God calls us to give ourselves away to honor our marriage covenant. (1 Corinthians 7:10-16)
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SERMON NOTES:
Marriage Matters
1 Corinthians 7:10-16
God calls us to give ourselves away to honor our marriage covenant.
Christian, are you married to another Christian?
Stay married! (10-11)
Christian, are you married to a non-Christian?
Stay married! (12-14)
Christian, did your non-Christian spouse leave you and your marriage? You are free to move on. (15-16)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson: 1 Corinthians 7:10-16
1. Read verses 10-11. What charge does Paul give to wives and husbands who are both Christians? What should happen if a Christian is involved in an illegitimate or unbiblical divorce according to this verse? Why are these instructions difficult to live-out in real life? How would you describe God’s attitude toward divorce (see also Mark 10:11-12, Matthew 5:31-32, Malachi 3:13-16)? Do people in your circle of relationships share God’s attitude toward divorce? Do you? How so?
2. Read verses 12-14. What instructions does Paul give to Christians who are married to non-Christians? According to verse 14, why is it important to remain married to an unbelieving spouse? What do you think it means that the unbelieving spouse is “made holy”? What point is Paul making about the children? Why is it difficult to live-out Paul’s instructions here? What could motivate someone to live out these instructions with joy and purpose?
3. Read verses 15-16. In what situation does Paul say divorce is allowed? What would motivate someone to fight for their marriage to an unbeliever based on verse 16? In what other situation does God allow divorce according to Matthew 19:1-12? Why do you think God allows divorce in these two scenarios?
4. So what. Based on your study of these passages about marriage and divorce, what counsel would you give a friend who is considering divorce? What do you think causes Christians to get divorced despite God’s clear biblical instructions? If married, what can you do to divorce-proof your marriage? Married or not, how can you help your friends protect and cultivate their marriages?