•I Corinthians 7:25-28
•Potential Distress
25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.
(I Corinthians 7:25-28, ESV)
•Main Point
• These verses begin a new discussion concerning those who have not been married (or yet married)
• In light of the distress Paul encourages them to remain as they are
• The concern for Paul is the distress, the pressures, which a rather pastoral Paul would rather they be freed from
Application Points
• Potential Distresses
• Wisdom is the ability to discern
• Paul shows us how to consider which decision should be made
• There are those who are hesitant to have children
• Is it wrong for them to make this decision?
• Perhaps it would be best to not have children in such a world as this?
• Distress causes these question to come to the forefront
• War is similar
• There would be those who would not marry because of the potential pain it would cause their loved one
Application Points
• Potential Distresses (2)
• Meanwhile, there are those who would decide to marry despite the war
• Neither decision is sinful
• It is simply a matter of weighing options
• We are presented with choices in which we are offered options
• It is wise for us to learn how to utilize our minds
• It does us no good to ignore the events around us
• The simple truth is that we do have troubles
• Divided interests compete with one another which cause us to have conflicts and distress in this life
Application Points
• Potential Distresses (3)
• As Christians we know that persecution is a reality
• I can be sure that if I were not married it would be far easier for me to face persecution
• Because I do have my wife and kids there is the reality that I do worry what would happen to them
• The same is true if there were a famine
• If it were just me there would be less trouble
• Does this mean it is a sin to consider this reality?
• Sometiems we have an understanding that simplifies everything into sin or righteousness
Application Points
• Potential Distresses (4)
• This is not what the Bible describes
• If that were the case Paul could never make the above conclusion
• We are reminded of our human responsibility
• There is a difference between being foolish and being a sinner
• Paul recommends the wiser choice based upon their circumstances
• This doesn’t mean that the opposite choice would lead to sin
Application Points
• Potential Distresses (5)
• Some will ask how we can differentiate between a foolish choice and a sinful one
• We have the Scriptures which tell us what is considered a sinful action and what is not
• Paul is giving us a foundation for our understanding of our freedom in Christ
• The way Paul is reasoning is what is important to follow
• There are times in life when there are good options
• We are called to be wise in our choices, not haphazardly making decisions, but taking what we know into account
• Let’s continue to seek the wisdom of God for we will need it as we encounter so many distresses
Application Points
• The Gospel of Christ
• Origins
• Fall
• Redemption
• Glorification
