BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Sex, marriage, and food regulations—the Corinthians have questions, and Paul is not ignoring them. Today’s reading shows us the confusion as they try to work out what it means, and does not mean, to live in Christ with freedom.

First up, for reasons unclear, some within the church thought abstinence within marriage was a good idea. What do you say, Paul?

Maybe for a while, if both spouses agree. But the enjoyment of sex is a gift for married couples. The Corinthians would take it for granted that the wife’s body belongs to her husband. Paul adds something shocking in their culture: The husband’s body also belongs to his wife. The marriage bed is a place of mutual reciprocity.

What about singleness? Paul’s response: Singleness is just as good! When a person chooses to remain single, everyone wins because that person has even more time to devote to serving God and the church.

In general, Paul advises the Corinthians to continue serving God in marriage or singleness. What about the enslaved? Should they serve God, whether in slavery or freedom?

For sure, but he adds an exception. If you’re enslaved but offered a chance at freedom, take it. That’s definitely preferable. Your owner may identify you as their property. However, your true identity is in Jesus, and it is for freedom that Christ set you free (Gal. 5:1).

Next, Paul transitions to food sacrificed to idols. In the Corinthian marketplace, most meat sold for consumption was first sacrificed to a pagan god. So is that food unclean or unholy?

Paul says yes, sort of. You are certainly free to eat that meat, he says. But if you freely eat it in the company of those who think it’s wrong, you’ll generate confusion. Worse, you’ll lead people to violate their own consciences. In other words, don’t let your love for certain meats exceed your love for other people.

From today’s reading, you can see a lot of “ifs” and “maybes.” Life’s questions often require nuance and context. Paul’s responses boil down to the same principle each time. Whatever is the most loving, Gospel-shaped way to serve others, do that.

Reflection Questions

• How does Paul’s teaching on marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 relate to other passages on marriage and sex in the Scriptures? (See, for example, Matthew 19:1-12, Ephesians 5:21-33, and Hebrews 13:4.) How do these teachings inform our understanding of sex as both a gift and a temptation? What have you learned from these passages about the New Testament’s portrait of sexual integrity?
• Paul warns to be careful that “our liberty does not become a hindrance to the weak.” Can you think of any situations in your own context where one person’s spiritual freedom might create a spiritual burden for others? How might Paul’s instructions apply to your context?