MARRIAGE COUNSELING – I Corinthians 7:1-16 – 12-1-2024

In I Cor chapter 7, Paul continues with his teaching strategy introduced in chapter 6. Adding to the phrases:  All things are lawful for me• & the phrase: -Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food', Paul addresses a 3rd popular notion of the day denoted by the phrase 'It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman· (7: 1). This was a matter of concern the Corinthian church had addressed In their own letter to Paul. The apostle takes the occasion of the cultural presumptions of Corinth to provide Biblical correction as necessary alongside helpful applications to disciple these new believers. Paul's instruction presents helpful teaching for us today on these particular matters as well as a model approach to address popular notions of our own time. Here he is demonstrating the principle he will lay out in his 2nd epistle to the church (II Cor 10:5). Paul is taking thoughts on human relationships including marriage captive to obey Christ.