It is evident that the Corinthians had written a letter to the Apostle Paul asking him certain questions. One of these questions was the relationship between a man and a woman. Christian doctrine was quite different from what was practiced in heathen Corinth where fornication was allowed. The Apostle teaches them that every man should have his own wife and every woman should have her own husband. The practice of polygamy was not the mind of God. If a Christian man has an unbelieving wife, he is not to put her away, but rather pray for her salvation. He can also be an example of Christ in his life and perhaps his unsaved partner will become a Christian. If a person became a Christian while he was a slave, should he continue in that position? Yes, unless he is set free from such bondage. Christ has broken his chains of sin and he is now free to serve Christ in whatever position he is. We have been bought with a price by the Lord Jesus and are to be His servants. The marriage bond is for life. But what happens if one of the partners dies? Can the remaining partner then marry anyone they desire? If it is the Lord’s will for the surviving partner to marry, it is to be only in the Lord, that is, a believer who wants to please Him.
1. To avoid fornication, what gracious provision has God made for a man? __________ And for a woman? __________ 1 Corinthians 7:___
2. If a brother in Christ has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, what is he not to do? __________ 1 Corinthians 7:___
3. What should be the desire of a believing husband or wife for their unbelieving partner? __________ 1 Corinthians 7:___
4. Why are we not to be the servants of men? __________ 1 Corinthians 7:___
5. If your partner is dead, you are at liberty to remarry, with what requirement? __________ 1 Corinthians 7:___