Insights From Pastor Paul

The Apostle Paul knew singleness.

Theologians are divided on whether Paul was single his whole life or whether his wife died at an early age.

Nevertheless, he knew what it meant to be single.

Instead of getting married (or remarried) Paul chose to give his time and devotion to Jesus instead. From then on, traveling and spreading the Gospel was his primary focus.

Out of all Paul’s writings to the early church, 1 Corinthians 7 provides the best insight on his experience with and instruction on singleness.

The Corinthian Culture

At the time God led Paul to write this letter to the Corinthian church, the culture was rampant with sexual immorality and wild living. The city of Corinth had become a pleasure-based society where the motto was, “If it feels good, do it…or at least try it!“

Unfortunately, many Believers were tempted and overwhelmed by this pleasure-based lifestyle, which included adultery, homosexuality, drunkenness, incest, fornication and the list goes on.

The Corinthian Church

The church was in a serious crisis situation because sexuality had taken the place of Jesus, as the foundation for relationships.

So Paul addresses these immoral lifestyle choices in 1 Corinthians6. Then in chapter 7, Paul lays out some instruction to get relationships in the church back on track.

4 Corinthian Considerations

It’s in chapter 7 that Paul gives some very specific insight on singleness or unmarried life. Beginning in verse 25:

Consideration #1: Is There a Present Morality Crisis?

“25 Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26 Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.” (7:25-26)

Verse 25 states that this instruction is for virgins. Other translations use the word betrothed or unmarried. These are people who have never been married.

Paul goes on to write about “the present crisis” which we’ve already mentioned, that sexual immorality is rampant in Corinthian society and corrupting the church.

What about our culture? Is it becoming like Corinthian culture? Are our churches following suit? To paraphrase verse 26, it’s like Paul’s saying, “Listen folks, considering this morality crisis that we’re going through, just stick to wherever you’re at right now.“

Let’s continue with verse 27:

Consideration #2: Am I Being Spared From Trouble?

“27 Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.” (7:27-28)

Let’s pause again.

Paul continues on with his previous statement that people should remain as they are. If they’re engaged, stick to that engagement, if they’re single, stick to being single or as Paul states, “Do not look…” for a spouse.

However, if they choose to get married, look out, because married life is a struggle. But not just because married life is hard. Consider the culture! With the declining morality of Corinthian culture, these marriages are going to be attacked from all sides.

Paul is looking at the big picture. His discernment causes him to state, “I want to spare you this.“

Now let’s jump down to verse 32.

Consideration #3: Am I Gifted with Undivided Interests?

“32 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs – how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world – how he can please his wife – 34 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world – how she can please her husband.” (7:32-34)

These verses explain the gift of singleness.

According to Paul, married people are divided in their concern and interests. They’re concerned about the world (and it’s impact on their marital and family life), concerned about their spouse (their health and happiness).

And yet, they’re obviously still concerned about their relationship with Jesus. This brings about daily situations of divided interests.

Singleness on the other hand, allows for pinpoint devotion on Jesus Christ.

Lastly, Paul gives a bit of disclaimer:

“35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.” (7:35)

Consideration #4: Do I Value Undivided Devotion?

I believe that this verse shows Paul’s pastoral heart. Paul’s instruction doesn’t come from some pastor who can’t relate. Remember that Paul was single his whole life or a widower at an early age.

Paul knew what it means to be single, facing temptation on a daily basis. Satan would have been working hard to break him down. And yet, he chose to give his time and devotion to Jesus and the spread of the Gospel.

If you’re single right now, embrace it. Embrace the undivided devotion to the Lord that you have right now.

CAN I GET YOUR FEEDBACK?

The Corinthian culture was in a morality crisis. In your opinion, how does it compare to our current culture? How has this impacted singles in the church?