The Single Life Series

February 26th The Single Life 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

The advantages of being single:

1. Being single can lighten your burden 1 Corinthians 7:32-33

Burdens singles do not have:

Conflicts with a spouse

Compounded loneliness

Unfulfilled expectations

Increased responsibilities:

2. Being single can expand your opportunities 1 Corinthians 7:32, 34

Opportunities singles can have that marrieds folks might not:

Increased margin

Increased spontaneity

Increased investment:

Missions

Ministry

Money

3. Being single can increase your blessings 1 Corinthians 7:35

Opening illustration

Turn to 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

This morning we continue our series entitled “It’s Complicated.” Life is complicated, isn’t it? Why? People are complicated. You’re complicated. I’m complicated. And anytime we relate to another person or another group of persons, it get really complicated.

Illustration?

This morning we take on another challenging text taken from the writings of Paul. We have to remember as Bible-believing Christians that Paul is writing these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Bible is God-breathed. So these words come straight from the heart and mind of God.

How many of you are single?

So let’s read the passage and dig into what the Bible says about the Single Life 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 (on screen)

The advantages of being single:

1. Being single can lighten your burden 1 Corinthians 7:32-33 (on screen)

There is no denying that marriage complicates life. Now, I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. Marriage certainly has some benefits. But there are burdens that a married person has that a single adult does not.

I asked some of our single folks to coach me on this. I was single for almost 10 years out of college. I was a single adult pastor for 5 years with 1500 singles I was responsible for. So I do bring that perspective. But I wanted to hear from single adults that are in that lifestyle now. Burdens singles do not have: (build).

Conflicts with a spouse Now this is a mixed bag. Many of our singles are divorced and that mean that there is a great potential conflict with their exes over custody rights, paying support, parenting issues, unresolved issues.

Having said that, my singles tell me that in many cases there is much less conflict after the divorce. They were fighting so much before, that the divorce was a welcome respite. It’s like you’ve been banging your head against a wall: when you stop, you may still have a head-ache, but the banging stops.

Now let me say quickly that God’s plan for any and every married couple is to stay married; for both of them to become the godly spouse that God wants them to be. If you are struggling in your marriage, come to us for help. Go through our ReEngage ministry (logo). Come to our counseling center. Get in a LifeGroup and have them pray and encourage you.

Unfortunately, one or both of the spouses refuses to cooperate with God and the marriage falls apart. Fortunately, God is a redemptive God. There is forgiveness and hope in the future for anyone who has gone through a divorce.

And one of the benefits of being single is not having someone constantly living with you that causes a lot of friction. Money Magazine polled 1010 couples married adults ages 25 and over with household incomes above $50,000 to find out how couples manage their finances once they’ve tied the knot. Survey results showed that 70 percent of couples argued about money more than household chores, togetherness, sex, snoring and what’s for dinner.

Just about 100% of married couples deal with significant conflict at one time or another. But if you’re single, you don’t have that to deal with. Doesn’t mean you don’t have conflict. When I was single, I had good roommates and bad roommates. Even when I was living by myself, I had friends that we would get frustrated with. I went through a spell when me and my best friend were pursing the same woman. There was conflict.

But all in all, the conflict was minor as a single compared to the conflict I’ve had in marriage. And that’s Paul’s point: a single adult is generally less conflicted than married folks.

Compounded loneliness: One of the realities that single adults deal with is loneliness; that is, they are aware that may not have that ‘special one’ in their life. All their friends may be married. All the advertising is aimed at couples. And when a single lives alone they come home to house without another human being.

That’s not an insurmountable challenge. In fact, it can be healthy. Many singles I know are much healthier emotionally than some married folks I know. Some married folks get married because they are afraid of being alone…which is an awful reason to get married.