Paul’s commitment to ministry.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT
²⁴ Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! ²⁵ All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. ²⁶ So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. ²⁷ I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

Examine the scriptures:

Commitment

Personal discipline.

Self-control.

Just plain hard work.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT
²⁴ Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize?

The Greeks enjoyed two great athletic events, the Olympic Games and the Isthmian games (isth mi an).  The Isthmian games were held in Corinth.

The believers would be quite familiar with this analogy of running to win.

 So run to win! 

Winning takes:

Commitment

Personal discipline

Self-control

“Just plain hard work”.

Goals and objectives.

            Know where the finish line is and know how to get there.

Know what you want to accomplish

• Run to win.

Not all analogies are perfect.

In this race, the prize is not limited to one person.

2 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
⁸ And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

James 1:12 (NLT)
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

1 Peter 5:4 (NLT)
⁴ And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

•  You are not alone in this race.

Inspired by Godly people who have run the race before us.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

²⁵ All athletes are disciplined in their training.

Training takes discipline.

Training is challenging.

Training takes commitment.

They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 

•  We run the race that God has set before us for an eternal prize.

²⁶ So I run with purpose in every step.

A reason for every exercise.

Every move is calculated.

1 Corinthians 9:19 (NLT)
¹⁹ Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:22 (NLT)
²² When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

1 Corinthians 9:20-21 (NLT)
²⁰ When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. ²¹ When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

• Run with purpose.

Pressing on

Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT)
Pressing toward the Goal¹² I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. ¹³ No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

  I am not just shadowboxing. 

•  Know your enemy.

The opponent is real

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
¹² For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 James 4:7 (NLT)
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

²⁷ I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. 

• Know that your strength comes from the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Psalm 121:2 (NLT)
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!

 Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

• Avoid being disqualified from the race.

Galatians 5:7 (NLT)
You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?

                Stay in your lane. (Galatians 5 refers to false teachers.)

Disqualified because of a lack of discipline.

1 Timothy 3:2 (NLT)
² So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.

Titus 1:6 (NLT)
⁶ An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.

 Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

• Don’t give up. Finish the race.

2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

Giving Up One’s Rights

1 Corinthians 9:15-23 NLT
¹⁵ Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge. ¹⁶ Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

¹⁷ If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. ¹⁸ What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.

¹⁹ Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. ²⁰ When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. ²¹ When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

²² When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. ²³ I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

Examine the scriptures:

1 Corinthians 9:15-23 NLT
Giving Up One’s Rights
¹⁵ Yet I have never used any of these rights. (Paul deserved to get paid for his ministry.) And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now.

In the first 14 verses of this chapter, Paul gave 6 convincing reasons why he should be getting paid for his ministry.

• Paul chose not to exercise his rights to receive financial support from the Corinthian community.

In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge. 

1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

 Paul knew that he was chosen by God.

 Hebrews 13:5-6 (NLT)
⁵ Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.”⁶ So we can say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper,
so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?”

 Psalm 121
¹ I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
² My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

Paul knew that his help came from the Lord.

Boasting: express a sense of joy and fulfillment in what God was doing through him.

Paul was filled with joy for the privilege of serving the Lord and did not want material support to rob him of it in any way.

2 Corinthians 11:9-10 (NLT)
⁹ And when I was with you and didn’t have enough to live on, I did not become a financial burden to anyone. For the brothers who came from Macedonia brought me all that I needed. I have never been a burden to you, and I never will be. ¹⁰ As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, no one in all of Greece will ever stop me from boasting about this. 

• Along with a paycheck can come a loss of freedoms.

A paycheck sometimes includes expections of specific behaviors which may not be consistent with the ministry God has for you.  (Serving man vs. serving God.)

2 Corinthians 2:17 (NLT)
¹⁷ You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.

•  Teach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching you.

 Acts 5:29  (NLT)
But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.

• We must obey God rather than any human authority.

¹⁶ Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it.

Paul’s boast was not personal.  It’s not about Paul.  It’s all about God.

