever be content to remain in the marriage?

a) if he is = then believer has no right to terminate marriage.

b) Why? B/c of the principles laid down by Christ.

c) But if unbeliever departs – his choice & to be at peace.

4. Here, however, the bone of contention/discussion today:

a) if the unbeliever departs – the unbeliever “not under bondage.”

1) it’s usage/context here DIFFERENT than 7:39 & Rom. 7:2-3

2) There = absolutely NOTHING in this context that indicates “not under bondage” means the believer can get married again.

3) Unless the context defines the expression – we have NO right to devise our own definition.

b) words by definition merely mean – “is not a slave.”

5. Believer not under bondage of:

a) duty – 7:3-4 – the Christian not commanded to live w/someone who does not wish to live with him.

b) The Christian not called upon to subject himself to all kinds of abuse in order to force himself upon some believer who does not wish to be married to him.

c) The believer is NOT a slave & doesn’t have to be willing to accept any demands of the one leaving.

D. NOTE: in the context: no hope, promise, mention, or word of REMARRIAGE!

1. 7:11 – only mention of remarriage – to remain unmarried!

2. 7:39 – a/g marriage – life long commitment – death breaks bond, not desertion.

III. 7:17-28 – Lastly – there are some things that Baptism does not Change.

A. Baptism WILL NOT change relationships.

1. 7:17-20 – circumcision or not.

a) a Jew who had been circumcised that obeyed the gospel – should not feel compelled by the call of the gospel – to be uncircumcised.

b) Same w/Gentile – to be circumcised.

c) Did the state of one’s circumcision affect his relationship w/God? Certainly not!

3. 7:21-24 – slave or free.

a) if man obeyed gospel – as a slave – was his relationship w/God second class?

b) There – no merit before God in being either a freeman or slave. To remain in state in.

c) Baptism does NOT change relationships.

4. 7:26-28 – married or not.

a) one was not a better Christian b/c he celibate.

b) One not a bad Christian if he married & fulfilling his obligations in marriage.

c) This = context. It says that being married/unmarried; circumcised/uncircumcised; slave/free; ALL moral (honorable) in & of themselves. They not sinful. Not sinful relationships in this context.

B. However – this context MUST NOT be understood to mean that one can continue sinful relationships!

1. some teach that baptism makes adulterous marriage right.

a) 7:17-24; see especially 7:20.

b) But is this consistent w/Paul’s teaching in 6:19-20?

2. True repentance: demands that every form of sinful conduct be stopped.

a) 6:11 – Corinthians had ceased sinful behavior – including adultery.

b) Why allow adulterer to continue in sin & demand the bigamist; murderer; thief to cease?

c) To make this context in chapter 7 apply to sinful relationships is to make Paul contradict himself.

3. If the theory that baptism washes away adulterous marriages true – then why didn’t John command Herod/Herodias to get baptized?

a) John: Not lawful for him to have her.

b) Why didn’t he baptize them into Christ? Why didn’t he tell them to wait until the law of Christ came into effect & then be baptized?

C. If baptism won’t change relationships – we need to consider them before entering.

1. Bottom line: who are our friends? Who do we date?

2. Any spirituality in the relationship?

3. Spiritual marriage b/g w/spiritual people.

Conclusion:

A. This lesson not a first principles lesson. Meant for mature in Christ.

1. but….there principles we must look at & consider.

2. if not yet a Christian

3. just a Christian for a few months

4. many years

B. How is your relationship with God? This one of the main thrusts of the book of 1 Cor.

1. are you in need of getting your relationship w/God started?

