1 Corinthians 7
Marriage is a gift (vv. 1–9), and not everybody has the same gift. Some people have more self-control than others. People remain unmarried for different reasons (
Marriage is a ministry (vv. 10–16). He addressed people who had been converted after marriage and who wondered if they should remain with their unsaved spouses. “Yes,” said Paul, “because you might win them to Christ.” But even Christian spouses can have a wonderful ministry to each other as they grow in the Lord and love each other (
Marriage is a calling (vv. 17–24). When you become a Christian, that does not annul what you were before you trusted Christ. Jews are still Jews, slaves are still slaves, and married people are still married. But now, with the Lord’s help, you can fulfill that calling in a greater way.
Marriage is a challenge (vv. 25–40). Paul does not deny the blessings of marriage, but he does remind us of the burdens that marriage brings, especially when the times are tough. Building a Christian home is a great ministry, but nobody should enter into it lightly or carelessly.
“Success in marriage involves much more than finding the right mate. It also requires being the right mate.”