Acts 22:6-10 (NLT)
⁶ “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. ⁷ I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
⁸ “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.
“And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’ ⁹ The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me.¹⁰ “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’
“And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’

• Paul was not given the option of choosing his career.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

 Hebrews 13:20-21 (NLT)
²⁰ Now may the God of peace—
…
²¹ … equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

•  God has a plan for our lives and God equips us to do His will.

 How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

•  Living outside of God’s will has serious consequences.

 ¹⁷ If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. 

Luke 17:10 (NLT)
In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”

 It was God’s sovereign choice and call for Paul to be an apostle.

• Being called by God to teach the Good News is a sacred trust given by God.

¹⁸ What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone.

The privilege of preaching the Gospel.

Seeing lives changed.

 That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.

 ¹⁹ Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 

•  Paul was totally committed to the ministry of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

 ²⁰ When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. ²¹ When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

Within the limits of God’s Word and his Christian conscience.

²² When I am with those who are weak, (the Corinthians) I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone,

1 Corinthians 10:33 (NLT)
I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

 doing everything I can to save some. ²³ I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

1 Corinthians 9:1-14 NLT              

Paul deserved to get paid for his ministry.

1 Corinthians 9:1-14 (NLT)
¹ Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn’t it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? ² Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle.

³ This is my answer to those who question my authority. ⁴ Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? ⁵ Don’t we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does? ⁶ Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?

⁷ What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? ⁸ Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? ⁹ For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? ¹⁰ Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.

¹¹ Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? ¹² If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.

¹³ Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. ¹⁴ In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.

Examine the scriptures:

1 Corinthians 9:1-14 (NLT)
¹ Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn’t it because of my work that you belong to the Lord?

Some of Paul’s credentials.

Leading into his rights to be financially supported by those to whom he ministers.

 ² Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle.

God used Paul to start the church in Corinth.

Paul’s arguments supporting his authenticity as an apostle.

³ This is my answer to those who question my authority. 

Paul sets out to defend his rights.

⁴ Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? ⁵ Don’t we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does?  (At the expense of the church.)

• Paul claims the right to be supported financially by the church.

President:

Matthew 10:10-11 (NLT) Jesus sending out the twelve disciples.
¹⁰ Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.  ¹¹ “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town.

 ⁶ Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?

Sarcasm

Six reasons why the church should support Paul.

 ⁷ What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? 

 1.  Custom: It was the custom of the time.

The soldier, farmer, and shepherd were all supported by their work.

 ⁸ Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? ⁹ For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? ¹⁰ Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.

 1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NLT)
¹⁷ Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”

 2.  The Old Testament supported the principle of just remuneration.

Deuteronomy 25:4 (NLT)
 “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.

Chapter 25 is talking about people, not animals.

Just remuneration

¹¹ Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? 

3.  Beneficial service should be rewarded

 ¹² If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported?

 4.  The church supported other spiritual leaders.

 But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.

 ¹³ Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. 

 5.  Both Old Testament Priests and Pagan Priests were supported for their service.

 ¹⁴ In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.

 6.  Jesus said that those who share the Gospel with others deserve their pay.

The worker deserves his wages.

Luke 10:7 (NLT) (Jesus speaking)
Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.

•  Christians in full-time ministry deserve to be paid for their work.

 

Other scriptures relating to wages:

Be fair:

Colossians 4:1 (NLT)
Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.

Romans 4:4 (NLT)
When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned.

 Be generous:

Proverbs 11:24-25 (NLT)
²⁴ Give freely and become more wealthy;
    be stingy and lose everything.
²⁵ The generous will prosper;
    those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

 Luke 6:38 (NLT) (Context: relating to others)
³⁸ Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT)
¹⁷ Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. ¹⁹ By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

 Warnings to those who cheat workers of their wages:

Deuteronomy 24:14-15 (NLT)
¹⁴ “Never take advantage of poor and destitute laborers, whether they are fellow Israelites or foreigners living in your towns. ¹⁵ You must pay them their wages each day before sunset because they are poor and are counting on it. If you don’t, they might cry out to the Lord against you, and it would be counted against you as sin.

