Introduction

Good morning, everyone. Today, we will examine Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians. This chapter is rarely discussed in contemporary churches because the concepts it presents are difficult for many to accept. The theme of this chapter is to do what is proper, so as to serve the Lord diligently.

I. The Dilemma of the Corinthians

The Corinthians wrote to the Apostle Paul seeking guidance on a multitude of marital issues, leading to a series of questions, such as whether or not to marry, how widows should conduct themselves, and whether a wife should divorce her unbelieving husband. In truth, those of the world will always face a great many dilemmas. These dilemmas manifest in situations where one spouse wishes to serve the Lord, attend gatherings, or give offerings, while the other obstructs or forbids it, leading to offerings being made in secret. Some of our brothers and sisters among us have faced such distressing situations.

Upon reviewing the predicaments faced by the Corinthians, Paul wrote Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians to offer a response. If Paul were to say that divorce is permissible, it would invite further questions. Thus, Paul's answer is remarkably astute: he speaks of doing what is proper. As our topic suggests, not everyone can accept the concept of doing what is proper, so as to serve the Lord diligently.

II. Paul's Response

Paul's response allows for remaining single, but if one desires to marry, it is not a sin. One should remain in the state in which he was called. If the unbelieving partner wishes to leave, let them do so. Few churches today can accept this concept, and I do not see churches implementing Paul's teachings in this manner. The perplexities of the Corinthians stem from their worldly logic, while Paul's response centers on doing what is proper, so as to serve the Lord diligently.

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. (1 Corinthians 7:15)

When viewing the same issue from different standpoints and angles, worldly individuals become confused by matters such as weddings, funerals, widowhood, and whether to remain a virgin. Truthfully, if a husband wants a divorce, there is no need to cling to the marriage and cause further suffering. Paul suggests that if an unbelieving husband wants a divorce, one should gladly accept it. I will explain this more in-depth. This differs from cases of infidelity, where one seeks a divorce because they perceive others as being better than their spouse. Paul's response is based on the perspective of serving the Lord diligently with the aim of pleasing God, which forms the foundation of his logic.

III. Can the Corinthians Comprehend These Concepts?

If the Corinthians could grasp these concepts, there would be no book of 2 Corinthians. Although they awaited Paul's answers to their dilemmas, they already possessed their own set of beliefs. Many churches today are like the Corinthian church, unable to accept Paul's teachings. Pointing out a single issue would invite various criticisms, with some arguing that following Paul's guidance would render population concerns unsolvable. People perceive things differently when operating within different systems of logic. While some assert that children are a blessing, certain churches, unable to lead people to faith, encourage their members to have as many children as possible, assuming that each child will increase the church's numbers, only to find that these children do not embrace the faith as they grow older.

The inability of the Corinthians to embrace Paul's concepts highlights the conflict between two worlds and two systems of logic. Paul's concepts are rooted in a divine logic, while carnal individuals like the Corinthians cannot possess divine wisdom. It is important to carefully examine Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians, as one's ability to embrace Paul's concepts is a watershed. Straying onto the opposite path leads one to become carnally minded like the Corinthians. Accepting Paul's concepts and comprehending his teachings brings about a stark contrast.

IV. Paul's Viewpoint 1: Single is Best

Paul never forces anyone to accept his viewpoint. If one is consumed by passion and cannot resist, they should marry. It is better than being fickle and developing ailments. Those without the gift of singleness should marry and not force themselves to remain single.

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. (1 Corinthians 7:1)

When it comes to men not touching women, Chinese theories offer numerous interpretations, such as those of Confucius, who stated that women are difficult to manage. However, this is not derived from the Bible or from Paul.

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. (1 Corinthians 7:7-8)

Paul was single, so how is it better? Let me share a brief anecdote. Paul anticipates that Timothy might succeed him as a church leader after his departure. In writing 1 Timothy, Paul mentions not allowing women to preach. This translation has some issues; the English translation refers to the woman, indicating a specific woman. If it is understood as prohibiting women from preaching, it contradicts Paul's other arrangements in the church. Therefore, it specifically refers to Timothy's girlfriend. This woman constantly tries to control Timothy, and when Timothy gets up to preach, she also goes up and snatches the microphone from him, leaving everyone dumbfounded. Paul's letter conveys not allowing that woman to preach, which she is aware of and likely resents Paul for. This is my interpretation, which may not be accurate; take it with a grain of salt.

Currently, there are many Timothys and many Timothy’s girlfriends or wives, that just the way of the world. The passage talks about singleness being the best, and Paul provides many explanations.

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. (1 Corinthians 7:26-27)

If someone wants to get married, what is Paul's take?

