JULY 12 READING…1 CORINTHIANS 7
Marriage was a big issue in the first century church, especially in the Gentile church. These Gentiles came out of paganism where the common practice was both a plurality of wives, and little fidelity to marriage. These people came into the church, and not only was their hearts changed by the Holy Spirit, but the practices were changed also to reflect God’s standards for marriage and life. Paul shared about the importance of the sanctity of marriage. He spoke of the man and wife being faithful to one another sexually, and to refrain from sexual immorality. He even emphasized that sexual needs were a part of how God made us and should not be used as weapons against our spouses. In all cases the marriage bed was to remain undefiled. The marriage vows are important and are to be kept. Biblical marriage is to be between two believers, but that is not always the case, and especially in the first century when people were coming to faith, not always was it the case that both would believe…of course this still happens today. Should divorce happen between two believers Paul said they were to remain unmarried, but if an unbeliever divorced the believing spouse, that spouse was free to remarry. In all cases divorce is not the plan of God for couples, and everything should be done to heal any hurt that might lead to divorce. Paul also gives instructions to the unmarried young women and to the widows. Once again, Paul’s instructions emphasize the sanctity and purity of marriage in all cases.
Please share your thoughts.
MONDAY’S READING…1 CORINTHIANS 8
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