James 5:1-4 (NLT)
Warning to the Rich
¹ Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. ² Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. ³ Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment. ⁴ For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Malachi 3:5 (NLT)
“At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice, for these people do not fear me,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

 Jeremiah 22:13 (NLT)
A Message about Jehoiakim
And the Lord says, “What sorrow awaits Jehoiakim,
    who builds his palace with forced labor.
He builds injustice into its walls,
    for he makes his neighbors work for nothing.
    He does not pay them for their labor.

Live in such a way that no one will stumble because of you.

1 Corinthians 8:8-13 (NLT)
⁸ It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.

⁹ But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. ¹⁰ For if others see you—with your “superior knowledge”—eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? ¹¹ So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. ¹² And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. ¹³ So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.

Examine the scriptures:
1 Corinthians 8:8-13 (NLT)
⁸ It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.

 Food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat certain foods, and no better if we do eat certain foods.

• Our relationship with God is not determined by what we eat.

 ⁹ But  

 you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. 

Freedom to eat or drink something does not mean it’s always appropriate to do so.

What we eat, or don’t eat, may have a negative impact on others.

 ¹⁰ For if others see you—with your “superior knowledge”   (spiritual maturity)

Or perceived “superior knowledge”.

We imitate the behaviors of those we perceive as spiritually mature.

 Teacher-student

Parent-child

Mature Christian – new Christian

Tell the story of how I determine how high I will lift my hands during a worship service. (This may be more tongue in cheek than not.)

 —eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 

 The weaker believer is simply imitating your behavior, but they are not doing something they believe is o.k. to do.

They are feeling guilty.

They have difficulty knowing right from wrong.

Learning to compromise.

Confusion is setting in.

 ¹¹ So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. 

• It is wrong to do something if it makes another person stumble.

Romans 14:15 (NLT)
And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.

Spiritual growth devastated 

Distressed.

Ruined

Conscience is seared. 

Not able to distinguish right from wrong.

Fall back into old sins.

Set up for failure.

 ¹² And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ.  

• It is a sin to encourage others to do something they believe is wrong. 

¹³ So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.

2 Corinthians 6:3 (NLT)
We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, … 

• Live your life in such a way that no one will stumble because of

How should we live?

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

1 Corinthians 10:31-32 (NIV)
³¹ So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ³² Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 

•  Decide how you will live based on what brings glory to God.

 

 

Don’t assume that your Christian friends are Biblically grounded.

1 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT)
⁷ However, not all believers know this. Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated. 

Examine the scriptures:

1 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT)
⁷ However, not all believers know this.

 (The truth about idols.)

•  Don’t assume that your Christian friends are Biblically grounded.

WHY?  Why don’t they know the truth?

Some are accustomed to thinking (incorrectly)

through former association with idols (ESV)

Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god (NIV)

being accustomed [throughout their lives] to [thinking of] (AMP)

because they were used to idol worship until now (CEB)

 

Accustomed to thinking

Thinking what?

What are we  being exposed to?

Who is shaping our thinking?

 Acts 20:30 (NLT)
Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.

2 Peter 2:1 (NLT)
But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies

Matthew 24:11 (NLT)
And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.

Matthew 24:24 (NLT)
For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.

 Colossians 2:8 (NLT)
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

•  We are constantly being exposed to false teachers who teach in a way that makes it hard for us to see that they are wrong.

 We think incorrectly because we are being taught wrong ideas.

Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 (NLT)
³³ Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 

 ³⁴ Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.

 Luke 6:40 (NLT)
Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.

 We have multiple teachers including parents, school teachers, Sunday School teachers, pastors, the Holy Spirit, etc.  

• • Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world.
  • Bad company corrupts good character.

We think incorrectly because we are influenced by those who don’t know any better.

• Think carefully about what is right.

• The student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.

Be like the Bereans

Acts 17:11 (NLT)
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

 Study the scriptures daily.

• It is important to study the scriptures daily.

of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated. (guilty, ashamed)

Conscience:

An inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one’s behavior.

Our conscience is not the Holy Spirit.

We are able to adjust our consciences to fit the culture.

Find a penny.  Keep it, it’s only a penny.

Find a nickel.  Keep it, it’s only a nickel.

Find a dime.  Keep it, it’s only a dime.

Find a quarter. Keep it, it’s only a quarter.

