Sunday Bulletin October 12 2025

Sunday Bulletin October 5 2025

Sunday Bulletin September 28 2025

Sunday Bulletin September 21, 2025

Craig A. Brittingham, Pastor
Hillside Baptist Church
October 12, 2025

To Marry or not to Marry? – 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

In this passage we find five considerations
before deciding whether or not to marry.

1A. Consider the times (vv. 25-28).
1b. Though Paul does not identify the present distress which the Corinthians faced, it may very well have been persecution.
2b. Having a wife and children to care for during times of persecution would only increase the troubles.
3b. Though living in a time of distress, Paul did not command the Corinthians to refrain from marriage (vs. 28).

2A. Consider that the time is short (vv. 29-31).
1b. It is possible that Paul thought the present distress would immediately precede the return of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Thess 4:15, 2 Thess. 1:3-10).
2b. The time is short, but “has been shortened” may be the sense (NASB).
3b. The form of this world is passing away (Mark 10:28-30).

3A. Consider the time and effort you must expend to please your spouse (vv. 32-35).
1b. The married care about the things of the world while the unmarried care about the things of the Lord.
2b. Paul desired that they remain unmarried so that they might serve the Lord without distraction.

4A. Consider whether or not you have the self-control to remain single (vv. 36-38).
1b. “But” if he can’t remain unmarried and serve the Lord without distraction, he should marry (cf. vv. 8-9).
1c. That is if he is unable to restrain his passions, he should marry.
2c. To keep his virgin probably has the sense keep her a virgin, that is, remain unmarried.
2b. Whether he marries or not, he does well.

5A. If you are a widow, consider that you may be happier remaining unmarried (vv. 39-40).
1b. A believer must not marry an unbeliever.
2b. She may marry any believer she wishes!

Questions…
1. To what does the term virgin refer?
2. What was the present distress? Why should it be considered before getting married?
3. What did Paul mean by, “the time is short”? Why should it be considered before getting married?
4. What is meant by, “the form of this world is passing away”?
5. What reason did Paul give for staying single in verses 32-35?
6. What do you think? In verses 36-38 is Paul referring to the father of a virgin or the suitor of a virgin? Please give the reasons for your choice.
7. What do you think Paul meant that, according to his judgment, a widow (probably an older widow, cf. 1 Timothy 5:11-14) would be happier if she did not remarry?
8. What is the only restriction on a widow’s remarriage? Are all Christians bound by this restriction or just widows?
9. Did Paul give any commands (except vs. 39) in this passage regarding marriage or were these his preferences? Please use Scripture to defend your answer.