1 Corinthians 7:35
I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but in order to promote proper decorum and undivided devotion to the Lord.
I am saying this
The Apostle Paul begins with a personal assertion, emphasizing his role as a spiritual guide. The Greek word used here, "λέγω" (legō), implies a deliberate and thoughtful communication. Paul is not merely offering an opinion but is providing divinely inspired counsel. This phrase sets the tone for the pastoral care and authority with which Paul addresses the Corinthian church, reminding them of his apostolic mission to guide them in truth.

for your own good
Paul's intention is benevolent, focusing on the well-being of the believers. The Greek term "συμφέρον" (sympheron) suggests something that is profitable or beneficial. Paul is concerned with the spiritual and practical welfare of the Corinthians, aiming to guide them towards a life that aligns with God's will. This reflects the heart of a shepherd who desires the best for his flock, ensuring that their actions lead to spiritual growth and maturity.

not to restrict you
Here, Paul clarifies that his advice is not meant to impose limitations. The Greek word "βρόχος" (brochos) refers to a noose or a snare, symbolizing entrapment. Paul is keen to avoid any misunderstanding that his guidance is a form of legalism or control. Instead, he seeks to liberate the believers from unnecessary burdens, allowing them to serve God freely and joyfully. This highlights the balance between Christian freedom and responsibility.

but in order to promote
Paul's purpose is constructive, aiming to build up the church. The phrase indicates a proactive effort to encourage positive behavior. The Greek "πρὸς τὸ" (pros to) suggests a forward-looking intention, focusing on the future benefits of adhering to his counsel. This reflects the apostolic vision of nurturing a community that reflects Christ's love and holiness.

proper decorum
The term "εὔσχημον" (euschēmon) in Greek refers to what is seemly or appropriate. Paul is concerned with the outward expression of faith that aligns with Christian values. This involves maintaining a lifestyle that honors God and reflects His character. In the historical context of Corinth, a city known for its moral challenges, Paul emphasizes the importance of living in a way that distinguishes believers from the surrounding culture.

and undivided devotion
Paul calls for a wholehearted commitment to God. The Greek "ἀπερισπάστως" (aperispastos) means without distraction or division. This underscores the necessity of prioritizing one's relationship with the Lord above all else. In a world filled with competing interests and distractions, Paul urges the Corinthians to focus their hearts and minds on serving God with singular purpose and passion.

to the Lord
The ultimate aim of Paul's instruction is to direct the believers' devotion towards Christ. The Greek "τῷ Κυρίῳ" (tō Kyriō) signifies the Lordship of Jesus, acknowledging His authority and deserving of worship. This phrase encapsulates the essence of Christian life—living in submission and dedication to Jesus as Lord. It serves as a reminder that all aspects of life should be oriented towards glorifying God and fulfilling His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance on how to live a life devoted to God.

2. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of the letter, a diverse group of believers in the city of Corinth, dealing with various issues of morality, unity, and spiritual gifts.

3. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges, providing a backdrop for the issues addressed in the letter.
Teaching Points
Undivided Devotion
Paul emphasizes the importance of living a life wholly dedicated to God, free from distractions that can pull us away from our spiritual focus.

Freedom in Christ
The guidance Paul provides is not meant to be restrictive but to offer freedom in living a life that pleases God.

Purposeful Living
Believers are encouraged to live intentionally, making choices that reflect their commitment to God.

Spiritual Priorities
Setting spiritual priorities helps maintain focus on what truly matters, aligning our lives with God's will.

Practical Holiness
Living in a right way involves practical steps of holiness, impacting our daily decisions and interactions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7:35 help us understand the concept of freedom in Christ?

2. In what ways can we ensure our devotion to the Lord remains undivided in today's busy world?

3. How can the teachings in Romans 12:1-2 enhance our understanding of living in a right way for God?

4. What practical steps can we take to align our daily lives with the principle of undivided devotion?

5. How do the challenges faced by the Corinthian church mirror those we face today, and what can we learn from Paul's guidance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 6:33
This verse emphasizes seeking first the kingdom of God, which aligns with Paul's encouragement for undivided devotion to the Lord.

