Matt Nelson - May 15, 2022
Marriage is Greater than Singleness
LOVE LIES Marriage is Greater than Singleness 5.15.22 Paul’s theological perspective in 1 Corinthians 7: Imminent Eschatology The purpose of marriage is to help each other reflect Christ In regards to singleness, Christianity is a revolutionary movement. The Christian gospel and the hope of the future kingdom de-idolized marriage. 1 Corinthians 7:7-9 7 I wish that all of you were as I am (single). But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. 9 But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Corinthians 7:17 17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Singleness is a gift Singleness has its advantages 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 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. 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. Singleness can be difficult Singleness requires relational intimacy Singleness is a testimony to the full sufficiency of Christ Single Christians communicate that a truer marriage is coming and that they are willing to bet their life on it. They communicate that the church really is family and capable of providing the intimacy of relationships necessary for a person to thrive. – Rachel Gilson