1 Corinthians 7 Commentary
If many think of Paul’s teachings as hard, it is probably because of chapters like this one. In one moment, he is delivering the instructions of the LORD; in another moment, he is delivering his own instructions. What do we make of this?
Actually, it is this conflict that provides the key to unlocking this chapter. There is wisdom that comes from his own experiences, which he communicates to the church. It is specific. It becomes a case study. There is also the unchangeable word of the LORD concerning divorce, for example. In this case, Paul relies on the scripture – either the teaching from the Torah or the teaching of the LORD Jesus Christ – which is the same thing.
There are two areas for the saint to look at. One space has God’s direct rule, as communicated in scripture. You have only one route out. In the other space, God allows you freedom to choose. Either choice honors the LORD. It’s in the second space that we find Paul’s elective opinion. It consists of guidance as you navigate the space within the freedom the LORD has provided. For example, a decision to marry or not.
Paul is single – either a widower or simply unmarried, we cannot tell. Regardless, he is single. He loves this state. He is free from many worries. There is no wife at home to think and worry about. The burden of care shifts solely to ‘self’. He communicates this advantageous position in these words, “It is good for them to stay unmarried”. Remember, this communication is within the context of his own life.
But let the brethren understand that Paul’s advantaged position isn’t for everyone, and it has its own disadvantages. All in all, the apostle puts it this way: marry, stay married, and maintain and enjoy intimacy within the context of marriage, exclusively; otherwise, remain unmarried but maintain purity. Either way, honor the LORD by holiness.
Children born to a believer are sanctified because of their believing parent or parents. They are set apart for the LORD. They can, nevertheless, make a decision to stay away from the LORD and chart their own path. Each man defines his own destiny. But what a head-start when your father or mother is a believer!
The Christian walk comes with a sense of urgency, always. Life is short; life is fragile. It is not for man to decide his own destiny! You want to do as much as you can for the LORD while your breath lasts. We can agree with Paul here, as we know how life’s concerns can consume nearly 100% of your thoughts, efforts, time, ambitions, hopes, and aspirations. Listen to yourself and get shocked at the amount of space God occupies in your budget (time, money …). You want to be careful about it.
By the phrase ‘desires of the flesh’, the scripture often references the evil desires of the flesh, like hatred. However, there are several godly desires of the flesh like sexual intimacy, companionship, friendship, and hunger … These are to be satisfied in a godly way. Control mechanisms exist; they come under the term ‘self-control,’ which is the fruit of the Spirit.
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