New Life Bible Fellowship Church
6/14/2026

      • Psalm 99:1–3KJV1900

  • Come To Jesus
  • Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean

      • Proverbs 25:1–10KJV1900

  • Introduction:

    "The time has grown very short."
    With those words, Paul reveals the urgency that shapes all his counsel on marriage and singleness. We are not living in ordinary times. The present form of this world is passing away. And in light of that reality, everything looks different.
    We have been working through 1 Corinthians 7, where Paul addresses the Corinthians' questions about marriage, singleness, and sexuality. In verses 1-9, he affirmed both marriage and singleness as gifts from God. In verses 10-16, he addressed divorce and mixed marriages. In verses 17-24, he established the principle of remaining in the calling where God found you.
    Now Paul returns to the question of the unmarried—specifically, those he calls "virgins" or "the betrothed." Should they marry? Should they remain single? And why does it matter?
    Paul's answer is shaped by what he calls "the present distress" (v. 26) and "the appointed time" that has grown short (v. 29). We are living in the overlap of the ages. Christ has come; Christ will come again. The old world is passing; the new creation is breaking in. And in this compressed time between the already and the not yet, priorities shift.
    Today we hear Paul's counsel to the unmarried in light of the present crisis. His words challenge our assumptions—about marriage as the expected norm, about singleness as something to be escaped, and about how we should live in the time that remains before Christ's return.
    Let's open our Bibles to 1 Corinthians 7:25.

    Text: 1 Corinthians 7:25-35

    1 Corinthians 7:25–35 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. 26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 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. 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, 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, 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. 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. 33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 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. 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.

    Main Idea: Because of the present distress and the urgency of the times, we are to live undivided devotion to the Lord.

    Background:

    Understanding 1 Corinthians 7 as a Whole

    Paul opens chapter 7 by addressing a slogan the Corinthians had written to him: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” (1 Cor 7) This appears to reflect an ascetic impulse within the community, possibly influenced by realized eschatology or philosophical ideals. Paul’s response throughout the chapter establishes a multi-layered framework with subtle distinctions: he affirms both marriage and celibacy as legitimate callings, each with distinct advantages and challenges.

    The Eschatological Context

    The conviction that “the present form of this world is passing away” (1 Cor 7:25–35) undergirds his entire argument. Paul elsewhere writes that “salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” and “the night is far gone; the day is at hand.” (Rom 13:11–12) Jesus himself taught that in the resurrection, people “neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven,” (Matt 22:30) suggesting marriage’s temporary nature.

    Preaching Implications

    Paul doesn’t condemn marriage—he explicitly states that marrying “is not sin” (1 Cor 7:28)—but he prioritizes undivided devotion to God. His goal is believers being “free from anxieties,” with the unmarried focused on pleasing the Lord while married persons’ interests become “divided.” (1 Cor 7:32-35)
    Paul’s point isn’t that marriage is evil or that the end is literally tomorrow, but that believers should hold earthly commitments—however good—with an open hand, maintaining ultimate allegiance to Christ. Paul frames this not as restraint but as promoting “good order and undivided devotion to the Lord.” (1 Cor 7:35)

