SACRED FAMILY JUNE 22, 2025
SUCCESSFULLY SINGLE


SCRIPTURE
I wish that all of you were as I am (single). But each of you has your own gift… Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 7 (selected)

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18



A HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE

1/ A single person may or may not marry.

I wish that all of you were as I am. But… 1 Corinthians 7:7

Marriage is a good thing and being single is not a bad thing.

Single Adam could experience God in ways that Married Adam couldn’t. And vice versa.


Some are called to singleness for a season.

“Singleness isn’t a curse. It’s a calling for however long God assigns it.” Jackie Hill Perry

Some are called to singleness forever.

In Christian history, many became self-made eunuchs (Origen, etc.). But more gave their singleness to God without emasculation (Jesus, Paul, etc.).


2/ A single person should view singleness as a gift from God.

I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift … 1 Cor 7:7


3/ A single person should view singleness as a gift to God.


“There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:10-12


4/ A single person will receive a unique reward.

“For this is what the Lord says: ‘To the eunuchs… I will give within My temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters.’” Isaiah 56:3-5


5/ A single person should not idolize marriage.

If marriage is an idol, it will do what all idols do… disappoint.

Marriage isn’t to make us happy, but to make us holy. And hopefully both happen.

Marriage doesn’t solve lust.

Marriage doesn’t solve immaturity.

Marriage doesn’t solve trauma.

Marriage doesn’t solve loneliness.

Marriage doesn’t solve identity issues.

When the waves come and your spouse lets you down, Christ the Anchor will hold!


6/ A single person should learn contentment.

…live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned… 1 Corinthians 7:17

If you aren’t content in singleness, you won’t be content in marriage.

7/ A single person should enjoy their singleness.

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Ecclesiastes 8:15


8/ A single person is valuable in the spiritual community.

God sets the lonely in families… Psalm 68:6



A HEALTHY PURSUIT

1/ Strengthen yourself on every level.

Grow in principles.

Grow in practices.

“Become the person the person you’re looking for is looking for.” A. Stanley


2/ Set realistic standards.


3/ Scout for other singles.


4/ Step in slow when you find interest.


5/ Secure boundaries.

Emotional boundaries are important.

Be careful how much “talk, time, & thought” you give this person.

Physical boundaries are important.

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. 2 Timothy 2:22


6/ Seek approvals when ready for marriage.

Ask the Lord. Ask yourself. Ask your spiritual leaders (parents, Life Group leaders, pastors, etc.). Ask her parents. Ask her.


7/ Schedule pre-marital counseling.


8/ Seal the deal.


9/ Stay friends & stay faithful.