NT Fire Starters – Day 232: 1 Corinthians 7:1-40
READ: 1 Corinthians 7:1-40
THINK: Is marriage in your future? Who knows? God does–and He’s not anxious about it, so don’t you be. His ultimate plan for your life will be perfectly fulfilling with or without marriage. For now, focus your attention on your relationship with Jesus and how you can best serve Him. If you do, the rest of your relationships will fall into proper place and perspective. And if dating is part of the picture, be wise and spend that time only with individuals who share your faith in Jesus and will understand that God’s plan takes priority in your life.
RESPOND: Why does Paul say, “It is good for a man not to marry”? (See 7:1 note.) How should married people view their bodies in relation to their spouses? (See 7:3 note.) Why is it better for most people to marry (v. 9)? What are God’s intentions for marriage, and what’s His view of divorce? (See 7:11 note.) Under what circumstances is separation or divorce acceptable? Is verse 12 simply Paul’s opinion? Why or why not? (See 7:12 note.) Are a Christian’s spouse and children automatically right with God even though they personally don’t believe? Why or why not? (See 7:14 note.) What does it mean that an unbelieving spouse and children are “sanctified” and “holy” because of the Christian spouse and parent? If a non-Christian divorces a Christian spouse, what is the Christian free to do? (See 7:15 note.) Why does Paul say, “Keeping God’s commands is what counts”? (See 7:19 note.) What’s the point of Paul’s ironic words in verses 29-31? (See 7:29 note.) What are the benefits of remaining single if one is able to do so? (See 7:34 note.) What does verse 39 indicate about the type of person a Christian is to marry?
PRAY: Pray for the marriage relationships in your immediate family. Pray for your future spouse if you believe that marriage is in your future. Also pray for any older single adults you know, asking God to be especially near to them and that they would invest their lives even more in serving Jesus.
ACT: If you have a Christian parent(s) or grandparent(s) express gratitude to them for the heritage and example they have set for you in following Christ. If none are believers, thank another adult who has been a godly influence in your life.