Find a dollar.  Keep it, it’s only a

• Our consciences can, and do, mislead us.

 Our consciences are not always consistent with Biblical principles.

Major on the Majors, Minor on the Minors.

Eating Meat Offered To Idols Is Not The Focus Of This Lesson.

1 Corinthians 8:1-6 (NLT)
Food Sacrificed to Idols
¹ Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. ² Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. ³ But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.
⁴ So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God.⁵ There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. ⁶ But for us,
There is one God, the Father,
by whom all things were created,
and for whom we live.
And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ,
through whom all things were created,
and through whom we live.

Examine the scriptures:

Eating Meat Offered To Idols Is Not The Focus Of This Lesson.

We need to “Major on the Majors, Minor on the Minors”.

1 Corinthians 8:1-6 (NLT)
Food Sacrificed to Idols
¹ Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols.

 Food offered to idols.

Only parts of animals were used in sacrifices to pagan gods.  Much of the animal could still be eaten.

This food was sold in the marketplace.

The question is, is it o.k. to buy this meat that is being sold in the marketplace.

Paul says it is o.k. to eat meat offered to idols, but …

Romans 14:20 (NLT)
Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble.

1 Corinthians 8:9-10 (says the same)

 Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue.

             “We all have knowledge.” (See verse 4)

We all know a lot of Biblical principles.

However, not all believers know this. (Verse 7)

• Not all believers are at the same place in their understanding of Biblical truths.

 But while knowledge makes us feel important,

 This “knowledge” puffs up, (ESV & NIV)

 It’s good to know Biblical truths but we need to be careful how we handle this knowledge.

We dare not “lord” our knowledge over others.

1 Peter 5:2-3 (NLT)
² Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. ³ Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.

it is love that strengthens the church. 

•  It is love that strengthens the church.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NLT)
Love Is the Greatest
¹ If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. ³ If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

• Without love, we are nothing.

 ² Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. 

 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)
Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.  All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

•  Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much.

Proverbs 26:12 (NLT)
There is more hope for fools
than for people who think they are wise.

We need to be constantly fed by the scriptures.

John 15:4-5 (NLT)
⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
⁵ “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

 ³ But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.

 Deuteronomy 6, Matthew 22, Mark 12 (similar passages)

Matthew 22:34-40 (NLT)
The Most Important Commandment
³⁴ But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. ³⁵ One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
³⁷ Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

• You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.’

Philippians 2:4 (NLT)
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Philippians 2:3 (NLT)
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

• It is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble.
• It is wrong to do something if it makes another person stumble.

 ⁴ So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God.⁵ There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. 

•  We all know that an idol is not really a god.

An idol is not a god.

Psalm 115:4-8 (NLT)
⁴ Their idols are merely things of silver and gold,
shaped by human hands.
⁵ They have mouths but cannot speak,
and eyes but cannot see.
⁶ They have ears but cannot hear,
and noses but cannot smell.
⁷ They have hands but cannot feel,
and feet but cannot walk,
and throats but cannot make a sound.
⁸ And those who make idols are just like them,
as are all who trust in them.

•  An idol isn’t much of anything, therefore eating food offered to idols was, in itself, inconsequential.

 ⁶ But for us,
There is one God, the Father,
by whom all things were created,
and for whom we live.
And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ,
through whom all things were created,
and through whom we live.

Deuteronomy 4:35 (NLT)
“He showed you these things so you would know that the Lord is God and there is no other.

Deuteronomy 4:39 (NLT)
“So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other.

 Deuteronomy 6:4 (NLT)
“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

Isaiah 44:6 (NLT)
This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies:
“I am the First and the Last;
there is no other God.

Jeremiah 10:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ But the Lord is the only true God.
He is the living God and the everlasting King!

John 17:3 (NLT)
And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.

• We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Where is your focus?  What are your priorities?

Review

• Scripture clearly endorses marriage.
• God’s original intent was for marriage to be a permanent relationship between a man and his wife.

Today’s passage was given “Because of this present crisis”.

Instructions intended for a time of crisis may be of less significance when the crisis has passed.

