Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 7:25–28
God had Paul write to the believers in Corinth about whether to remain single or married, taking into account the persecution they were facing or might face in the future. Though God had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 7:25, “I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy,” do not think that this portion of Scripture is any less inspired by God. God did not give a command on this, yet He used Paul to give inspired advice. God had Paul address those who had never been married. God had Paul recommend that those men remain single but if they were married to remain married. God had Paul mention some advantages to remaining single. If it were a time of persecution or some other distress, a single person would not be worried about their wife or children being persecuted. A single person could stand strong in their walk with the Lord knowing they might face persecution, but they would not have to worry about their family. As an individual, someone might say they were willing to be tortured or even die before they would renounce their faith in Christ, but a married person would never want to have to watch their spouse or children suffer that same persecution. Although we don’t see that kind of persecution in the United States today, it was very prevalent in the first century. For a married man, he must not abandon his family in times of distress either. He must stand strong for them.
Challenge & Application
What did God teach you in 1 Corinthians 7:25–28 about being married or single in times of persecution?
How would you handle persecution if you were to face it today?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!