Hard Questions from 1 Corinthians 7

This morning we looked at what Paul had to say about Christian sexuality in 1 Corinthians 7.

Post on this blog or email (steve.freddo@gmail.com) any questions you have from the talk and/or any related questions on the subject. I'm sure that any question you have, others will have too. (no names will be posted)

1. If I think I may have the gift of singleness/celibacy, and I'm supposed to use it for the service of God's kingdom - Am I expected to go into full time ministry?

Thanks - great question. If you mean "do I have to go into paid ministry", then no, not at all. Celibacy is a gift given to you for the strengthening of Jesus' church. That can happen in many different ways.

Celibacy simply allows you to use your other gifts without...

a) having to apportion time to caring for a family, and

b) being distracted by the longing /desire for a husband/wife.

If that sounds like you; speak with mature Christian friends who have a realistic and honest perspective on what your gifts are, and start thinking about how you can best structure your time to serve Jesus Church. Maybe also ask a Christian friend or your Pastor to help you be accountable for how you use your time. It is also important that you have someone to help you reflect honestly on how your self-control is going (physically and mentally). Situations can Change!

Steve

2. Why does Paul seem to make a distinction between what the Lord commands (7:10) and what he himself commands (7:12 & 25)?

Thanks for the question. In 7:10 Paul is simply claiming that what he says here, is a direct restatement of what Jesus himself said in prohibition of Divorce.

However when Jesus taught on divorce he did so in the context of Judaism, a context in which marriages between believers and unbelievers was not allowed. In 7:12 Paul is considering the situation in which someone is married before becoming a believer. It is a situation that differs to the one Jesus addressed. Paul's statement "I, not the Lord", is Paul acknowledging that he is applying Jesus teaching against divorce, in a context Jesus himself did not directly address (ie a situation in which a mixed marriage already exists). I think it carries the same authority as 7:10.

In 7:25, Paul is addressing those people who are betrothed (engaged) but who can't decide if they should stay single or not. They are kind of in an in-between state. Whether they decide to marry or stay single is not a question of obedience or disobedience as in 7:10 & 12. Because Jesus has not given any relevant command (as he had for 7:10 & 12) Paul gives wise counsel. It is not so much that Paul's words here have less "authority" than Jesus' words. Paul is not distinguishing between a 'right' and 'wrong' option (7:10 & 12), but between two 'good ' options. Therefore he gives advice... not a command. Hope that helps.

Steve