Sermon Notes
Introduction
Paul, the apostle, wrote his first epistle to the Corinthians around A.D. 53–55 from Ephesus. He wrote to a young church encompassed with a morally compromised city. The apostle responds to questions about marriage, celibacy, and godly living amid the “present distress” (v. 26), which is likely a form of persecution or crisis. Paul contrasts the unmarried and married states, not to exalt one above the other, but to show how each impacts a believer’s focus on the Lord. He highlights the spiritual benefits of singleness and the real-world responsibilities of marriage. Paul's purpose is clear: not to restrict, but to encourage “undivided devotion to the Lord” (v.35). From this pastoral counsel, we draw three calls to live with single-hearted devotion to Christ in every season.
1. Free of Distractions
Paul expresses his pastoral desire that believers live free from unnecessary anxieties that hinder spiritual focus. He contrasts the unmarried person’s ability to concentrate on “the things of the Lord” with the added responsibilities that naturally accompany marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:32: I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.
2. Worldly Things
The author continues to compare the spiritual focus of married and unmarried believers. He explains that a married man is naturally concerned with “worldly things,” specifically how to please his wife, highlighting the obligations that come with marriage. It is the same with the woman.
1 Corinthians 7:33-34: But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 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.
3. Undivided Devotion
The apostle wants to help the Corinthians, not restrict them. His advice is meant for their benefit. He desires to promote good order in their lives. More importantly, he wants them to have undivided devotion to the Lord. Singleness can allow for fewer distractions in serving Christ. Paul’s goal is wholehearted, focused discipleship.
1 Corinthians 7:35: 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.
Application
- Whether single or married, do not allow distractions to affect your devotion to Christ? Identify what distracts you and reorder your priorities to please the Lord. Use proper time management.
- Use singleness or marriage as a means to grow in holiness. Don’t waste the season God has placed you in. The single will have the advantage of giving more time to serve the Lord.
- Give God your full attention. Remove distractions and pursue a heart that is undivided in love for Him. But if you are married, do not neglect to love and serve your spouse.
Study Guide
- What does Paul mean by “free from anxieties”? Is he referring to sinful worry, practical concerns, or both?
- What does Paul mean by “worldly things” in this context? Does he use the term negatively?
- What is the significance of the phrase “not to lay any restraint upon you”? What does this reveal about Paul’s tone?