July 07, 2024

                                                    REPEATING HISTORY: THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY

July 07, 2024

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

In writing under the inspiration of Holy Spirit, Paul hits home on issues that are sometimes uncomfortable, or hard to swallow, but always are the will of God. In today’s passage in 1 Corinthians 7, 8, and 9, he deals with our responsibilities in our marriages, our future, our freedoms, our sacrifice, and our service. It may touch areas where you disagree with the message, but keep in mind that obedience to God’s word is how you know you are truly saved, not because you walked an aisle, nor even because at some point you may have been baptized, but “we know that we know Him if we keep His commandments” (1 Jn 2:3).

 

Focal Passages: 1 Corinthians 7, 8, and 9. 

Responsibility in Marriage:                                                                                                                         

Sexual Purity and Connection

  • Read 1 Cor. 7:1-5. Paul opens this section, replying to a letter from the Corinthians concerning marriage. It was acknowledged in Corinth that some believing husbands thought abstinence made one more spiritual. Paul, rebuking these men, addressed purity in marriage. Read Eph. 5:25. How does this verse apply to those men, or those who twist the Corinthian passage to mean sex-on-demand?
  • In today’s world, many men and woman are addicted to porn; how does this play out in marriage? Do the partners expect the same looks or perversion that they see on the screen? Why is it so destructive that we live in a world where feelings have overtaken reason?  Why did God ordain the sex act? Does anything give a spouse the right to justify porn? How can a couple reestablish a relationship of cherishing each other? Does a sex-starved marriage justify divorce or adultery?

Responsibilities in Service:

  • Read verses 17-24. What does Paul say that links this passage back to the previous verses? Why might some people feel that if they become a believer but had previously failed in a marriage, they should/could go back to the previous spouse or some other action (leave the current family) to right the wrong?
  • Why does Paul say that in whatever state you were when you were saved, do not attempt to change that in order to become a better Christian? Can God use you In whatever vocation (see next question) you are In when you became saved? Why would that not apply to situations where you are in a vocation that is immoral?

Responsibilities for the Future:

  • Read vv. 32-35. What is Paul’s point in this passage? Is he simply explaining the obvious: that one who is married has to take care of the marriage, while one who is unmarried can live to please God?
  • Which is more important to God, living life to please Him or being romantically involved? Does that make marriage wrong? Read Gen. 2:18. Is marriage sanctified and set apart by God?

Responsibilities in Freedom:

  • Read 1 Cor. 8:7-13. Why, when Paul begins to talk of food and idols, does he switch to knowledge and love? What do you personally know about idols? Read 1 Cor. 10:20. Why does Paul say things revolve around love? What is Paul’s main concern?
  • Liken the meat of then to today and tell what can make other Christians stumble if they see us partaking of _____. So, if we ignore their thinking “if it’s okay for them, it’s okay for me,” how does this thinking negate love? Where is our responsibility?
  • What should be our “yardstick” of measure when it comes to our freedoms?

Responsibilities of Sacrifice:

  • Read 1 Cor. 9:19-23. How does Paul link this passage to the one in chapter 8? Are we free to do whatever we wish?
  • What restriction should we place on ourselves? What will it take to reach others?

So Run!

  • Read 1 Cor. 9:24-27. How do athletes train for winning a competition? Is food bad?
  • What does it take to bring the body into subjection, and allow the Spirit to lead us?

TAKE AWAYS:

  • If married, know your rights and responsibilities; you belong to your spouse.
  • If unmarried, know the value of your position; regardless of the future, it is a gift.
  • For everyone, know your responsibility to the King.

Close: As we close this section of 1 Corinthians, we find everything boils down to this: we are to love God with everything we are and love other people as we love ourselves. If we do these two things, we will not betray our spouse, friends or family. We won’t partake of things that make others stumble, for we may be the only “Bible” they ever read. Let them see our 100% devotion to God in all things. They should sense the true joy and inner peace in us that comes with serving God. As Prov. 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

 

By Sandy Day

July 07, 2024

 

 

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