Philippians 4:6-7
These verses speak about the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds, which can be a result of living in undivided devotion.

James 1:8
Discusses the concept of being double-minded, contrasting with the undivided devotion Paul encourages.

Romans 12:1-2
Calls believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, which parallels the idea of living in a right way for God.
Celibacy and MarriageE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 7:1, 2, 7-9, 25-35
Concerning Virgins and WidowsH. Bremner, B. D.1 Corinthians 7:25-40
Concerning Virgins and WidowsH. Bremner 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
How to Give AdviceJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 7:25-40
How to Judge in Difficult MattersJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 7:25-40
Works of Supererogation and Counsels of PerfectionPrincipal Edwards.1 Corinthians 7:25-40
An Argument from the Shortness of the TimeR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 7:29-40
Apostolic Counsels for the TimesC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 7:29-40
Advice Should be GivenJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Against CarefulnessC. Simeon, M. A.1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Characteristics of ChristianityJ. W. Burn.1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Free from CaresClerical World1 Corinthians 7:32-40
The Cares of Married LifeJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Torment of Little CaresClerical Library1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Will-PowerBishop Thorold.1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Without CarefulnessC. H. Spurgeon.1 Corinthians 7:32-40
People
Corinthians, Paul
Places
Corinth
Topics
Able, Appropriate, Attend, Attention, Becoming, Benefit, Cast, Comely, Devotedness, Devotion, Distraction, Enable, Ensnare, Interest, Lay, Noose, Order, Profit, Promote, Restraint, Restrict, Secure, Seemliness, Seemly, Snare, Speak, Thus, Towards, Trap, Undistracted, Undistractedly, Undivided, Wait, Waiting
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 7:35

     8225   devotion
     8240   ethics

1 Corinthians 7:24-38

     5736   singleness

1 Corinthians 7:32-38

     5740   virgin

Library
Forms Versus Character
'Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.'--1 COR. vii. 19. 'For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love.'--GAL. v. 6. 'For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.'--GAL. vi. 16 (R.V.). The great controversy which embittered so much of Paul's life, and marred so much of his activity, turned upon the question whether a heathen man could come
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Slaves and Free
'He that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's free man: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.'--1 COR. vii. 22. This remarkable saying occurs in a remarkable connection, and is used for a remarkable purpose. The Apostle has been laying down the principle, that the effect of true Christianity is greatly to diminish the importance of outward circumstance. And on that principle he bases an advice, dead in the teeth of all the maxims recognised by worldly
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Christian Life
'Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.'--1 COR. vii. 24. You find that three times within the compass of a very few verses this injunction is repeated. 'As God hath distributed to every man,' says the Apostle in the seventeenth verse, 'as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.' Then again in the twentieth verse, 'Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he is called.' And then finally in our text. The reason for
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Marriage and Celibacy.
Preached January II, 1852. MARRIAGE AND CELIBACY. "But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep as though they wept not; and they that rejoice as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use this world as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away."--1 Corinthians vii. 29-31. The subject of our exposition last Sunday was an essential portion
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

A Drama in Five Acts
Dear brethren, the important lesson which we endeavor to teach this morning is just this--that because time is so short, and the things of this world so frail and fleeting, it becomes us always to look at the things which are seen in their true character, and never to build substantial hopes on unsubstantial comforts, nor seek for solid joy from unreal things. In order that I may make this matter very plain, and may be the more likely to enlist your attention, and to secure the friendship of your
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

How to Use the Present Life, and the Comforts of It.
The divisions of this chapter are,--I. The necessity and usefulness of this doctrine. Extremes to be avoided, if we would rightly use the present life and its comforts, sec. 1, 2. II. One of these extremes, viz, the intemperance of the flesh, to be carefully avoided. Four methods of doing so described in order, sec. 3-6. 1. BY such rudiments we are at the same time well instructed by Scripture in the proper use of earthly blessings, a subject which, in forming a scheme of life, is by no mean to be
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

