Antioch Odessa
1 Corinthians 7:25-40
  • How Great
  • Build My Life
  • Just As I Am
  • “Single and Satisfied in Christ.”
    Good morning Church, if you are in Christ today, if you are a true believer than God’s Word tells us in 2 Corinthians chapters 3 and 4 that there was a time that we were blind, but now by God’s grace we can see. God has opened up our eyes to see Him and walk with Him. As your pastor, the elders and I have been called to study God’s Word in order that we might build up the church and help you know Christ and grow in the knowledge of Him. My prayer today is that you are excited to do that. To grow and follow God. God requires of us as Elders that we teach both God’s word and sound doctrine. Turn with me to Colossians chapter 3. I want you to see and hear these wonderful words from Paul as he shares with us the importance of teaching and worship within the church.
    Colossians 3:16 ESV
    16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
    So, today we come together again to open up God’s Word and let it speak truth to our hearts and minds. We come together to learn about God. Arthur Pink once said, “The more we are occupied with God and with His goodness, the more careful we will be about our obedience.”
    Today we are going to look at the blessings of remaining single. How to be single and satisfied in Christ.
    Now I know that all of the married people are already wondering how does this message apply to me? What can I learn from this message? Well I think that there are many things that we all can learn today. You may have a single friend or a student who can learn from this message. There are also plenty of helpful things here for married couples as well.
    Paul had already taken time to speak about being single in chapter 7 and verses 8-9. In the final verses of chapter 7 he takes more time to share with us in great detail the advantages and blessings of being single. The question today that I want us to consider is what does God’s Word teach us about being single?
    What we have seen down through history and even today is that many cultures even in Christian communities teach and encourage everyone to be married suggesting that those who are unmarried or even widowed are strange or weird. Perhaps they are not filling their duty or Christian calling. Back in verse 7 of this chapter Paul shares with us that God gifts some people for marriage and others for singleness. Here in verses 25-40 we have some of the most complete and developed argument in all of the Scriptures for the benefits and blessings of remaining single. So, being single is not strange, it is not a plague, or even weird. The amazing God who gave us the gift of marriage also gives us the gift of remaining single or being single for a season. Church, please here me today, singleness is not a dull or dreary position as you go about your life. No one is less spiritual for remaining single or more spiritual for getting married. Indeed, God blesses the single state for the Christian in several ways. So, let us take a look at several of these areas today.
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    1. By remaining single you can experience less anxiety or worldly troubles.

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    1. Al permanecer soltero, puedes experimentar menos ansiedad o preocupaciones mundanas.

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    1 Corinthians 7:25 ESV
    25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
    1 Corinthians 7:26 ESV
    26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.
    1 Corinthians 7:27 ESV
    27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
    1 Corinthians 7:28 ESV
    28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.
    It is interesting here that Paul begins his address by stating that he had no command from the Lord, but only his personal judgment which comes from the Lord and is trustworthy. Paul’s advice to singles is staying unmarried is desirable but not demanded.
    Paul is speaking here to the betrothed, which means he is speaking to those women or even men who are virgins and are at an age to be married. There are several points here that stand out to us about remaining single. People who are single experience less anxiety and personal difficulty or worldly troubles especially in a hostile world. In verse 26 Paul talks about the present distress. During Paul’s time and thereafter persecution was threatening to wipe out the church. The Roman emperor Nero falsely blamed Christians for setting the town of Rome on fire and slaughtered many believers of all ages. Paul knew that those with spouses and children would find themselves tempted to deny the faith, or at least compromise their testimonies, in order to protect their families. Now I understand that most of us don’t have to deal with this today, but their are other hardships within the marriage relationship. Many marriages struggle with a loss of a job, a death of a mate or a child, a rebellious teenager, financial stresses, and even just the daily trials of life. Paul’s advice here to remain single can still apply to some people today. Watching a mate or child suffer greatly can cause us to despair and it often feels unbearable.
    If you are married today you understand what I am talking about. If you are married please listen to me. You should do everything that you can to stay in your marriage even though there are many hardships, there can also be many blessings. Some of the Corinthians had began to think that marriage was sinful and because of this Paul was very quick to point out in verse 28 that marriage itself was good, and that marrying was not sinful. The goodness and blessings of marriage doesn’t change the fact that those who marry can face difficulties. Compared to the single life, the married life is hard. I don’t say that because I myself am married, but I say that because of what I have seen as a pastor. For every single person that has come to my office for counseling I have also had 10 or more married couples come to me or one of our elders for counseling. Plus I also understand the importance of premarital counseling because so many couples see that they are not prepared fully to get married. In fact many couples rush into getting married thinking that it will solve their problems and not fully understanding that the married life is hard.
    Look around our world today and we can all see the large number of divorces which is a sad sign that marriage is tough. Yes, I would be the first to tell you that a healthy marriage can bring love, joy, fulfillment but there must be a lot of prayer and work involved. Even though you are single you may still struggle with anxiety, you may still face worldly troubles and problems, but my point is that there will be less of that if you are single.
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    2. By remaining single you can focus on the priorities of the eternal over the temporal.

