Ep 277 – 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

This episode is based on the second half of 1 Corinthians, chapter seven, and covers verses 25-40. I've entitled it, "A Matter of Priorities" because Paul is going to challenge the Corinthian believers that their focus on the things of this world was out of whack. They were so earthly minded that they were finding it difficult to be of much good to the kingdom and its cause. Keep in mind that they had written Paul a letter to which he was responding. And their letter was filled with questions regarding whether to get married or to say single. If married, should a couple give up their sexual relationship so they could concentrate of spiritual growth? Should single people stay single or pursue a marriage partner. For Paul, the issue was one of priorities. He wanted them to keep their focus on Christ and their energies dedicated to accomplishing God's kingdom purposes. The world in which they lived was temporary in nature. Those questions about marriage with which they were so consumed were off point. Jesus even said that at the resurrection of the dead, "they will neither marry nor be given in marriage" (Matthew 22:30 NLT). Marriage is an earthly institution that will have no reason for existence in heaven. And so many of the things about which we worry and fret in this life will mean nothing in the next. Rather than allow ourselves to become overly attached to this world, Paul would have us set our sights on the next.