1 Corinthians 7:6–7: But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.
1 Corinthians 7:6 makes it clear that celibacy is permitted, but it is not commanded; and 1 Corinthians 7:7 informs us that not everybody has the gift of remaining celibate. This ties in with our Lord’s teaching in Matthew 19:10–12, where “eunuchs” refers to those who abstain from marriage. “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen. 2:18) is generally true for most people; but some have been called to a life of singleness for one reason or another. Their singleness is not “subspiritual” or “superspiritual.” It all depends on the will of God. One purpose for marriage is “to avoid fornication.” 1 Corinthians 7:2 makes it clear that God does not approve either of polygamy or homosexual “marriages.” One man married to one woman has been God’s pattern from the first. 1
Application
- To remain unmarried can be a gift from God. Why would that be a gift, and how would you use it?
- What are three biblical reasons for being married? How important is sexual intimacy within the bonds of marriage?
Thought to Share
Marriage can either make you more like Jesus, or nothing like Jesus. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of marriage. Help me to become more like You.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.