Central Truth

This is a difficult concept to follow in our generation: complete submission to one another in marriage. It is a reflection of the heart of God.

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Reflections

It wasn’t until I first came to know Christ that I realized how “deceitfully wicked” my heart could be, and it wasn’t until I began to grasp the concept of holiness that my sin became “utterly sinful” to me. It became apparent how easy it is for us to fall into temptation and how hard it is to meet the moral standard of sexual purity apart from the Holy Spirit guiding us. We live in a generation where sexual temptation and innuendo abound. It’s not just what we find in every other TV channel or internet website, but we see it in our malls, schools, workplaces, and even in our churches. 

In Paul’s day sexual immorality was also a matter of great concern for the emerging Church. In this passage Paul outlines God’s heart in the matter. Notice the parallel structure in verses 2-4: “Let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband”. “Let the husband fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband”. “The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does”

The three things that stand out to me from these verses are: equality, mutual fulfillment, and long-life commitment to your spouse. These were difficult concepts to comprehend for the Corinthians given the undermining of women in those days. Paul also stresses the importance of not depriving each other from sexual relations. It is only through common agreement and only for a time “so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control”

Statistics of divorce and sexual immorality in our country are alarming, and the outlook isn't good. However, we have the key to a healthy life-long marriage. It is a marriage that is a picture of oneness that brings glory to God and hope to those who are not in Christ: hope to those on the verge of their own marriage meltdown. We demonstrate submission to one another.

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Discussion Questions

1. Why is this matter of purity so essential to God? Why should it be of great importance to us?

2. Read Matthew 5:27-29. What was Jesus’ view of lust? Why do you think He took lust so seriously? Did you consider lust to be adultery?

3. What personal measures or precautions can you take to remain pure in marriage/singleness?

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