Study 53 "Jesus, Lord of my single years" (23/9/16)
I felt we should begin the study by looking at 1 Co 7 and 2 Co 6 first. 1 Co 7 is admittedly difficult. Paul writes in response to a question raised by the Corinthian church (v.1) and talks in the chapter about marriage and singlehood. He strongly affirms the worth of singlehood: "I wish that all were as I myself am" (v.7, 26, 37). The one who has singleheartedly and willingly refrains from marriage does 'even better' than the one who is married. The reason Paul gives for this is because the single person can devote himself or herself solely to please the Lord, will not be anxious about worldly things and will not have divided interests.(v.32-34). Paul certainly does not disapprove of marriage (v.28, 38, cf. Eph 5:22-33, 1 Ti 4:1-4), but his perspective (and therefore God's perspective) of the superiority of singlehood as a spiritual choice is quite counter-cultural. Both singlehood and marriage are spiritual gifts of grace (charismata), which require the exercis...