As we move through this passage we will find numerous Biblical principles that can and should be applied in our lives, even if we are not in a “crisis mode”.

1 Corinthians 7:25-40 (NLT)
²⁵ Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. ²⁶ Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are. ²⁷ If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. ²⁸ But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.
²⁹ But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. ³⁰ Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. ³¹ Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.
³² I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. ³³ But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. ³⁴ His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. ³⁵ I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.
³⁶ But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin. ³⁷ But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. ³⁸ So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better.
³⁹ A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. ⁴⁰ But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.

Examine the scriptures:

Review

• Scripture clearly endorses marriage.
• God’s original intent was for marriage to be a permanent relationship between a man and his wife.

The teaching in this passage is being shared because of a present crisis.

1 Corinthians 7:25-40 (NLT)
²⁵ Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married.

 I do not have a command from the Lord for them.

             Reminder:

1 Corinthians 7:12
 Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord.

Don’t misinterpret this statement.

 All Scripture is inspired by God

 Jesus had not spoken about this situation.

No previous revelations from God on this matter.

•  All scripture is inspired by God

But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. 

 James 1:5 (NLT)
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he (God) will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

 1 Corinthians 7:40 (later in this passage)
…I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.

 1 Corinthians 2:10 & 13 (NLT)
¹⁰ But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets

 ¹³ When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.  

• If you need wisdom, ask God, and He will give it to you.

 ²⁶ Because of the present crisis,  

No specific present crisis is mentioned in scripture.

1 Corinthians 4:8 (NLT) (This does not appear to be a time of crisis.)
You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you.

 

Impending crisis (ESV footnote)  (1 Corinthians was written some time close to 55 A.D.)
Impending distress (AMP)
Imminent Roman persecutions (within ten years after this epistle)

In general- conditions less than ideal for marriage

NOTE: Paul’s teaching here in this passage on marriage is based on some crisis or persecution Paul believed the Christians were experiencing or were likely to experience in the near future.

I think it is best to remain as you are. ²⁷ If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. 

The principle of contentment.  (Last lesson)

1 Corinthians 7:17 (NLT)
Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches.

•  Live contentedly in whatever economic, social, and religious station God has placed you.

 ²⁸ But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin.

 However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.

• Being married can be more complicated than being single.

 ²⁹ But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short.

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT)
So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

James 4:14 (NLT)
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

 Romans 13:11 (NLT)
This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

•  A person’s life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
•  Make the most of every opportunity.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT)
¹⁵ So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

Colossians 4:5 (NLT)
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

John 9:4 (NLT)
We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.

 Psalm 90:12 (NLT)
Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom.

Mark 13:32-33 (NLT)
³² “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. ³³ And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

 So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. ³⁰ Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. ³¹ Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.

Colossians 3:2 (NLT)
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

 Our citizenship is in heaven.
Philippians 3:20 (NLT)
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

 Where is your focus?  What are your priorities?

•  Focus on the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

 Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

• Focus on reaching the end of the race and receiving the heavenly prize for which God has called you.
• Focus on Jesus’ return (Luke 12:35-40)

³² I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. ³³ But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. ³⁴ His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 

Ephesians 5:10 (NLT)
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.

 Romans 12:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
A Living Sacrifice to God
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

•  Focus on pleasing the Lord.

 ³⁵ I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

 ³⁶ But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin. ³⁷ But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. ³⁸ So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better.

 ³⁹ A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. ⁴⁰ But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.

 Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
³³ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

• Keep your eyes on Jesus.

 

Remain as you were when God first called you.

The principle of contentment.

1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (NLT)
¹⁷ Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches. ¹⁸ For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. ¹⁹ For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments.
²⁰ Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you.²¹ Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you—but if you get a chance to be free, take it. ²² And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. ²³ God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world. ²⁴ Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you.

Examine the scriptures:

We have been looking at instructions dealing with specific behaviors in the Corinthian Church.

Disputes within the church.

Sexual immorality.

Principles for marriage.

Today we will be looking at the principle of contentment.

Remain as you were when God first called you.

1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (NLT)
¹⁷ Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you.

 Verse 17 …remain as you were when God first called you.

