Scripture Reading : 1 Corinthians 7
Theme : Marriage and Singleness
Chapter 7-11 comprise Paul’s answer to practical questions which the believers in Corinth had written him (7:1), the first of which had to do with marriage and singleness.
- Of marriage and singleness (7:1-7). Paul acknowledges that singleness is good, but does not support the claim that it is a more spiritual state than marriage. Unfulfilled sexual desires can be very strong, which pose the danger of fornication for those who are single. However, marriage cannot be reduced simply to being an escape valve for the sex drive as there is a much higher view of marriage than that (Gen. 1:28, Eph. 5:22-23).
- Divine guidelines for marriage (7:8-28). Paul advised believers to remain as they were when they came to Christ. Staying single was not wrong; becoming or staying married was not wrong. Married Christians are not to divorce their believing partners; if they do (except for adultery), neither is free to marry another. If an unbelieving spouse is willing to stay, the believer is not to seek divorce; a believer can sanctify an unbelieving home. However, when an unbelieving spouse is determined to go, the Christian should not insist on the marriage and is free to remarry.
- Reasons for Remaining Single (7:29-40). Being married or single has nothing to do with spirituality. However, there are many practical advantages of remaining single. It is easier for a single person to be more devoted to the Lord’s work because of fewer family demands and obligations. The married person has no choice. His interest must be divided and he cannot be faithful to the Lord if he is unfaithful to his family (1 Tim. 5:8).
Praying the Scripture
- Scripture gives numerous reasons for marriage. First, marriage is for procreation (Gen. 1:28). Secondly, marriage is for pleasure (Prov. 5:18-19). Thirdly, marriage is a partnership (Gen. 2:18) and fourthly, marriage is for purity. In all, marriage is a picture of the church. Husbands are to have authority over and to love their wives as Christ has authority over and loves the church (Eph. 5:23-32). Let’s pray that the married couples in our church to have a godly marriage which testifies of our Lord’s saving grace towards us.
- Though a Christian single may want very much to be married, he or she should be careful. It is never God’s will for Christians to marry unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14) nor is it right just to marry the first believer who say yes. Strong feelings of any sort tend to dull judgment and make one vulnerable and careless. There are several things that Christians in this dilemma ought to do. First, they should not simply seek to be married, but should seek a person they can love, trust and respect, letting marriage come as a response to that commitment of love. Second, it is fine to be on the lookout for the “right person”, but the best way to find the right person is to be the right person. If believers are right with God and it is His will for them to be married, He will send the right person, and never too late. Third, until the right person is found, their energy should be redirected in ways that will be the most helpful in keeping their minds off any temptations. Two of the best ways are spiritual service and physical activity. Fourth, they should realize that until God gives the right person, He will provide strength to resist the temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). Finally, they should give thanks to the Lord for their situation and be content in it.
经文：哥林多前书7
主题：结婚与单身
在7-11章中，保罗对哥林多教会所提问（7:1）的一些实际生活问题给予答案；首要的是与婚姻和单身相关。
- 结婚与单身之事（7:1-7）。保罗承认单身是好，但这并不表示单身比结婚在灵性上更高一等。未满足的性欲望可以很强烈，而这为单身人士构成乱伦的危险。然而，婚姻并不只是个满足性欲望的通道，因为神对婚姻有更高的旨意（创1:28，弗5:22-23）。
- 神对婚姻的方针（7:8-28）。保罗劝信徒不要寻求改变现有的状况。维持单身并没错；即将或已结婚了也没错。已婚的基督徒不当与信主的配偶离婚；若不是因为通奸，两人即使离婚也不能再婚。若一个不信主的配偶愿意留住，信徒也不应该寻求离婚，因为一个不信主的家可因一位基督徒成了圣洁。然而，若一位不信主的配偶执意要走，信徒不该留念这婚姻，也可再婚。
- 保持单身的理由（7:29-40）。成亲或单身与人的灵性无关。可是，保持单身的实际益处很多。单身人士较容易对神的事专心，因为他对家庭的责任较少。已婚的人没有选择；他必须挂虑自己的家，因为若对家庭不忠，就是对主不忠了（提前5:8）。
用经文祷告
- 圣经对结婚给予不少理由。首先，结婚是为生子（创1:28）。其二，结婚中有欢乐（箴5:18-19）。其三，婚姻是种伙伴关系（创2:18）。其四，婚姻是为纯洁而设。总的来说，婚是对教会的写照。丈夫对妻子有权，也当爱他们的妻子，如同基督对教会有权，并深爱教会一样（弗5:23-32）。让我们祷告我们教会中的夫妇能有圣洁的婚姻，见证主对我们救赎的恩惠。
- 虽然一个单身信徒或许很想结婚，但他要当心。神从不允许信徒与非信徒结婚（林后6:14）；信徒也不应该就与第一位遇上的信徒成亲。强烈的情感常常会削弱人的判断能力，使他软弱、大意。陷入这困境的信徒当做几件事。首先，他们不应该只想要结婚，而是寻找一位他们可以爱、信任及尊重的人，让婚姻成为对爱委身的反映。第二，寻找“正确的人”并没错，但寻找这人的最佳方式是成为那种人。若信徒与神的关系亲密，而神的旨意是要他结婚，祂必然在合宜的时候差派那人进来。第三，直到发觉那人前，单身信徒的精力要投入在抵挡任何试探的方式中；其中最好的两种方式是属灵事奉与体育活动。第四，他们当晓得直到神差派正确的人，祂会给予抵挡试探的力量（林前10:13）。最后，我们当为我们的境遇感恩，学会知足。
