I remember when the summer between college and seminary as I worked for a manufacturing company. We built potato and onion bins. The man I worked next to at my station was a preacher as well. However, he had not been formally trained. I distinctly remember a conversation he and I had regarding this chapter. He was taking one verse, actually only a part of one verse to build an false theology. That is a dangerous way to build one's convictions and pattern for living. Anytime we come to the scripture it is imperative that we read the context of the passage, understand who the author is addressing, and what he is stressing in the chapter and book as a whole.
In this chapter we do not find Paul giving a license for sexual immorality or divorce. Instead, he adresses issues which were prevalent within the church at Corinth. The church was living in the midst of a hotbed for sexual devance and immorality. This was not an exception in the community but the rule. Therefore, he wants the church to understand the importance of living a holy life. Additionally Paul wants the fellow believers in Corinth to live a life sold out to Jesus. Paul goes to the extreme of encouraging celibacy for all people for the purpose of having a greater focus on serving God. While he does not make this a mandate he does recommend it for those still single or who have become a widow/widower. In the same vein he does not encourage divorce even in the case of unequally yoked relationships. This union, Paul explains, could be the very catalyst to draw the unbelieving spouse into a relationship with Christ. Paul's greater emphasis is a life wholly surrendered to God without distractions.
Takeaways.
1. Nothing should distract us from serving God with complete surrender.
2. Be cautious in studying the scripture in isolation from the total context.
3. Relationships can be used for evangelistic purposes but should not be the pattern in choosing a mate.
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