FIX OUR SEXUAL MINDSET (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)

The Corinthian church grappled with serious issues related to decadence and immorality, prompting the Apostle Paul to provide guidance on how to approach our understanding of sex. He encourages the church in Corinth to practice self-control and discretion rather than indulging in sexual desires impulsively. Paul underscores God's design for marriage, emphasizing that sex is a beautiful and sacred act within the confines of marriage. He asserts that sex is a shared responsibility and a means of expressing love and intimacy between a husband and a wife. He advises against withholding sex from one's spouse, as this goes against biblical principles. To fix our mindset regarding sex, we need to see it from God's perspective as He intended it. Sex in marriage is meant to be a source of joy, bonding, and love. It is portrayed as a designed and beautiful expression of love that promotes unity, protection, and a sense of belonging in marriage.

RESTORE PURITY (1 Corinthians 7:7-9)

Paul encourages individuals who are single to find contentment instead of feeling incomplete or unfulfilled due to singleness. He emphasizes the importance of upholding sexual purity, considering it a gift from God. To maintain purity, it is vital to surround oneself with like-minded individuals and engage in a supportive community or discipleship group, ensuring mutual accountability. Ultimately, Paul highlights that victory in maintaining purity comes from focusing on Jesus Christ and seeking strength and guidance from Him. God provides a way out when we are faced with temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13), and He offers strength and guidance during moments of weakness.

SANCTIFY OTHERS (1 Corinthians 7:10-16)

Paul addresses the issue of divorce within the context of marriage, emphasizing commitment rather than separation. He further adds that staying committed to an unbelieving spouse is an opportunity to influence and guide them toward holiness. While it is God who makes individuals holy, believers have a role in being a positive influence on their spouse. Paul extends this concept to suggest that married couples can also have a sanctifying impact on their children through their faith. However, he offers a word of caution for those who are not yet married: Avoid entering a marital relationship with someone who does not share your faith (2 Corinthians 6:14). Jesus takes this concept further, encouraging us to be a blessing to others (Philippians 2:3-4), emphasizing the importance of selflessness and serving others in our relationships.

HAVE UNDISTRACTED DEVOTION (1 Corinthians 7:29-35)

Paul's message transcends the topics of marriage and sex, urging us to shift our perspective. He reminds us that possessions and worldly concerns are fleeting and ultimately unimportant in the grand scheme of life. For our own benefit, Paul encourages us to focus on what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord (Philippians 2:3-4). Devotion means sitting well beside Him. How is your soul? Have you been so busy that you have no time for Jesus and are distracted by numerous cares, challenges, and worries? Jesus is inviting us to sit with Him, have a FRESH look, and see things from His perspective.