Holiness Of Marriage
BRD REFLECTIONS
1 Corinthians 7 and Psalm 68:1-18 (NIV)
(Alvin Chua, Chairperson, Christian Outreach and Social Concerns)
READ:
1 Corinthians 7 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Paul begins this chapter by quoting and responding to a question the people of Corinth must have asked him about in their last letter, concerning sexual relations and immorality. He then continues on into the topics of marriage and singlehood.
Paul addressed the people of Corinth in 3 areas
1. Concerning Sex and Marriage: In the light of the sexual immorality occurring, he instructed husbands and wives to fulfil their marital duties and not deprive each other of their sexual needs, so that Satan would not be able to take advantage of their lack of self-control and tempt them.
For those who are married to an unbelieving spouse, they should stay in their marriage, unless their spouse insists on leaving. He explained that believing spouses bring holiness to their marriage and families and sanctify their unbelieving spouses. Perhaps, they might eventually lead their unbelieving spouse to believe in God.
2. Concerning the Unmarried: Living in the present state of Corinth (Paul described it as “present crisis”), he encouraged the unmarried persons to stay unmarried, just as he was. However, if they can’t control themselves in sexual temptation, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.
3. The Overarching Principles: Paul appealed to believers in Corinth to centre their lives on God as “the time that remains is very short” (v29a). They should not be absorbed by the present status, struggles and possessions of their earthly lives. Instead, they should remain in the state as they were first called by the Lord, and first and foremost, have a sense of urgency to live a life that is pleasing to God.
APPLY:
I wasn’t a Christian when I got married to my wife who wasn’t a believer too. Marriage was good for both of us as we shared similar life aspirations and struggles, faith or no faith, meeting each other’s emotional and physical needs. We celebrated and continued to enjoy our common life philosophy even when I first accepted Christ.
However, differences began to surface a little at a time as I decided to be more serious in my faith. God began to transform the way I think, speak, and act. These changes were mostly welcome and received positively. However, eventually some of it became “stress points” in our relationship. And it grew as I became more involved in church.
A little voice spoke in my head: “How good are those Christian couples who share the same faith!” “How I envy those worshiping together in church, sharing joy and struggles of faith in their bedtime conversations, doing outreach work together, going to church camp together…”. Negative feelings of my marriage began to creep in.
God is good and faithful! Despite the discontentment, I was convicted then that He always has a good purpose in my life – even my marriage life, though I may not have been able to appreciate it in the moment then. Over the years, my children have become more deeply rooted in the faith. Both my parents and my sister-in-law have accepted Christ and were baptised. Indeed, as the scripture says: “The believing husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy… don’t you husbands realise that your wives might be saved because of you?”
The voice of the evil one tried to tear down my relationship, but God turned it for good. My discontentment has become my motivation as I witnessed my wife softening her heart towards God. I am convicted that in God’s good time, my family, including my wife, will worship God together in church!
DO:
Do not allow the voice of the evil one to lead me astray, instead keep my marriage pure. Knowing that the remaining time is very short, from now on, I should not think only of my marriage or get absorbed by my emotions or possessions. I should not become attached to the things of the world. For this world as we know will soon pass away.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being ever present in my life. Despite my many shortcomings, you never fail to patiently correct and guide me. O Lord, forgive my slowness to learn and to obey your will. Continue to lead me and mould me. Teach me to be a good spiritual head that I may truly bring holiness into my family. I also pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ, whether married to a believing spouse, married to an unbelieving spouse, single, or widow. Bless all of them and their families, so that they may live a life pleasing in your sight and bring glory to your name. Help us all, O Lord! That not even one of us will be lost, as the day of your coming approaches soon. Amen!
