How can 1 Corinthians 7:36 guide decisions about relationships today? Setting the Scene • 1 Corinthians 7 addresses singleness, betrothal, and marriage in light of devotion to the Lord. • Verse 36 zooms in on a man and a “virgin” (a betrothed woman or daughter under his care). • Paul’s purpose is pastoral: helping believers avoid sin while honoring God. The Verse Itself “If anyone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past her youth and he feels that they ought to marry, he should do as he wishes. He is not sinning. They should marry.” What We Learn • “Acting inappropriately” – lingering in a relationship so long that desire becomes hard to restrain. • “Past her youth” – the season of suitable marriage has arrived; needless delay now creates risk. • “He should do as he wishes” – marriage is an honorable, God-given solution, not second-best. • “He is not sinning” – no stigma attaches to choosing marriage when purity is at stake. Principles for Today 1. Purity First – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4: “This is God’s will… abstain from sexual immorality.” – Any courtship that stirs passions beyond what can be contained calls for decisive action—either step back or move forward to covenant marriage. 2. Honoring Timing – Delaying marriage for trivial reasons when both are ready invites unnecessary temptation. 3. Freedom Within Boundaries – Paul affirms liberty: a couple may marry or remain single (1 Corinthians 7:37-38). The boundary is holiness. 4. Conscience and Responsibility – The man in view must own his leadership; passivity can harm both souls. 5. Marriage as Safeguard – 1 Corinthians 7:2, 9: better to marry than burn with passion; God designed marriage to channel desire righteously. 6. No Shame in Marriage – Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage should be honored by all.” Pursuing marriage for godly reasons is never second-rate. Practical Takeaways • Evaluate the Relationship – Are we struggling to maintain purity? – Are we simply postponing commitment out of fear or convenience? • Act with Integrity – Either slow the physical/emotional pace or move intentionally toward engagement and covenant. • Seek Wise Counsel – Parents, pastors, and mature believers help confirm readiness and guard against rash choices (Proverbs 15:22). • Marry in the Lord – 2 Corinthians 6:14: unity in Christ is essential for lifelong partnership. • Keep the Goal in View – Genesis 2:24: marriage creates a one-flesh union that images Christ’s faithfulness (Ephesians 5:31-32). Complementary Scriptures to Anchor Decisions • Proverbs 18:22 – Marriage is God’s favor. • 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Every relational move must glorify God. • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love’s character guides engagement, wedding planning, and lifelong partnership. Summing Up 1 Corinthians 7:36 calls believers to treat romantic relationships with urgency toward holiness. When attraction grows and the season is right, marriage is the honorable path. If purity is wavering, decisive commitment—or a respectful pause—protects both hearts and honors the Lord who designed marriage for our good and His glory. |
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