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. (1 Corinthians 7:28)

Paul still advises people to remain single, and I personally find singleness to be quite desirable. However, one must possess the gift of singleness, or it becomes too much to bear. It is both a gift and a grace. Is there ever enough suffering in the flesh? Actually, I particularly appreciate those who are unencumbered when serving in the church. Entanglements can be quite bothersome. If a husband is swindled out of $600,000, the wife must bear the responsibility for the $600,000 debt due to their jointly owned assets. Thus, one cannot be sure what they may gain in marriage, but the suffering in the flesh is evident today.

One should do what is proper, not just divorce for the sake of it. Paul does not suggest that. Being a pastor is not easy, and sometimes I cannot help but suggest divorce, then add that feigned divorces are trendy these days, which is rather questionable. But it’s definitely difficult. Paul writing this was rather convoluted, and we really wish he had stated it straightforwardly, but he kept going around in circles. Therefore, doing what is proper has to come before serving the Lord diligently. If you are not serving the Lord diligently but are doing it for the sake of a boyfriend or girlfriend which result in a load of unpleasant stuff, then Paul should not be blamed, neither should I.

Some people can be so manipulative to the point of saying that being together enables you to serve the Lord in a better way, but it’s not necessarily the case. Paul’s already said that singleness is better. Don’t assume getting married allows you to serve the Lord in a better way. There is no need to marry in order to serve the Lord, marriage is irrelevant. Doing what is proper, so as to serve the Lord diligently, everyone has to take note of this, and never trust what the liars said. If they aren’t able to serve the Lord diligently when dating, why would they be able to do it when you’re married? Because you’ve shown them what you want, and they’re just following your idea to tell you what you want to hear. The results, however, may be another story.

V. Paul's Viewpoint 2: Marriage is Not a Sin

Do not say that marriage is a sin. If it is natural to marry, then do so. If you do not have the gift of singleness, then marry and it is not a crime. Some have this gift, and others have that gift. Adults have their needs, If it is the time, then marry and don’t worry. Paul argued that getting married is not a sin, but it does affect one’s service to the Lord. He said to do what is proper. If you wanna find happiness in your husband or your wife, then do so, without having a mental burden, and keep wondering if it’s a sin to please your husband or your wife. That was what was going on in the Corinthians’ heads, who constantly say that they want to serve the Lord, but they also want to get married, and wonder if it is going to affect their services to the Lord. Therefore, they were going in circles. Paul was direct about this, arguing that you should just enjoy marriage, but always remember you’re going to suffer in the flesh. Those who marry please their husbands, or their wives, without having to worry about it all the time.

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. (1 Corinthians 7:27)

If you get married, stop thinking about getting divorced. If you're committed to marriage here, do not contemplate breaking away on the other side. What, exactly, are you doing?

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. (1 Corinthians 7:9-11)

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Read it slowly and absorb what you can. I have studied 1 Corinthians Chapter 7 thoroughly many years ago, so I will serve in matters of marriage according to it. I used to have a marriage registrar's certificate, but I no longer do that. In fact, being a marriage registrar is a good job. People often asked me to be their marriage registrar. It's a quick way to make money. A 15-minute signing can earn you several hundred Singapore dollars, or even over a thousand. The government's basic price is 300 Singapore dollars.

Although marriage is not a sin, it can indeed be an entanglement. Those I signed for marriage were from our church, and it seems none of them are left. Most of them are living their lives. Later, I simply returned the certificate. Although marriage is not a sin, it can affect one's service to God, so it is better to remain single. If you want to serve God but your husband does not believe, and one day he wants to divorce you to marry someone else, go home and celebrate with champagne. But if you don't want a divorce because the Bible teaches against it, then don't seek a divorce. Some people seek a divorce and then want to get married again, which is like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Why insist on getting married? It might be better if you didn't. Marriage is not a sin, but look at the scriptures carefully. This is my conclusion.

## Six, Paul's Idea Three: Keep to Whatever Status You Have

Don't think that you can't serve God diligently in marriage, but you can serve God if you are divorced; that you can't serve God diligently as a slave when you believe, but you can't serve God diligently after you regain your freedom. Keep to whatever status you have, because that is not important. If you want to serve God, you can serve God regardless of your status; if you don't want to serve God diligently, you can't serve God no matter what your status is. In fact, I have experienced a lot in the past, and I often feel quite stressed. For me, whether I have a job or not, it doesn't make much difference to my service to God. I serve God diligently when I have a job, and I serve God diligently when I am not married. Joseph could serve God diligently as a slave, and he could also serve God diligently as a prime minister after he came out of slavery.