Verse 20  … each of you should remain as you were when God called you

Verse 24  Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you.

 The principle of contentment.  (Being satisfied with your station in life)

• Live contentedly in whatever economic, social, and religious station God has placed you.

Content if you are single or content if you are married.

Content whatever your circumstances.

Paul practiced this principle:

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT)
¹¹ Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. ¹³ For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

 Contentment is a good thing.

1 Timothy 6:6 (NLT)
⁶ Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

 Conversion is a radical change to a person’s relationship with God but it does not need to change physical relationships (that are not immoral).

Live contentedly in whatever economic, social, and religious station God has placed you.

Know what is important.

Hebrews 13:5 (NLT)
^… For God has said,
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.”

 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
⁹ Each time he said, “My grace is all you need.

 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)
⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

•  God’s grace is all you need.

Paul’s first example.

 This is my rule for all the churches. ¹⁸ For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it.

Paul addresses circumcision, a religious practice.

 And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. ¹⁹ For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments.

Romans 2:25-29 (NLT)
²⁵ The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. ²⁶ And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? ²⁷ In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it.
²⁸ For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. ²⁹ No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

 Paul’s second example.

 ²⁰ Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you.²¹ Are you a slave?

Paul addresses slavery, a social (economic, social, or vocational) issue.

 Don’t let that worry you—

 Galatians 3:28  (NLT)
There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

• It doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile. It doesn’t matter if you are a slave or free.  It doesn’t matter if you are a male or a female.  It doesn’t matter if you are married or single.  All Christians are one in Christ Jesus.

 but if you get a chance to be free, take it. 

•  Contentment does not mean that you do not try to better yourself.
• Contentment does not mean being lazy.

Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
¹⁴ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NLT)
¹⁰ But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

Know who you are in Christ.

²² And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ.  

 John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

 Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

•  Christians are a permanent part of God’s family.

 ²³ God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world. 

•  Christians in all stations of life should realize that their ultimate allegiance is to Christ.

Ephesians 6:5-8 (NLT)
Slaves and Masters
⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. ⁶ Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. ⁷ Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ⁸ Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

 Every vocation becomes Christian service performed for the Lord.

 ²⁴ Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you. 

Contentment.   A final thought.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Introduction:

The Bible is the source of all truth.

The truth that comes from God and His word is infallible, irrefutable, and indisputable. When we believe that the Bible is the very word of God, we need to take heed and do our best to live our lives according to the Bible.
(This could be the introduction to all of our lessons.)

1 Corinthians 7:10-16 (NLT)
¹⁰ But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. ¹¹ But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife.
¹² Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord. If a fellow believer has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. ¹³ And if a believing woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. ¹⁴ For the believing wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the believing husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy. ¹⁵ (But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the believing husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace.) ¹⁶ Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you?

Examine the scriptures:

1 Corinthians 7:10-16 (NLT)
¹⁰ But for those who are married,

 A message to the married.

 I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. 

 Some Corinthians may have thought:

Divorce their unsaved spouse
Live celibately
Marry a believer

 A wife must not leave her husband. ¹¹ But if she does leave him,

 let her remain single

or else be reconciled to him.

 And the husband must not leave his wife.

Don’t leave your spouse.

Jesus speaking
 Matthew 19:5-8 (NLT)
⁵ And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ ⁶ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
⁷ “Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” they asked.
⁸ Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended.

Malachi 2:16 (NLT)
 “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

Jesus speaking
Matthew 5:31-32 (NLT)
Teaching about Divorce
³¹ “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ ³² But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.

•  God’s original intent was for marriage to be a permanent relationship between a man and his wife.

¹² Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord.

Don’t misinterpret this statement.

 All Scripture is inspired by God

 Jesus had not spoken on this situation.

No previous revelations from God on this matter.

  If a fellow believer has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her.

  ¹³ And if a believing woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. 

•  Believers married to unbelievers who are willing to continue in the relationship must remain married.

Some believers may have felt that being marries to an unbeliever was somehow defiling.

*However, just the opposite was true.

 ¹⁴ For the believing wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the believing husband brings holiness to his marriage.

 The two have become one flesh.

