What does "those who marry will face troubles" mean for Christian couples today? The context of Paul’s words 1 Corinthians 7:28: “But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you.” Paul is not downgrading marriage. He is giving Spirit-inspired realism to believers living in a fallen, hostile world. The apostle has just spoken of “the present distress” (v. 26) and “the time that remains” (v. 29). Marriage is good (Genesis 2:24); still, until Christ returns, every married couple will encounter added pressures that singles are spared. Why marriage brings extra troubles • Two sinners under one roof. Even redeemed hearts battle the flesh (Galatians 5:17). Conflict, impatience, and hurt feelings can arise. • Expanded responsibilities. Providing, managing a home, raising children, caring for aging parents—each layer multiplies daily cares (1 Timothy 5:8). • Divided attention. Paul contrasts the unmarried who are “concerned about the affairs of the Lord” with the married who must also please a spouse (1 Corinthians 7:32-34). Ministry focus can blur amid laundry, mortgages, and homework. • Vulnerability to spiritual attack. Satan targeted the first marriage (Genesis 3), and he still seeks to divide what God joins (Matthew 19:6). • External pressures. Persecution, economic hardship, illness, or societal instability weigh heavier when more lives are affected. Common modern examples • Financial strain—job loss, debt, differing spending styles. • Parenting stresses—discipline disagreements, special-needs challenges, prodigal children (Proverbs 22:6). • Sexual temptation—pornography, emotional affairs, or physical infidelity (Hebrews 13:4). • In-law and extended-family tensions (Ruth 1; Exodus 18). • Time management—balancing work, church, rest, and couple time (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Health crises—cancer, depression, infertility, chronic pain (Romans 12:12). What Paul is not saying • He is not declaring marriage a mistake or second-class calling. “Marriage is honorable among all” (Hebrews 13:4). • He is not predicting inevitable misery. The troubles are real yet bearable in Christ (Philippians 4:13). • He is not counseling escape from vows. Once joined, a couple is “one flesh” until death parts them (Romans 7:2-3). Purposes God weaves through marital troubles • Growth in Christ-likeness—patience, humility, forgiveness (Colossians 3:12-14). • Display of the gospel—husband and wife mirror Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). • Mutual sanctification—“iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). • Witness to the world—enduring love amid trials proclaims God’s faithfulness (John 13:34-35). • Dependence on grace—troubles drive couples to prayer, Scripture, and fellowship (Psalm 34:4-6). How Christian couples can respond Cultivate shared spiritual habits • Daily Scripture reading together or individually, then discuss (Psalm 119:105). • Consistent prayer for and with one another (1 Peter 3:7). • Active involvement in a Christ-centered local church (Hebrews 10:24-25). Practice Christlike communication • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). • Confess and forgive promptly (Ephesians 4:32). Honor God-given roles • Husbands lead sacrificially as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). • Wives respect and support that leadership (Ephesians 5:22-24). • Both submit to one another in reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Guard the marriage bed • Flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Enjoy intimacy as God’s gift (Proverbs 5:18-19). • Communicate desires and struggles openly (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). Plan wisely • Budget and steward resources (Proverbs 21:5). • Set shared goals—spiritual, financial, family, ministry. • Seek counsel when stuck (Proverbs 11:14). Serve together • Hospitality, outreach, discipling younger believers (Romans 12:13). • Shared ministry fosters unity and eternal perspective. Encouraging truths to remember • God ordained marriage before sin existed; He still calls it “very good.” • Troubles are temporary; eternal glory is coming (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). • Christ is present in the home where He is honored (Matthew 18:20). • The Holy Spirit supplies power to love beyond natural ability (Galatians 5:22-23). • Grace covers failures. “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). Conclusion “Those who marry will face troubles” is a loving warning, not a deterrent. It sets realistic expectations and points couples to lean on the Lord amid life’s complexities. Embraced with faith, these very troubles become tools God uses to deepen love, shape character, and magnify His Son until the wedding supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). |
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