1 Corinthians 7
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This is the seventh sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Marriage & Singleness’.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: Is there an area of sexual immorality that you need to address and flee from?
WARM-UP
- What is the worst relationship advice that you have ever received?
- What are some of the lies do you think our culture tells about sex and relationships?
Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-7
- What were the questions that prompted Paul to write this part of the letter? Can you explain them?
- According to Paul (and Jesus), how is it clear that marriage is the context for sex? Was that a counter-cultural idea in Corinth? Is it a counter-cultural concept today?
- If married, how does sex only between the husband and wife honour God?
If single, how does abstinence from sex also honour God? - If someone was single, would it be right for them to grieve longings (e.g, for sexual expression or to be a parent) that cannot be expressed outside of the context of marriage? What would be a healthy way to go about expressing such grief to God?
Read 1 Corinthians 7:8-16
- What are all the various reasons that people were considering getting divorced?
- How can we best care for and love those who experience the brokenness of a marriage? How can we help support healthy marriages in the context of our local church?
- Do you think our culture ever diminishes single people? What are some of the common ways?
- If single, do you think it’s ever possible to idolise marriage? How might this be a distraction?
Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-40
- In what way can marriage and singleness both be gifts to God? What dictates this?
- Whether married, single, divorced, or widowed, what is our purpose? How do you approach relationships in such a way that demonstrates devotion to the Lord?
- How can we spur one another on in our devotion to the Lord no matter our circumstance?
- Is there anything currently distracting you from whole-hearted devotion to the Lord?
APPLY: How could you use your circumstance - right now - in more focused devotion to the Lord?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the circumstances in which you have placed us. Whether married or single, help us to find our ultimate satisfaction in you, and devote our whole lives to your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: How does the use of your time reflect your priorities? Is there someone on your frontline you could more intentionally build trust with?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
- BOOK: Married for God by Christopher Ash
- BOOK: A Better Story: God, Sex, and Human Flourishing by Glynn Harrison:
- ARTICLE: Can we live without sex? by Dani Treweek:
- BOOK: Seven Myths of Singleness by Sam Allberry:
- AUDIO & VIDEO: Resources from the Single Minded Conference (Hot Topics):
- COURSE: The Marriage Course (also scheduled to run at St Bart’s starting October 7)
Series Resources:
Some helpful resources for our Series:
- Series Overview Published by St Bart’s
- Website: “First Corinthians” by the Bible Project
- Course: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course)
