For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 1
Corinthians 7:4
I continue my study of 1 Corinthians. I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book. Today my focus is a review - unaided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 7:1-16. Here, Paul provides commands for both the married and unmarried. For the married, Paul shares how the conjugal rights of both the husband and the wife belong to their spouse and neither is to deprive the other - with exception to "limited" time periods when they focus on prayer. Paul knows that that sexual temptations are common sin and he is aware of how Satan draws people into sexual sin such as extramarital affairs (v1-5). V4 sticks out for how husband and wife are to serve one another and to put each other's interests above their own. Paul then pivots to his own circumstances - being unmarried - and recognizes that not all are gifted by God with marriage (v6-7). As such, he shares how the single people and widowers should also protect themselves from sexual temptation (v8-9). In v10-17, Paul shares commands regarding separation and divorce (v10-11), including marriages where either the husband or the wife is an unbeliever.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You blessed me with gift of marriage - thank You Jesus! Thank You for the blessing of a wonderful and Godly wife - Lisa. I am not deserving of such a gift. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
