Godly Wisdom for Gospel Living: Session 15 – Instructions for Married People

God's Design for Purity: Navigating Marriage and Singleness Have you ever wondered what God really thinks about sex, marriage, and singleness? In a world that often sends mixed messages about relationships, it's crucial to turn to Scripture for clarity. Let's dive into what the Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 7 about God's design for purity in all seasons of life. The Universal Call to Purity Whether you're single, married, or somewhere in between, God calls all of us to live pure lives. As I preached recently, "Sexual purity is required for single and married people. Both." This might seem countercultural, but it's God's clear standard for His people. In 1 Corinthians 7:1-2, Paul writes: "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." Paul is addressing questions from the Corinthian church about marriage and celibacy. He affirms that both singleness and marriage can be good, but warns against sexual immorality in either state. The reality is, "We live in a culture that says that what God sees as impurity is normal." But as followers of Christ, we're called to a higher standard - one that honors God with our bodies and relationships. God's Good Gift of Marriage For those who are married, Paul promotes a healthy, God-honoring sexual relationship between spouses. He writes in 1 Corinthians 7:3-4: "Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife." This mutual giving of ourselves to our spouses is a beautiful picture of the oneness God intends in marriage. It's not about domination or manipulation, but loving service to one another. I want to be clear: "Physical expressions of love for each other should be the normative rhythm in a healthy marriage relationship." God designed sex as a good gift to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage. The Honor of Singleness Now, for those who are single - whether by choice, circumstance, or calling - Paul has an encouraging word. He writes in 1 Corinthians 7:7-8: "For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I." Paul sees great value in singleness, as it can allow for unique opportunities to serve God. "Being single doesn't mean you're less than," I emphasized in my sermon. It's a different calling, with its own blessings and challenges. However, Paul recognizes that singleness isn't for everyone. He continues in verse 9: "But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." The idea here is that if someone is constantly struggling with sexual temptation, it may be better for them to pursue marriage. This isn't a command, but a concession for our human weaknesses. Living Out God's Design So how do we apply these truths to our lives? Here are some practical steps: 1. Pursue purity in all seasons: Whether single or married, commit to honoring God with your sexuality. 2. Married couples, prioritize intimacy: Don't neglect the physical aspect of your relationship. Communicate openly and serve one another. 3. Singles, embrace your calling: Find fulfillment in Christ and use your freedom to serve Him wholeheartedly. 4. Seek help if struggling: If you're battling sexual sin, don't face it alone. "Confess your faults one to another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:16). 5. Remember God's grace: No matter your past, God offers forgiveness and restoration through Christ. Remember, "God loves you, and God's grace is sufficient for you. And with obedience comes blessing." Let's commit to living out God's design for purity, trusting that His way leads to true fulfillment and joy.