Family Religion.
"Lo! where yon cottage whitens through the green, The loveliest feature of a matchless scene; Beneath its shading elm, with pious fear, An aged mother draws her children near, While from the Holy Word, with earnest air, She teaches them the privilege of prayer. Look! how their infant eyes with rapture speak; Mark the flushed lily on the dimpled cheek; Their hearts are filled with gratitude and love, Their hopes are centered in a world above!" The Christian home demands a family religion. This makes
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home

The Apostolic Scriptures.
"And I think that I also have the Spirit of God."--1 Cor. vii. 40. We have seen that the apostolate has an extraordinary significance and occupies a unique position. This position is twofold, viz., temporary, with reference to the founding of the first churches, and permanent, with regard to the churches of all ages. The first must necessarily be temporary, for what was then accomplished can not be repeated. A tree can be planted only once; an organism can be born only once; the planting or founding
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

It Is, Therefore, the Present Necessity that we are to Avoid...
14. It is, therefore, the present necessity that we are to avoid, but yet such as is a hindrance to somewhat of the good things to come; by which necessity the married life is forced to have thought of the things of the world, how to please, the husband the wife or the wife the husband. Not that these separate from the kingdom of God, as there are sins, which are restrained by command, not by counsel, on this account, because it is matter of condemnation not to obey the Lord when He commands: but
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

But Lest any Should Think that of Two Works...
19. But lest any should think that of two works, the good and the better, the rewards will be equal, on this account it was necessary to treat against those, who have so interpreted that saying of the Apostle, "But I think that this is good by reason of the present necessity," [2056] as to say that virginity is of use not in order to the kingdom of heaven, but in order to this present time: as though in that eternal life, they, who had chosen this better part, would have nothing more than the rest
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

After that the Same Apostle Adds, and Says...
15. After that the same Apostle adds, and says, "Thou art bound to a wife, seek not loosening: thou art loosed from a wife, seek not a wife." [2050] Of these two, that, which be set first, pertains unto command, against which it is not lawful to do. For it is not lawful to put away a wife, save because of fornication, [2051] as the Lord Himself saith in the Gospel. But that, which he added, "Thou art loosed from a wife, seek not a wife," is a sentence of counsel, not of command; therefore it is lawful
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Yet He Added, "But Such Shall have Tribulation of the Flesh...
16. Yet he added, "But such shall have tribulation of the flesh, but I spare you:" [2053] in this manner exhorting unto virginity, and continual continence, so as some little to alarm also from marriage, with all modesty, not as from a matter evil and unlawful, but as from one burdensome and troublesome. For it is one thing to incur dishonor of the flesh, and another to have tribulation of the flesh: the one is matter of crime to do, the other of labor to suffer, which for the most part men refuse
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Far be It, Therefore, that the Apostle So Said...
20. Far be it, therefore, that the Apostle so said, unto such as are married or are about to marry, "But I spare you," as if he were unwilling to say what punishment is due to the married in another life. Far be it that she, whom Daniel set free from temporal judgment, be cast by Paul into hell! Far be it that her husband's bed be unto her punishment before the judgment seat of Christ, keeping faith to which she chose, under false charge of adultery, to meet either danger, or death! To what effect
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

For not Even Herein Ought Such as are Married to Compare Themselves with The...
10. For not even herein ought such as are married to compare themselves with the deserts of the continent, in that of them virgins are born: for this is not a good of marriage, but of nature: which was so ordered of God, as that of every sexual intercourse whatever of the two sexes of human kind, whether in due order and honest, or base and unlawful, there is born no female save a virgin, yet is none born a sacred virgin: so it is brought to pass that a virgin is born even of fornication, but a sacred
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Here Some one Will Say, what Has this to do with Holy virginity...
21. Here some one will say, What has this to do with holy virginity, or perpetual continence, the setting forth of which was undertaken in this discourse? To whom I make answer in the first place, what I mentioned above, that the glory of that greater good is greater from the fact that, in order to obtain it, the good of married life is surmounted, not the sin of marriage shunned. Otherwise it would be enough for perpetual continence, not to be specially praised, but only not to be blamed: if it
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Let Marriages Possess their Own Good, not that they Beget Sons...
12. Let marriages possess their own good, not that they beget sons, but that honestly, that lawfully, that modestly, that in a spirit of fellowship they beget them, and educate them, after they have been begotten, with cooperation, with wholesome teaching, and earnest purpose: in that they keep the faith of the couch one with another; in that they violate not the sacrament of wedlock. All these, however, are offices of human duty: but virginal chastity and freedom through pious continence from all
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