    I. Paul's Opinion on Virgins (vv. 25-28)

    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.
    Now concerning the betrothed,
    παρθένος (parthenos) — "Virgin / Unmarried person" - The term primarily denotes an unmarried woman who has not had sexual relations, but can also refer more broadly to unmarried persons. Paul addresses those who are unmarried and considering whether to marry.
    I have no command from the Lord
    ἐπιταγή (epitagē) — "Command / Order" - Paul distinguishes (as in vv. 10, 12) between a direct command from Jesus during His earthly ministry and his own apostolic judgment. Jesus did not specifically address whether unmarried persons should marry. Paul must apply wisdom.
    but I give my judgment
    γνώμη (gnōmē) — "Judgment / Opinion / Considered advice" - This word denotes a considered opinion or judgment. It is not mere personal preference but thoughtful counsel from an apostle. Paul's "judgment" carries weight, even if it is not a direct command from Jesus.
    as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
    ἐλεέω (eleeō) — "To have mercy / To show mercy" - The perfect passive participle indicates Paul's status as one who has received and continues to benefit from the Lord's mercy. His trustworthiness is rooted in grace, not self-achievement.
    πιστός (pistos) — "Faithful / Trustworthy" - Paul is a reliable guide. The Lord has made him trustworthy. His judgment, though not a direct dominical command, is reliable apostolic counsel.
    The Logic of Verse 25 - Paul introduces the topic with characteristic honesty. He has no direct command from Jesus about whether virgins should marry. But he offers his apostolic judgment—and he is trustworthy by the Lord's mercy. This is not uninspired opinion but Spirit-guided wisdom.
    26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.
    I think that in view of the present distress
    νομίζω (nomizō) — "To think / To consider / To hold as custom" - Paul states his considered opinion. This is not doubt but thoughtful judgment.
    ἐνίστημι (enistēmi) — "To be present / To be at hand / To impend" - The perfect participle indicates something that has come and remains—a present reality or an impending situation that is already upon them.
    ἀνάγκη (anankē) — "Necessity / Distress / Compulsion / Crisis" - This noun carries the sense of pressing necessity or distress. It could refer to:
    A specific crisis (famine, persecution)
    The general tribulation of the last days
    The eschatological urgency of the time before Christ's return
    it is good for a person to remain as he is.
    τὸ οὕτως εἶναι (to houtōs einai) — "To be as one is / To remain in one's current state" - Paul returns to the principle of verses 17-24: remain as you are. Given the present distress, it is good to stay in your current situation rather than seeking to change it.
    The Logic of Verse 26 - The present distress provides the rationale for Paul's counsel. In times of crisis—whether local hardship or eschatological urgency—remaining unmarried is advantageous. It is "good" (καλόν) to stay as you are.
    27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
    Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free.
    δέω (deō) — "To bind" - The perfect passive indicates a settled state: you are and remain bound. Marriage is a binding relationship.
    λύσις (lysis) — "Release / Loosing / Dissolution" - Do not seek dissolution of the marriage. This reinforces Paul's teaching in verses 10-11: no divorce.
    Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
    λύω (lyō) — "To loose / To release" - The perfect passive describes one who is "loosed" from a wife—whether never married, widowed, or legitimately divorced. This person is currently unattached.
    μὴ ζήτει γυναῖκα (mē zētei gynaika) — "Do not seek a wife" - Given the present distress, Paul counsels against actively seeking marriage. This is not a prohibition of marriage (as v. 28 will clarify) but counsel to prioritize in light of the crisis.
    The Logic of Verse 27 - Paul applies the "remain" principle to marriage:
    Married? Don't seek divorce.
    Unmarried? Don't be anxious to marry.
    The counsel is symmetrical. Stay where you are. The present distress makes this wisdom.
    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.
    But if you do marry, you have not sinned,
    ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō) — "To sin" - Paul clarifies emphatically: if you marry, you have not sinned. His counsel to remain unmarried is not a moral absolute. Marriage is not sin.
    if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned.
    The Parallel Assurance - Paul states it twice—for the man and for the virgin. Neither sins by marrying. This guards against any ascetic misreading of his counsel.
    Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles,
    worldly - τῇ σαρκί (tē sarki) — "In the flesh" - The phrase locates the trouble in earthly, bodily life—the sphere of ordinary human existence. Marriage brings "worldly" troubles.
    troubles - θλῖψις (thlipsis) — "Tribulation / Affliction / Trouble" - Marriage brings "tribulation in the flesh"—the ordinary troubles of married life. This is not punishment for sin but the reality of life: the responsibilities, conflicts, and burdens that come with marriage.
    I would spare you that
    φείδομαι (pheidomai) — "To spare" - Paul's motive is pastoral protection. He wants to spare them the additional troubles that marriage brings in these difficult times. His counsel to remain single is for their benefit.
    The Logic of Verse 28 - Paul balances his counsel:
    Marriage is not sin—if you marry, you have not sinned
    But marriage brings troubles—the ordinary burdens of domestic life
    Paul wants to spare them these additional burdens in the present crisis

