THE CROSS AND CHRISTIAN SINGLENESS

1 Corinthians 7:25-35
25 Now concerning the betrothed,I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.
27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.
29 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,
30 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,
31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.
33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife,
34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.
35 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.


Admonishments to Single Christians…
If you and your body are compelled, consider marriage one of
your goals.
If you and your body are content, consider singleness
your status quo.

Advantages of Single Living…
You can be completely assured of Jesus’ favor.
He says singleness is “good.”
(1 Corinthians 7:1, 8, 26)
He says singleness is a “gift” from God.
(1 Corinthians 7:7)
He says some people “do even better” to remain single.
(1 Corinthians 7:38)
He says some people are “happier” if they
remain single.
(1 Corinthians 7:40)

You can be better prepared for Jesus’ coming.
(1 Corinthians 7:26-31; cf. Matthew 6:19-20; 24:3-51;
Luke 12:32-33; 20:34-35; Romans 13:11-14; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 5:1;
Colossians 3:1-3; 2 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 10:34; 1 John 2:15-17)
You have fewer family responsibilities.
You have fewer emotional connections.
You have fewer earthly possessions.
You have fewer worldly attachments.
You can be totally given to Jesus’ service.
(1 Corinthians 7:32-35; cf. Matthew 12:46-50)
Your attention and devotion are attractive.
Your attention and devotion are undivided.

Thanks pastor Jim!