1 Corinthians 7:1-16

Both committed marital intimacy and disciplined singleness are to be celebrated and encouraged within the church.

1. Mutually Fulfilling Marriage (vv. 1-6)

2. Steadfast Singleness (vv. 6-9)

3. Faithful Families (vv. 10-16)

Discussion Questions

1. Reflect on Gen. 1:26-28, Gen. 2:23-25, and Eph. 5:31-32. What would you say to a friend who asks why God created us as sexual creatures? What is God's purpose and design for human sexuality?

2. What are ways that Christians, both historically and presently, have distorted the Biblical ethic of sexuality? How does 1 Cor. 7:1-6 bring correction to a number of these distortions?

3. If you are married, how can you come alongside your single brothers and sisters in the church and encourage them? If you are single, how can you come alongside your married brothers and sisters and encourage them?

4. In what ways do you most struggle with contentment? How in particular is God calling you to be faithful where you are right now (e.g. relationally/career-wise/family-wise)?