2. Are you in need of improving your relationship w/God?

3. Do so today!

C. I N V I T A T I O N



Having a Spiritual Marriage 2000023 Subject: MDR; repentance; adultery Introduction: A. The FC was a melting pot of religions, philosophies, & ideas. Both Jew & Gentile had diverse ideas greatly affecting the outlook of the church. 1. same true in today’s church. Many different outlooks, perspectives, and motives behind teaching on the doctrine of Christ. 2. These things affect the purity of the church. B. Text of today’s lesson: 1 Cor. 7. 1. in Chapter 6 Paul dealt with sexual expression outside the marriage relationship. a) many of the Corinthian brethren contended they had the right to commit fornication w/the harlots of the temple. b) Basis: needed to satisfy a human desire just as one needs to satisfy hunger/thirst. 2. Chapter 7 covers the flip side of the coin. a) is celibacy to be preferred? b) What about celibacy while married? c) Should the Christian separate from an unbelieving mate? d) Should daughters/widows be prohibited from marriage? 3. These just a few of the questions answered here. The Spirit will cover all of this & more – as He through the apostle – the apostle merges marriage, self control, & spirituality. C. Here Paul dealt w/specific questions, the Corinthians had brought up specific issues & had presented arguments. 1. Paul here responds to their arguments via inspiration of the HS – 7:40 2. Let us hear what the Spirit says throughout the chapter. I. 7:1-9 – Is Celibacy to be Preferred? A. Apparently some of the Corinthians were teaching that celibacy a most holy state & that it better not to engage in a sexual relationship – even in marriage. 1. self control definitely has its advantages. See 7:1, 8 a) 7:26-28 – in view of distressing situations. 1) some say Paul referring to persecution that soon confront Corinthians. 2) But can’t know for sure. What we can know is that Corinthians knew & to b/c married could be a burden on remaining faithful. b) 7:32-34 – allows one to be free of pressing concern. 1) celibacy of Paul left his life relatively uncluttered. 2) Allowed him to fully devote himself to preaching of the gospel; traveling whenever; wherever necessary. Not tied down to family. c) 7:35 – wished not to place a heavy load on them. 3. Yet 7:6-7 – even Paul knew that celibacy = a gift. Absolutely NO command here. Contrary to the teaching of present day religions such as Catholics. a) some men must work w/in the confines of marriage. b) Others do not have to – b/c of their control over their lusts. c) Let each person serve God by using his particular gift in best possible way. See also Mt. 19:10-12 B. However, Marriage is also a good thing. 1. Gen. 2:18 – God designed it from the beginning – Gen. 2:20-22; 24-25 2. Marriage a good thing b/c of the threat of sexual immorality. a) 7:2-5 b) not the responsibilities of marriage c) in marriage – sexual activity not a defilement – but an obligation. 1) partners urged not to rob other of what rightfully theirs. 2) 7:9 – marriage a good thing b/c of passion. 4. One must remember that Paul specifically answering arguments made in favor of celibacy – not trying to present a full balanced view of marriage. D. W/that in mind, we move to the next part of this lesson – begins at 7:10 - which addresses specific instructions to: 1. the married 2. those in mixed marriages. II. 7:10-16 – Here are the Spirit’s Instructions to the Married. A. Underlying theme: marriage = a permanent institution! 1. to those married – v. 10 – do not consider divorcing – this = a life long relationship. a) Mt. 19:6-9 – Jesus Himself gave a command about marriage – to which Paul referred. b) Jesus: NO divorce EXCEPT for immorality. See also Mt. 5:31-32; Lk. 16:18 c) Rom. 7:2-3 – this goes along w/principle in 1 Cor. 7:10-11. wife/husband bound for life! 3. Marriage NOT a trial run. Marriage = a permanent institution in the eyes of God & those who honor God. B. 7:11 – what if the spouse does leave? 1. in spite of the commandments – there would be some that chose not to live together. 2. if this happened – what exactly their options? a) to remain single b) to reconcile to one’s mate. 4. Why? a) Rom. 7:2-3 – still bound for life – b/c in this case – adultery NOT the basis behind the divorce – therefore still bound. See also 7:39. b) Point of 7:10-11 – DO NOT DIVORCE. If divorce occurs – sin has been committed. 