2.19.10 -- 1 Corinthains 7

1 Corinthians 7

1 Cor 7:1-9 ~ This is often used to say that God doesn't want us to marry. While that is true in certain specific cases, I think it's also quite obvious that marriage was an institution created by God, for our good. After all, was it not God who looked down on Adam in the garden and said "it is not good that man should be alone" (Gen 1:18)? I think the broader context here is that if God has called you to remain single, you should do so. But if He has called you to marriage, you should marry. This is what Paul says just a few verses later in 1 Cor 7:17.

1 Cor 7:10-16 ~ Here is the far more strict commandment. Marriage vows are a serious covenant made before man and God. We, as Christians, are to keep them. Divorce is not an option other than in the case of adultery, and even then it is not a good option (Mark 10:1-12).

1 Cor 17:18-19 ~ This verse is almost comical if the word "circumcised" is taken literally. Obviously there would not need to be a command not to "become uncircumcised" -- that's pretty well a one-way street. Rather, Paul here is using the word (as is often his habit and the common use of the day) to refer to someone living under the Jewish law. That is to say, Jews, who keep the law, are not to turn from it when they become Christians. Likewise, Gentiles, who are not under the Jewish law, have no obligation to obey it when they become Christians. That doesn't mean we can just do whatever we like (as v 19 points out). There are plenty of commands given to Christians by Christ himself and later by His Apostles.

1 Cor 7:29-31 ~ Again, Paul here is not speaking of abandoning duty or forsaking covenant. These verses should be understood in light of the following point.

1 Cor 7:32 ~ Here is the main point of this entire section. We are not to put our spouse or our other cares above the service of the Lord. He is to remain number one in our lives. All else should fall into place within the context of our service to Him.