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    2. Al permanecer soltero, puedes centrarte en las prioridades de lo eterno por encima de lo temporal.

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    1 Corinthians 7:29 ESV
    29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none,
    1 Corinthians 7:30 ESV
    30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods,
    1 Corinthians 7:31 ESV
    31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
    Verses 29-31 call us to give our lives whole heartily to Christ. Wether we are married or not, here we see the importance of living our lives for Christ in such a way that if the Lord returns or calls us home we are ready.
    Paul reminds his readers that the age in which they live is only a temporary time. Paul says that in verse 29 the appointed time has grown very short. In other words, this world is passing away. When we as wise Christians understand the temporary and short time here on earth, we begin to live for Christ and invest our time in eternal matters. We share our faith, we give generously, we point others to follow Jesus, we pray, we study and love Christ with all our heart, soul, and might. Paul here gives us several wise principles to consider as we go about our lives.
    a. Have Godly Priorities. In light of this life being short and the truth that Christ could return, we realize that our time here on planet earth is limited. Paul here makes a statement that may sound rather confusing. Paul says, “from now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none.” What does Paul mean by that? Paul does not mean that marriage is no longer binding on believers or that their marital responsibilities should be reduced. Paul tells us plainly that wives are to be subject to their husbands and husbands are to love their wives. Paul is teaching here that marriage should not lessen or minimize a Christian’s obligation and devotion to the Lord and His work. There must be a scriptural balance, between fulfilling marriage needs and serving the Lord. In our day it has has become really difficult for some people to do this because of a close attachment to their families, and to serve the Lord. What I mean is that for some, and not all, people use their time and energy for family, leisure, and possessions and they tend to get drawn into the concerns of this world and lose sight of their spiritual priorities. Paul’s point here is that remaining single can help you to have a heavenly minded world view and not be consumed or enslaved to the things of this world. If you are married ask God to help you stay focussed on the priorities that He has called you to do, and still take care of your family.
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    b. Have a Heavenly Perspective. Good godly priorities will grow out of the proper perspective. This world is not our eternal home church. We are just passing through. Someday there will be a new heaven and a new earth. This is why Paul helps us to see that marriage is temporary. Possessions in this life are temporary. None of these things are enduring or eternal, this world is passing away. This is why we must be sure to have the proper priorities and right perspective on life. As believers wether we are single or married, we should all long for our eternal home. Paul puts it this way in Colossians.
    Colossians 3:1–2 ESV
    1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
    It is very easy for us to have our minds and hearts set on the things of this earth. We can get earth tracked or side tracked. If your life has been truly changed by understanding what Christ has done for you and you have placed your faith in Christ then we should have new affections, desires, and passions. This world is no longer controlling us because we now live for Jesus. This world no longer sets our agendas, Christ does. As believers we know that the things of this world will not last forever. Each of us should live our lives so that we are heavenly minded, and when we live this way it will also cause us to accomplish the most earthly good.
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    3. By remaining single you can be fully devoted to the Lord.

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    3. Al permanecer soltero, puedes dedicarte plenamente al Señor.