Within the “one flesh” relationship, the blessing of God which came to the Christian affected the family as a whole.

The Christian was a channel of God’s grace in the marriage.

Brings holiness – not salvation to a person who is “not a believer.

The partner is set apart for temporal blessings because the other partner belongs to God.

One Christian in a marriage brings grace that spills over on the spouse – even possibly leading him or her to salvation.

Romans 11:16 (NLT)
And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.

• If a marriage has one believing spouse, the believing spouse brings holiness to the marriage.

 Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy.

Set apart – separate – holy people – called to a holy lifestyle

Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

The children are holy, not saved.

The presence of one believing parent exposes the children to blessing and brings them protection.  The presence of even one Christian parent will protect children from undue spiritual harm and they will receive many blessings, and often that includes salvation.

 Verse 16 before verse 15

 ¹⁶ Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you?

 ¹⁵ (But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the believing husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace.) 

• If a husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving the marriage, the believing partner should let them go.

Romans 12:18 (NLT)
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

 (Remarriage is not addressed here.)

Single and celibate or married?

1 Corinthians 7:1-9 (NLT)
Instruction on Marriage
7 Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to abstain from sexual relations. ² But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.
³ The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. ⁴ The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.
⁵ Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control. ⁶ I say this as a concession, not as a command. ⁷ But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.
⁸ So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. ⁹ But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.

Examine the scriptures:

Single and celibate or married?

Context – Paul is addressing sexual immorality.

• Sexual immorality has no place in the life of a Christian.
• No other sin so clearly affects the body as sexual immorality does.
• Sex in marriage was designed by God to create a very special and unique relationship between a man and a woman. (Genesis and Ephesians )

1 Corinthians 7:1-9 (NLT)
Instruction on Marriage
¹ Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to abstain from sexual relations. 

 This may not saying what it appears to be saying.

Look at the same verse in the AMP version.  (The Amplified Bible is an English translation of the Bible produced jointly by Zondervan (subsidiary of News Corp) and The Lockman Foundation.)

¹ Now as to the matters of which you wrote: It is good (beneficial, advantageous) for a man not to touch a woman [outside marriage]. 

•  It is helpful to look at several different translations (or commentaries) when studying a passage of scripture.
• Sometimes we really do not know exactly what scripture is saying.

Paul may have been saying that it is good to be single and celibate.

Single and celibate may be good,

but we can also say marriage is good.

• Scripture clearly endorses marriage.

Sex in marriage was designed by God to create a very special and unique relationship between a man and a woman. (Genesis and Ephesians)

Psalm 127:3-5 (NLT)
³ Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
⁴ Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
⁵ How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
    He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.

The Song of Solomon describes numerous romantic settings.

In the scripture, Christ and the Church is a model for marriage.

Matthew 19:12  (NLT) (more later)
¹² …. some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”

•  It’s also o.k. not to be married.

 BUT

 ² But because there is so much sexual immorality,

 each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.

 ² But because of [the temptation to participate in] sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. (AMP)

 Here Paul is endorsing marriage.

• Marriage is God’s only provision for sexual fulfillment.

 ³ The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. ⁴ The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.
⁵ Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 

 ⁶ I say this as a concession, not as a command. 

 Single and celibate worked for Paul.  Marriage works for others.

 ⁷ But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.

 God makes some able to live one way, others to live a different way.

 Matthew 19:8-12 (NLT)
⁸ Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended. ⁹ And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful.”
¹⁰ Jesus’ disciples then said to him, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!”
¹¹ “Not everyone can accept this statement,” Jesus said. “Only those whom God helps. ¹² Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”

 Jesus does not advocate celibacy for everyone and Jesus does not suggest that celibacy is superior to marriage.

 1 Corinthians 7:17 (NLT)
Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches.

•  Singleness or marriage can be God’s plan for individuals.

⁸ So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. 

 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 (NLT)
³² I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. ³³ But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. ³⁴ His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. ³⁵ I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

•  A married man has divided interests (I Corinthians 7:33-34).

 ⁹ But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.

• It’s o.k. for a single person to stay single or it’s o.k. for a single person to marry.