1 Corinthians: Part 10
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Read reverently the passage together and pray.
Main Passage: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16
Big Idea: A maturing church will be marked by members pursuing and practicing godly marriages.
Work through the chapter.
Paul corrects another slogan that the church was believing. Why would the church think “it is good for married couples not to have sex”?
Verse 2 is the apostle Paul’s correction to this bad thought. Why is it important that married couples enjoy God’s good gift of sex?
Vv. 3-4 communicate mutual marital intimacy as both rights and responsibilities. In what ways do these verses challenge common attitudes toward sex in marriage today (such as using the gift as leverage, withholding due to resentment, or treating God’s gift as optional)?
V. 5 states an exception and a warning. What exception does Paul give married couples? Why is this an exception to his teaching?
What warning does he give couples concerning their sexual oneness? Have you thought about this warning carefully as it relates to your sexual activity (or lack thereof)?
Vv. 6-9 Paul’s personal preference and God’s gifting. How does this passage help us understand and respect the different callings God gives His people? How can this passage help shape the way we view and support both single and married believers in our church?
Vv. 10-11 Married couples’ specific command. What is the command? What makes this teaching difficult in today’s culture, and how can a church community help couples live faithfully in light of the command?
Vv. 12-16 Instructions for a believer married to an unbeliever. What is the basic instruction found in these verses, and why does this bring hope to this type of marriage? What does this passage teach us if the unbelieving partner leaves the marriage? Why in verse 16 does Paul say “let it be so” to the believer whose unbelieving spouse wants a divorce?
Applicational Questions
Men and women, have you entered into the most important relationship of all?
Husbands and wives, are you serving one another sexually within your marriage?
Everyone, are you thinking biblically about divorce and remarriage?
Engaged couples, will you consider a short engagement?
Singles, do you desire to be married?