Day 15: 7:1-16 (Living Faithfully in Every Circumstance)

Regardless of one's individual circumstances (marriage, singlehood, a relationship with a non-believing spouse, etc.), live faithfully within God's calling.

1. SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16
1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. 8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife. 12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

2. OBSERVATIONS :
a.  What did this passage mean to its original audience? 
- Corinth was a city with confusing views about sex and marriage—from sexual immorality to extreme “spiritual” ideas that rejected sex altogether.
- Some believers thought celibacy (no marriage, no sex) was more holy. Others were coming out of very sinful lifestyles and didn’t know how to think about marriage now.
- Some were already married to unbelievers when they became Christians.
- They wondered: “Is my marriage now unclean?”, “Should I leave my unbelieving spouse?”

Paul had to correct them: "No! Holiness doesn't mean rejecting your spouse." He taught them that faithfulness right where they are is what pleases God. He was balancing their extreme views—reminding them that marriage is a duty of love, and singleness is a valid opportunity for service.

b. What does this passage reveal about God?
- God values faithfulness in whatever situation we are in.
- God desires peace (v. 15).  

c. What does this passage reveal about people?
- We need healthy boundaries and mutual care (vv. 3-5).
- Our faith can impact others. A believing spouse influences the spiritual atmosphere of the home (v. 14).

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
This passage challenges my desire to constantly change my circumstances. I sometimes think, “If my situation were different, my faith would be stronger.” But Paul reminds me that faithfulness begins right where I am.

I remind that my marriage is not about personal fulfillment alone. It is about mutual service, responsibility, and honoring God together. I also feel compassion for those in difficult marriages or complicated family situations.

I will pursue faithfulness where I am. Instead of waiting for a better season, I will seek to honor God in my current relationships and responsibilities.

I will guard purity and self-control. I want my body and my desires to be submitted to Christ. I will also remember that my faith influences others.

4. PRAYER:
Father God, Thank You for caring about the details of my life—my relationships, my responsibilities, and my struggles. Help me to be faithful in the situation where You have placed me. Teach me contentment and trust instead of constant dissatisfaction.

If I face difficulty, give me peace. If I face temptation, give me strength. Help me honor You in my relationships. Use my life to bring blessing to those around me. May my faith quietly influence my home and reflect Your grace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.