MARRIAGE PROBLEMS AND PROBLEMS ABOUT MARRIAGE
(Part 1)
1 Corinthians 7:1-16
Introduction
A. We must remember that Paul is responding to questions.
B. Paul directs his teaching to people in three different situations.
I. The Marriage of Two Christians (vv. 1-11).
A. Some seem to be gifted for singleness (vv. 6-8).
1. This does not make them more spiritual.
2. The marriage relationship is for most people (Genesis 2:18).
B. Paul gives definite commands (vv. 10-11).
1. In Christian marriage, there is to be no divorce.
2. If there is a divorce, they should remain unmarried and seek to be reconciled.
C. Jesus did give a reason for divorce (Matthew 19:1-9).
1. The reason of “marital unfaithfulness.” (v. 9)
2. Divorce was not commanded. Repentance and forgiveness could restore the marriage.
II. The Marriage of a Christian to a Non–Christian (vv. 12-24).
A. Some became Christians but their marriage partner did not.
1. The Christian is commanded to keep the marriage together (vv. 12-13).
2. The influence of the Christian partner can be powerful (v. 14).
B. If the non-Christian leaves, the Christian is no longer obligated (v. 15).
1. There is often very little that the Christian can do under such circumstances.
2. Does this give the Christian the right of divorce and remarriage?
a. If the unconverted person takes another partner, it would be adultery and the Christian would be free.
b. We must be reminded of the teaching of repentance and forgiveness.
c. Many believe that this teaching allows divorce and remarriage for the Christian.
Conclusion
A. God intends that marriage be one man to one woman until death parts them.
B. We must take a Biblical outlook on marriage, not a world-dominated view.
C. Marriages are happy when the Biblical formula is used (Ephesians 5:22-33).
D. Many marriages fail because there is no fulfillment of the marital duty (vv. 3-5).
Illustration
I once heard Dr. Crave, the practical psychologist, say that he had saved more marriages by his “Compliment Club” than by his psychology.
His aim was to get each marriage partner to sincerely compliment the other two times a day for 60 days. By the end of that time, the husband was showing love to the wife and she was responding by respecting the husband. They were beginning to live the perfect formula for a successful marriage.
