Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 7:39–40
God had Paul write this in 1 Corinthians 7:39–40, “A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.” God had Paul affirm that a marriage relationship is meant to be for life. God had Paul clarify that a wife is always bound to her husband as long as he’s alive. God has always hated divorce because the husband/wife relationship is supposed to be the picture of Christ and His church. Christ will never divorce (cut off) His church because every born-again believer is united with Christ forever. The only thing that releases a Christian wife from her Christian husband is if her husband dies. Then, that Christian woman has the freedom to remarry anyone she wishes to marry. Of course, her next husband must also be a Christian. However, God allowed Paul to also state that in his opinion, it would be better for her to remain single. God even had Paul confirm that he was offering counsel from God’s Holy Spirit in him. Again, God was not and never has been against someone getting remarried who has had a spouse die. God used Paul to help all believers who had lost a Christian spouse consider that remaining unmarried could provide them with more opportunities to serve our Lord in ways they might not be able if they did remarry.
Challenge & Application
Why is marriage to be for life between two Christians?
Why does God recommend people not remarry if they can do so?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!