Daily Bible Plan - 1. Corinthians

18th August 2025

Devotion by Deaconess Sarah Imonopi

Theme: Unleashed to Save the Never-Dying Soul

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

1 Corinthians 7:1–16

In 1 Corinthians 7:1–16, the Apostle Paul addresses fundamental questions about marriage, celibacy, and divorce. He makes it clear that both marriage and celibacy are gifts from God. Every believer should seek contentment in their current state and use this condition to faithfully serve the Lord.

Paul discourages divorce, even in cases of so-called "unequal unions," where one partner is a believer and the other is not. Only if the unbelieving partner chooses to dissolve the union should they be allowed to depart (verses 12–16).

Husbands and wives are called to serve one another faithfully in marriage and should not withhold marital intimacy from each other, except for a mutually agreed-upon temporary period for prayer and fasting. Afterward, they should come together again to avoid temptation (verse 5).

Paul acknowledges the value of abstinence and self-control but recognizes that not everyone is able to practice it. Therefore, marriage is seen as a God-given safeguard and blessing, where husband and wife share love, care, and fulfill each other’s needs (verse 9).

Additionally, Paul reaffirms that spouses should not live apart from one another but remain united in mutual love and respect (verses 10–11). This aligns with the teaching of Jesus, as expressed in Matthew 19:6: “So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

The introduction highlights that Paul views both marriage and celibacy as gifts from God. But what does this practically mean for the church in Corinth—and for us today?

Let’s examine Paul’s advice step by step:

1. Marriage as Protection and Blessing (1 Corinthians 7:2–5)

• Paul acknowledges that sexual desires are a reality of human life. Marriage is seen as the God-ordained framework in which these desires can be expressed in purity.

• Spouses should lovingly serve one another, both emotionally and physically. Temporary abstinence is only permissible with mutual consent and for spiritual purposes.

  
  

2. Celibacy as a Gift (1 Corinthians 7:6–9)

• Paul himself lived a celibate life and saw it as an opportunity to devote oneself fully to serving God.

• However, he emphasizes that not everyone is called to this. Those who cannot exercise self-control in this area should marry to avoid falling into temptation.

3. The Indissolubility of Marriage (1 Corinthians 7:10–11)

• Spouses should strive to remain together and resolve conflicts within the marriage rather than opting for the easy escape of separation.

• Paul refers to Jesus’ command that God joins husband and wife into one unity, which should not be undone by human will.

4. Marriages to an Unbelieving Partner (1 Corinthians 7:12–16)

• If an unbelieving spouse is willing to stay in the marriage, the believer should not seek separation.

• The believing spouse’s presence is considered a spiritual blessing for the entire family.

• However, if the unbelieving partner chooses to leave, the believer should let them go, for “God has called us to live in peace.”

• Paul encourages hope, noting that the believing spouse’s faithful witness might ultimately lead the other partner to faith.

5. Living in the State God Has Called Us To (1 Corinthians 7:17)

• God has deliberately called us in our current circumstances and desires to use us effectively in them.

God calls us to faithfulness, love, self-control, and peace—regardless of our current life situation. These are standards that we cannot achieve by our own strength. Therefore, let us rely on Him for help.

Prayer:

Lord, help me find contentment in every season of life and serve You wholeheartedly. Strengthen me in self-control, love, and faithfulness.

Amen,

Deaconess Sarah Imonopi

Fortified City Church | Basel City Church | Global Prayer Hub