5. There only 2 things in all of Scripture that are said to release, or to provide release from marriage bond! a) primary thing = death! b) Sexual immorality on part of one of the partners. c) According to 7:10-11 – if one who departs wishes to be married – one option – to be reconciled w/other. NOT FREE TO REMARRY ANOTHER. C. 7:12-13 – what about mixed marriages? Jesus did not deal specifically w/it. Paul does. (Mixed marriages = believers married to unbelievers) 1. these under the same law – no divorce. Don’t consider it & don’t send them away. a) NOTICE: NO option given to the believer to divorce the unbelieving mate. b) Why not to send them away? 2. 7:14, 16 – believer may bring unbeliever to salvation. a) if stay together – completes family relationship – i.e., one man, with one woman – serving as father/mother of children. This way God designed family. 3. 7:15 – but what if the unbeliever leaves? Will the unbeliever be content to remain in the marriage? a) if he is = then believer has no right to terminate marriage. b) Why? B/c of the principles laid down by Christ. c) But if unbeliever departs – his choice & to be at peace. 4. Here, however, the bone of contention/discussion today: a) if the unbeliever departs – the unbeliever “not under bondage.” 1) it’s usage/context here DIFFERENT than 7:39 & Rom. 7:2-3 2) There = absolutely NOTHING in this context that indicates “not under bondage” means the believer can get married again. 3) Unless the context defines the expression – we have NO right to devise our own definition. b) words by definition merely mean – “is not a slave.” 5. Believer not under bondage of: a) duty – 7:3-4 – the Christian not commanded to live w/someone who does not wish to live with him. b) The Christian not called upon to subject himself to all kinds of abuse in order to force himself upon some believer who does not wish to be married to him. c) The believer is NOT a slave & doesn’t have to be willing to accept any demands of the one leaving. D. NOTE: in the context: no hope, promise, mention, or word of REMARRIAGE! 1. 7:11 – only mention of remarriage – to remain unmarried! 2. 7:39 – a/g marriage – life long commitment – death breaks bond, not desertion. III. 7:17-28 – Lastly – there are some things that Baptism does not Change. A. Baptism WILL NOT change relationships. 1. 7:17-20 – circumcision or not. a) a Jew who had been circumcised that obeyed the gospel – should not feel compelled by the call of the gospel – to be uncircumcised. b) Same w/Gentile – to be circumcised. c) Did the state of one’s circumcision affect his relationship w/God? Certainly not! 3. 7:21-24 – slave or free. a) if man obeyed gospel – as a slave – was his relationship w/God second class? b) There – no merit before God in being either a freeman or slave. To remain in state in. c) Baptism does NOT change relationships. 4. 7:26-28 – married or not. a) one was not a better Christian b/c he celibate. b) One not a bad Christian if he married & fulfilling his obligations in marriage. c) This = context. It says that being married/unmarried; circumcised/uncircumcised; slave/free; ALL moral (honorable) in & of themselves. They not sinful. Not sinful relationships in this context. B. However – this context MUST NOT be understood to mean that one can continue sinful relationships! 1. some teach that baptism makes adulterous marriage right. a) 7:17-24; see especially 7:20. b) But is this consistent w/Paul’s teaching in 6:19-20? 2. True repentance: demands that every form of sinful conduct be stopped. a) 6:11 – Corinthians had ceased sinful behavior – including adultery. b) Why allow adulterer to continue in sin & demand the bigamist; murderer; thief to cease? c) To make this context in chapter 7 apply to sinful relationships is to make Paul contradict himself. 3. If the theory that baptism washes away adulterous marriages true – then why didn’t John command Herod/Herodias to get baptized? a) John: Not lawful for him to have her. b) Why didn’t he baptize them into Christ? Why didn’t he tell them to wait until the law of Christ came into effect & then be baptized? C. If baptism won’t change relationships – we need to consider them before entering. 1. Bottom line: who are our friends? Who do we date? 2. Any spirituality in the relationship? 3. Spiritual marriage b/g w/spiritual people. Conclusion: A. This lesson not a first principles lesson. Meant for mature in Christ. 1. but….there principles we must look at & consider. 2. if not yet a Christian 3. just a Christian for a few months 4. many years B. How is your relationship with God? This one of the main thrusts of the book of 1 Cor. 1. are you in need of getting your relationship w/God started? 2. Are you in need of improving your relationship w/God? 3. Do so today! C. I N V I T A T I O N