    II. The Appointed Time Is Short (vv. 29-31)

    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,
    This is what I mean, brothers: φημί (phēmi) — "I say / I mean" - Paul signals an important clarification. What follows explains the urgency behind his counsel.
    the appointed time has grown very short.
    καιρός (kairos) — "Time / Season / Appointed time" - Unlike χρόνος (chronological time), καιρός refers to a significant season or decisive moment. This is the appointed time—the eschatological period before Christ's return.
    συστέλλω (systellō) — "To shorten / To compress / To limit" - The perfect passive participle indicates a completed action with ongoing results: the time has been shortened and remains short. The end is near; the time for action is limited.
    From now on,: τὸ λοιπόν (to loipon) — "From now on / Henceforth" - This phrase marks a transition to the practical implications: "from now on" or "for the remaining time."
    Paul now gives a series of five, “as though not” statements that cover every area of life here in the present age:
    let those who have wives live as though they had none,
    ὡς μή (hōs mē) — "As though not" - This striking phrase introduces a series of "as though not" statements. Paul calls for a radical reorientation. Those who are married should live "as though" they were not—not abandoning spouses, but holding earthly relationships with an open hand.
    The Logic of Verse 29 - The eschatological urgency shapes everything. The appointed time is compressed. In light of this, believers must hold all earthly attachments loosely—including marriage. This does not mean neglecting spouses but relativizing earthly relationships in light of eternal priorities.
    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,
    and those who mourn as though they were not mourning
    κλαίω (klaiō) — "To weep / To mourn" - Those who mourn should mourn "as though not mourning." This does not forbid grief but relativizes it. Earthly sorrows are real but not ultimate. The hope of resurrection transforms grief.
    those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing,
    χαίρω (chairō) — "To rejoice" - Those who rejoice should rejoice "as though not rejoicing." Earthly joys are real but not ultimate. They must not become idols. The greater joy is in Christ.
    those who buy as though they had no goods
    ἀγοράζω (agorazō) — "To buy"
    κατέχω (katechō) — "To possess / To hold fast" - Those who buy should hold possessions loosely—"as though not possessing." Material goods are temporary. They must not grip the heart.
    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.
    those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it
    χράομαι (chraomai) — "To use / To make use of"
    καταχράομαι (katachraomai) — "To use fully / To use up / To misuse" - The compound verb (κατα- intensifies) suggests full or excessive use. Those who engage with the world should not become absorbed in it. Use the world, but do not be consumed by it.
    For the present form of this world is passing away.
    σχῆμα (schēma) — "Form / Fashion / Outward appearance" - The word suggests external form or structure—the current configuration of the world. This form is temporary; it is passing away. A new order is coming.
    παράγω (paragō) — "To pass by / To pass away" - The present tense indicates an ongoing process: the world is currently passing away. The end is not merely future; it is already in progress.
    The Logic of Verses 30-31 - Paul provides the theological basis for his counsel. The present form of this world is passing away. In light of this:
    Hold earthly relationships loosely
    Hold grief and joy loosely
    Hold possessions loosely
    Engage the world without being absorbed by it
    This is not world-denial but world-relativization. The world is real, but it is passing. Eternal realities must take priority.
    1 John 2:15–17 ESV
    15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
    Summary of what Paul is teaching in verses 29-31:
    These are not commands to abandon marriage, abandon grief, or cease commerce. Rather, Paul calls for a fundamental reorientation of priorities. The rationale is that “the present form of this world is passing away,” (1 Cor 7:29–31) which means believers’ ultimate allegiance belongs elsewhere. Paul teaches similarly in Colossians:
    Colossians 3:1–4 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. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
    The pattern Paul establishes mirrors broader New Testament teaching about readiness. Jesus warns against allowing hearts to be “weighed down with dissipation (wasteful energy) and drunkenness and cares of this life,” (Luke 21:34–36):
    Luke 21:34–36 ESV
    34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
    Hebrews reminds believers that “here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” (Heb 13:14) This creates what we might call a “both/and” spirituality: participate fully in life’s legitimate activities—marry, mourn, celebrate, work—but recognize their provisional nature.
    Hebrews 13:14 ESV
    14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
    Paul isn’t promoting detachment as escapism or world-denial. Rather, he’s advocating for what we might call “holy indifference”—engaging the world competently and lovingly while maintaining an internal freedom from its ultimate claims.
    The married person serves their spouse; the grieving person processes loss; the merchant conducts business. But none of these defines ultimate identity or destiny. This posture prevents the anxieties Paul mentioned earlier and keeps believers spiritually alert, recognizing that Christ is “coming soon.” (Rev 22:12–13)
    Revelation 22:12–13 ESV
    12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

