Note: Much of this passage refers to marriage. None of us are married, so it may be difficult to relate the topics to our own lives, but should any of you get married in the future, there you go.
Context: Paul writes this chapter of his letter in to address the sexual immorality in the culture of the Corinthians
v.1-2 Paul states that it is better not to marry and he discusses his reasoning later in the letter. However, because the Corinthians lusted, Paul tells them to seek marriage so that their desires may satisfied in a more edifying manner.
v.3-6 Husband and wife should not deprive each other of sex. Doing so might lead one to seek sex outside of the marriage. Paul then states that all men are not gifted with being single.
Being Content with Your Situation and Calling
v.8-9 If you are married, you can be content. But if you are burning, it is better for you to seek marriage.
v.12-16 If you are married to a nonbeliever, you can still be content. How do you know if you will not be the one to save your spouse? If they leave you because of your faith, do not despair, you at least tried.
Discusson: Is it better to have your intended spouse convert before marrying them? Doing so does help to ensure that they are not seeking God only because of you. However, should you already be married, or if you married and then converted to Christianity but your spouse did not, you have the added responsibility of ministering and evangelizing to your spouse to make sure their heart is right. Either way, the Christian spouse has the responsibility of trying to provide a holy Christian lifestyle to his family.
v.17-24 The section seems to be a slight tangent from the marriage centered chapter. Nonetheless, the same lesson applies. Be content with your situation in life. Do not worry about small matters, like circumcision. This particular section holds true in a culture where Jews called for circumcision.
v.25-28 If you are single, be content. If you are married, be content. There is no pressing reason to change your status. However, marriage comes with added responsibilities.
Added Responsibilities of Marriage
v.29-35 In marriage, there is danger of you focusing more on pleasing and attending to your spouse than God. Be careful
Responsibilities in Ephesian 5:22-33
Husbands should love their wives as themselves. Just as God looks out for our best interests, so should husbands tend to their wifes. Husbands should instruct their wives in the Word. Likewise, wives should submit and respect their husbands. Just as Christ is the head of the Church, husbands are the head of the family.
v.25-28 If you are single, be content. If you are married, be content. There is no pressing reason to change your status. However, marriage comes with added responsibilities.
Added Responsibilities of Marriage
v.29-35 In marriage, there is danger of you focusing more on pleasing and attending to your spouse than God. Be careful
Responsibilities in Ephesian 5:22-33
Husbands should love their wives as themselves. Just as God looks out for our best interests, so should husbands tend to their wifes. Husbands should instruct their wives in the Word. Likewise, wives should submit and respect their husbands. Just as Christ is the head of the Church, husbands are the head of the family.
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