Day 183/260: Read 1 Corinthians 7

Let the Bible interpret the Bible. You cannot take a passage out of its context and interpret it in such a way as to contradict another clear passage of Scripture. The Bible truly is its own best commentary.

Much damage has been done to the sanctity of marriage due to dishonest handling of this chapter. We must understand what Paul says in this chapter in the light of what is taught elsewhere, including Jesus’ words in Matthew 19 concerning divorce and remarriage.

There is one and only one God-approved reason for divorce and remarriage, revealed in Matthew 19:9, and that is fornication (KJV). When Paul states that a believer “is not under bondage” if an unbelieving spouse departs, he is not giving permission to remarry if adultery is not the cause; he is not superseding Christ’s teaching.

Further, when Paul writes, “Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called,” he does not have reference to a sinful condition such as an adulterous relationship.

When we come to Christ, we must leave behind everything that is not in harmony with God’s will; we must die to self. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

1 Corinthians 6:20. For you were bought at a ___________; therefore glorify God in your ___________ and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Pray

Pray for guidance in God’s Word to identify sinful situations in your life and seek to rectify them.