Who has been applying what we've learned. We keep coming back to the only motivation for doing this our safety in Christ Jesus. Who has been convicted and chosen to act?

Martha--newspaper? Anyone else--something that has mastered you? I'm very encouraged by what has happened w/ some of my friends? It has taken some time, but as they've gotten involved in ministry, they've really begun to clear out the things that cloud their minds. TV, music, food, sleeping hours.

1 Cor 7

One of the most misinterpreted passages we've run across. Paul is not against marriage, but in favor of self-control.

The Facts:

1. Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry.

2. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband

3. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife and likewise the wife to her husband.

questions of fact:

1. What matters had they written about?

What subject is Paul addressing, and why does He write about it?

2. Because of what problem does Paul say each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband?

3. What should the husband and wife do for each other?

Interpretation:

What solution to this problem of immorality does Paul immediately offer?

Are you aware of some of the ideas of Greek thought at Paul's time. The body was evil so it should be subdued. He could be addressing people who, when faced with immorality said, "We should all stay celibate and not get into the evils of lust in marriage." Notice how balanced and healthy his response is. He hasn't totally thrown their idea out the window, because they were advocating holy living, but he has given it some balance. He says, "Not everybody can stay celibate obviously, so it's better to have marriages--even though I can see several advantages to being single."

How does Paul define marriage, Why should he have to define it? What may have been going on that made it necessary to define marriage?

What solution(s) to the problem of immorality does Paul imply, and state that would work even for the unmarried? give me Paul!!

In the context, find two or three examples in which Paul applies this principle of self-control.

a) 6:12-20

b) 7:8-17

c) 7:17-24

d) 7:24-35

e) 7:35-40

What other expressions did you find for the principle Paul is laying down?

My situation is not the issue: my cooperation is.

Have you ever seen someone so desperate to escape a situation that they totally failed to do what God had called them to do "in" that situation?

What is it about "remaining in the situation which God called us to that is so important for the growth and health of the church?

What are four problems that are introduced by people choosing not to remain in the situation to which they were called?

sexual immorality, unclean children, loss of husbands or wives, divided devotion,

Application:

What are some areas of your life in which You most need to "remain with God in the condition in which you were called"? Some areas You might think about include work, relationships, projects, money.

Pick the one area in which you would most like to put your relationship with God before you situation. What changes would you and others see in Your life if this were to happen.

Now think of the first step you would take to move in that direction. Tell your partner what you will do and when you will do it, and ask him or her to pray for you.

Identify at least one situation you have been called to that you from which you have wished you could escape. Pray to God and tell him that you will remain in it. Someone here should tell us what they are saying to God tonight.