MARRIAGE PROBLEMS AND PROBLEMS ABOUT MARRIAGE
(Part 2)
1 Corinthians 7:17-40
Introduction
A. There are problems about marriage that are not problems within marriage
B. Paul gives advice as one who represents the Lord (v. 25).
C. What about Christians who are not married.
I. Paul Teaches That Conversion to Christ Does Not Always Change a Persons Relationships.
A. Stay in the situation you were in when you became a Christian (vv. 20, 24).
1. Circumcision is used as an illustration (vv. 17-19).
2. Slavery is used as an illustration (vv. 21-23).
B. This does not mean that the unmarried Christian cannot get married. It means that they do not have to get married (v. 28).
II. Paul Addresses the Circumstances of His Tune (vv. 25-31).
A. It was a time of crisis for these people (v. 26).
1. Because of this, it was better for some to remain unmarried (v. 27).
2. The married, however, are not to divorce (v. 27).
3. Some of the married might have to live as if they were not (v. 29).
4. Remember, these instructions are not for the normal situations in life.
B. They were viewing marriage in the light of their service to God (vv. 32-35).
III. Paul Again Reminds Us of the Intent of Marriage (vv. 39-40).
A. God’s original intent is that marriage is dissolved only by death (v. 39).
B. Remarriage is always allowed in this situation (v. 39).
C. Christians are to many only those who belong to the Lord (v. 39).
D. Paul gives his own judgment (v. 40).
Conclusion
A. This Scripture chives home the teaching that marriage is sacred.
B. This Scripture also teaches that the subject of marriage is complex.
Illustration
Two Christians, a man and a woman, came to me with a problem. They were “living together” but each was married to someone else. They tried to impress me with the fact that they would marry each other when their divorces were final. They also stated that their relationship was led by God.
I had to remind them that God does not work contrary to his Word and that the Word of God stated that they were living in adultery. They scoffed at my viewpoint and left.
It is always this way with those who put feelings and emotions ahead of the Scripture.