    III. The Advantage of Singleness (vv. 32-35)

    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.
    I want you to be free from anxieties.
    ἀμέριμνος (amerimnos) — "Free from anxiety / Without care" - This adjective (α-privative + μέριμνα, "anxiety") describes the state Paul desires for them. He wants them free from the anxieties that divide their attention.
    The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord,
    μεριμνάω (merimnaō) — "To be anxious / To be concerned about / To care for" - The verb can have negative connotations (worry) or neutral connotations (concern, care). Here Paul uses it neutrally: the unmarried man focuses on, cares about, gives attention to the things of the Lord.
    τὰ τοῦ κυρίου (ta tou kyriou) — "The things of the Lord" - The unmarried person's attention is on matters pertaining to the Lord—service, ministry, spiritual growth.
    how to please the Lord.
    ἀρέσκω (areskō) — "To please" - The unmarried person's concern is how to please the Lord. This is the content of "the things of the Lord"—living to please Him.
    33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife,
    the married man is anxious about worldly things
    τὰ τοῦ κόσμου (ta tou kosmou) — "The things of the world" - The married man must attend to "worldly" matters—not sinful things, but the ordinary concerns of earthly life: providing for family, managing a household, caring for a spouse.
    how to please his wife,
    The Divided Attention - The married man's concern is how to please his wife. This is not wrong—it is his duty! But it divides his attention. He cannot focus exclusively on pleasing the Lord; he must also please his spouse.
    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.
    his interests are divided.
    μερίζω (merizō) — "To divide" - The married man is "divided"—his attention is split between Lord and spouse. This is not condemnation but acknowledgment of reality.
    the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord,
    Paul parallels the women's situation:
    The unmarried woman (and virgin) focuses on the Lord's things
    Her goal: to be holy in body and spirit
    how to be holy in body and spirit.
    ἅγιος (hagios) — "Holy" - The unmarried woman's goal is holiness—complete devotion to the Lord in body and spirit. She can give undivided attention to this pursuit.
    But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. - The married woman's attention is divided, just like the married man's. She must care for worldly matters—household, family—and please her husband.
    The Logic of Verses 32-34 - The married are "divided"—their attention split between Lord and spouse. The unmarried can give undivided attention to the Lord. Neither is sinful, but one allows for greater focus.
    Note: Being devoted to the Lord as a married person is directly connected with the commands given by Paul in Ephesians 5:
    To the wife: Eph 5:22-24
    Ephesians 5:22–24 ESV
    22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
    To the husband: Eph 5:25-27
    Ephesians 5:25–27 ESV
    25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
    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.
    I say this for your own benefit
    σύμφορος (symphoros) — "Beneficial / Advantageous" - Paul's counsel is for their benefit—not to burden them but to help them.
    not to lay any restraint upon you
    βρόχος (brochos) — "Noose / Snare / Restraint" - Paul is not trying to trap them or impose burdens. His counsel is freeing, not enslaving.
    but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
    εὔσχημον (euschēmon) — "Proper / Seemly / Honorable" - Paul desires what is fitting and appropriate for them.
    εὐπάρεδρον (euparedron) — "Constant attendance / Devoted service" - This rare word describes someone who waits upon another, giving constant attention.
    ἀπερισπάστως (aperispastōs) — "Without distraction" - This adverb (α-privative + περισπάω, "to draw away") means "without being pulled in different directions." Paul's goal is undivided devotion to the Lord.
    The Logic of Verse 35 - Paul states his pastoral motive:
    His counsel is for their benefit
    He is not imposing burdens or restraints
    His goal is proper living and undivided devotion to the Lord

    So What?

    Do we understand that we are to live in light of eternity?
    The present form of this world is passing away. Do not become so absorbed in earthly concerns that you lose sight of eternal realities. Hold everything loosely; Christ alone is permanent.
    If you are single, do not view it as a problem to be solved but as an opportunity for undivided service. Ask whether God may be calling you to use this season—or even this lifetime—for focused devotion to His work.
    If married, steward your responsibilities faithfully. Marriage is good, not sinful. Care for your spouse. Tend your household. But do not let these legitimate concerns eclipse your devotion to Christ. Be faithful in both spheres.
    Hold grief and joy with open hands. Weep, but as though not weeping—knowing resurrection hope transforms sorrow. Rejoice, but as though not rejoicing—knowing earthly joys are shadows of eternal delight. Neither grief nor joy should dominate.
    Use the world without being absorbed by it. Engage with work, possessions, relationships—but do not let them consume you. You are passing through; this is not your final home. Use the world for God's glory without being enslaved to it.
    Do we understand that in all that we are called to, we are to pursue undistracted focus on Christ?
    Whatever your marital status, aim for undistracted focus on Christ. Identify what divides your attention and, where possible, simplify. The goal is wholehearted love for the Lord.

      • 1 Corinthians 7:25–35ESV

      • 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

      • 1 John 2:15–17ESV

      • Colossians 3:1–4ESV

      • Luke 21:34–36ESV

      • Hebrews 13:14ESV

      • Revelation 22:12–13ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:32ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:33ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:34ESV

      • Ephesians 5:22–24ESV

      • Ephesians 5:25–27ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 7:35ESV

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