> To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not leave his wife. 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 leave her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not leave him. 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. (1 Corinthians 7:10-14)

From the Bible, the only thing that can affect your service to God is yourself, that is, the worldly logic system within you. Don't make excuses. Why do some brothers and sisters ask me if they can do this job? My answer is yes. Don't think that doing this job will affect your service to God. Don't make excuses for yourself; it's all about your attitude. In the past few years, everyone except me was working. I serve full-time because I am unemployed. I can serve God diligently when I have a job, and I serve God even more diligently when I am unemployed. No one can stop me.

Some time ago, I told a sister that if you don't allow your husband to tithe, he definitely won't dare to. She admitted it with a smile. I said that I started tithing as soon as I believed in the Lord. A brother among us asked me if my wife agreed. My wife doesn't tithe, but no one can stop me from doing what I want to do. Someone also asked me if tithing is calculated before or after tax. Singapore has CPF, which can be used to buy houses or other things, but cannot be withdrawn in cash and is kept in the government account. I donated the CPF amount, which is 40% of my salary. Of course, I want to do cost-effective things, and no one can stop me. I was really blessed after donating.

Keep to whatever status you have. This is doing what is appropriate. Don't make excuses. Some people want to become permanent residents of Singapore, thinking that they can serve God well after they become permanent residents. That's not the case. If you can't serve God well when you are not a permanent resident, it's the same even if you become a permanent resident. If you can't serve God well when you are not a Singapore citizen, it's the same even if you are a Singapore citizen. Don't make excuses.

> Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God. (1 Corinthians 7:18-24)

Whether you get Singapore citizenship or not, and whether you are married or not, blessed people are still blessed. Don't think that you can only be blessed after a divorce. Apart from your own thoughts, nothing else can stop God from blessing you. Like Abigail in the Bible, she didn't want a divorce. As a result, God struck her husband Nabal dead. Thank God. Status is not that important. A brother longed to apply for Singapore permanent resident status, but he could never get it. One day, when others got it, he got angry and left the church to go to another church. Surprisingly, he actually got the status after going there, but if he couldn't serve God diligently when he didn't have the status, he wouldn't serve diligently even if he got it, although he even testified online in order to get permanent resident status.

## Seven, Paul's Idea Four: Divorce Should Be Appropriate

There is no need to pester those who want a divorce. Do what is appropriate. There is no need to pester if the other party wants to leave. Don't think that family is important. What God has joined together, let no one separate. But what if it is joined together by demons? The Bible is actually very clear. If an unbeliever wants to leave, let him leave. Then thank God and celebrate with champagne that you can serve God diligently and have now shed the entanglements of this world.

> I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, (1 Corinthians 7:32-33)

This is Paul's idea. Isn't my summary quite clear? Be appropriate. Don't exhaust yourself all day long. Everyone must remember that nothing can stop you from serving God, nothing can stop you from being blessed, and nothing can make you lose your Mingding Destiny. A person with Mingding Destiny will have Mingding Destiny no matter what. Don't make excuses anymore.

## Eight, The Foundation of Paul's Ideas

> This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they were not fully using it. For the present form of this world is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

The things of this world will pass away. Some people don't think they have passed away, but in fact, when people die, it's almost the same as passing away. Everyone should have a basic logic: once a person closes his eyes and kicks his legs, everything will pass away and have nothing to do with you. Even if this world doesn't pass away, there is little difference between a person passing away and the world passing away. People take living this matter so seriously. Why did the Corinthians take such trivial matters so seriously and ask about them? Because their foundation is in this world, and they feel that these things are all good and important.

And Paul's foundation is that these things and the things of the world will pass away, but only the word of God will last forever. What he pursues is the imperishable glory in eternity. The things of this world are not important. He will be faithful and diligently serve God. That is the key. If we have such a concept, the things of the world will not be a problem and will all be solved. This is Paul's logic system, and it is also the logic system of Jesus Christ, which is to benefit us.

> I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord. (1 Corinthians 7:35)

Now look at how many things distract us? Looking around, there are full of entanglements, covered with thorns and weeds, and what is produced cannot be good fruit but only bitter fruit.

> But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 7:40)

Paul's last sentence, he himself was also moved by the Spirit of God, this is the correct concept. So don't run for the vanity of the world anymore, but run for the glory that God has prepared for you in eternity. Otherwise, people will suffer more pain in the flesh. If you have suffered enough, grab the opportunity if you have it. You can have nothing, but you cannot have no glory in the eternal, and you cannot have no diligent service to the Lord. Putting off the entanglements, faithfully serving, and being able to see the face of the Lord is exceedingly good. In fact, nothing can stop it. I want to tell you that God can not only reign in you, but God can also reign in the world. God holds the universe in His almighty hands, so there is no need to worry anymore. Nothing can stop our hearts from serving God diligently, because we have a heart that loves God inside.