And Now by Plainest Witnesses of Divine Scriptures...
22. And now by plainest witnesses of divine Scriptures, such as according to the small measure of our memory we shall be able to remember, let it more clearly appear, that, not on account of the present life of this world, but on account of that future life which is promised in the kingdom of heaven, we are to choose perpetual continence. But who but must observe this in that which the same Apostle says a little after, "Whoso is without a wife has thought of the things of the Lord, how to please
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

And not Without Just Cause a Doubt is Raised...
14. And not without just cause a doubt is raised, whether he said this of all married women, or of such as so many are, as that nearly all may be thought so to be. For neither doth that, which he saith of unmarried women, "She, that is unmarried, thinkest of the things of the Lord, to be holy both in body and spirit:" [1973] pertain unto all unmarried women: whereas there are certain widows who are dead, who live in delights. However, so far as regards a certain distinction and, as it were, character
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

And yet not to These Themselves is Marriage a Sin...
11. And yet not to these themselves is marriage a sin; which, if it were chosen in comparison of fornication, would be a less sin than fornication, and yet would be a sin. But now what shall we say against the most plain speech of the Apostle, saying, "Let her do what she will; she sinneth not, if she be married;" [1966] and, "If thou shalt have taken a wife, thou hast not sinned: and, if a virgin shall have been married, she sinneth not." [1967] Hence surely it is not lawful now to doubt that marriage
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

There is this Further, that in that Very Debt which Married Persons Pay One...
4. There is this further, that in that very debt which married persons pay one to another, even if they demand it with somewhat too great intemperance and incontinence, yet they owe faith alike one to another. Unto which faith the Apostle allows so great right, as to call it "power," saying, "The woman hath not power of her own body, but the man; again in like manner also the man hath not power of his own body, but the woman." [1943] But the violation of this faith is called adultery, when either
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Further, in the Very Case of the More Immoderate Requirement of the Due Of...
6. Further, in the very case of the more immoderate requirement of the due of the flesh, which the Apostle enjoins not on them by way of command, but allows to them by way of leave, that they have intercourse also beside the cause of begetting children; although evil habits impel them to such intercourse, yet marriage guards them from adultery or fornication. For neither is that committed because of marriage, but is pardoned because of marriage. Therefore married persons owe one another not only
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Therefore the Good of Marriage Throughout all Nations and all Men Stands in The...
32. Therefore the good of marriage throughout all nations and all men stands in the occasion of begetting, and faith of chastity: but, so far as pertains unto the People of God, also in the sanctity of the Sacrament, by reason of which it is unlawful for one who leaves her husband, even when she has been put away, to be married to another, so long as her husband lives, no not even for the sake of bearing children: and, whereas this is the alone cause, wherefore marriage takes place, not even where
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Therefore as Many Women as There are Now...
19. Therefore as many women as there are now, unto whom it is said, "if they contain not, let them be married, [1986] ^" are not to be compared to the holy women then, even when they married. Marriage itself indeed in all nations is for the same cause of begetting sons, and of what character soever these may be afterward, yet was marriage for this purpose instituted, that they may be born in due and honest order. But men, who contain not, as it were ascend unto marriage by a step of honesty: but
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

But I Marvel, If, as it is Allowed to Put Away a Wife Who...
7. But I marvel, if, as it is allowed to put away a wife who is an adulteress, so it be allowed, having put her away, to marry another. For holy Scripture causes a hard knot in this matter, in that the Apostle says, that, by commandment of the Lord, the wife ought not to depart from her husband, but, in case she shall have departed, to remain unmarried, or to be reconciled to her husband; [1950] whereas surely she ought not to depart and remain unmarried, save from an husband that is an adulterer,
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

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