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    1 Corinthians 7:32 ESV
    32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.
    1 Corinthians 7:33 ESV
    33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife,
    1 Corinthians 7:34 ESV
    34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.
    1 Corinthians 7:35 ESV
    35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
    Paul wants us to be without concerns or anxieties. Remaining single or being single provides a practical advantage. Why? Because the unmarried man or woman is concerned or should be concerned about the things of the Lord. They are thinking about how they might please or serve God with their time and talents. They want to obey God as Matthew tells us.
    Matthew 6:33 ESV
    33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
    This is easier to do for a single person because they have fewer anxieties, concerns, and cares than that of a married person with a family has.
    In verses 33-34 Paul helps us to see that married couples are concerned and should be concerned about building and cultivating their marriage. They should be thinking about how to take care of their spouses needs and desires, because after all this is the good gift God has given to us. Because of this Paul points out the obvious fact that those who are unmarried will have more time to devote to a life of Christian service. Yes, married couples are to be involved in service, but they will have less time than someone who is single. God wants are undivided attention. If you are single today than you will generally have more time to give to the Lord. Now this does not mean that you are busy and working hard and have many responsibilities. Of course this may be true of your life. If you are married and have a family than ask God to give you the time to be devoted to Him and to also serve your family well.
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    4. By remaining single you can be content and serve God where He has placed you.

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    4. Al permanecer soltero, puedes estar contento y servir a Dios donde Él te ha colocado.

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    Paul says here that a single person can do well or will do even better. Realize that you are single for now and be content in that and serve God.
    1 Corinthians 7:36 ESV
    36 If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin.
    1 Corinthians 7:37 ESV
    37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well.
    1 Corinthians 7:38 ESV
    38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.
    1 Corinthians 7:39 ESV
    39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
    1 Corinthians 7:40 ESV
    40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
    In the Jewish culture there were many parents and particularly fathers who decided whom their children would marry. This same custom prevailed in many of the ancient societies, including Rome. So, this idea of arranged marriages or a legal betrothal stands in the background of Paul’s advice here. Paul is clearly addressing a father’s responsibility for his unmarried daughter. The point here is that it was the father’s responsibility to plan for the future of his daughter, which included finding a suitable husband. The point here is that in the New Testament the arranged marriage, especially for young people, was a normal thing.
    Paul’s point here again was that it was not wrong or sinful to get married. At the end of verse 36 Paul says, “If it must be so, or if it has to be,” than this must indicate that she really is designed for marriage and the father should allow it.
    Paul says then he who marries does well and he who refrains from marriage does even better. In other words, there are some practical advantages for being single. You are free from serving a spouse, you have more time to serve God and go wherever you want.
    In the final verses here Paul takes time to speak to those who are widows. Paul’s advice here is consistent with everything else he has been saying in this chapter. As long as a wife’s husband is living or vice versa they are legally bound to each other. Upon their death, however the marriage bond is severed, and now they have the freedom to marry another believer. Paul’s point here is that the marriage relationship is a permanent union. It is not permanent in the sense of being eternal or being married in heaven, but in the sense of being lifelong. If your mate does pass away you are free to remarry, however Paul once again suggests here that the widows devote their single years to the Lord’s service.
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    Conclusion: It can be very easy for people who are single or even widowed to worry or be driven by discontentment. It can be easy to envy someone else’s life. So how should a single person keep their hearts and minds focussed on Christ???
    1. Rejoice! Take time today to thank God for where you are at and enjoy being single. Understand that God has His best for you at this time in your life. This may be only for a season, but God is in control of your circumstances. Be content with the place God has for you during this time in your life and make the most of it.
    2. Redirect! You may need to take time and redirect your focus and your energies. Instead of focusing on this temporary world, focus your attention and priorities on serving God. Devote yourself to God and what He wants you to do in this time or season. As Matthew says, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”
    3. Relax and Rest in God. Wait on Him, and serve Him through trusting obedience. Some people are called to a season of singleness while others are called to a lifetime of singleness. If God has called you too singleness right now, rejoice, redirect your focus, and rest and wait on God.
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    (Close in Prayer)

      • Colossians 3:16ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:25ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:26ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:27ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:28ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:29ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:30ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:31ESV

      • Colossians 3:1–2ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:32ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:33ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:34ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:35ESV

      • Matthew 6:33ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:36ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:37ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:38ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:39ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:40ESV

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