Chris, I do believe 1 Corinthians 7.9 is a good passage to look at in this case. I do feel though Paul is not speaking about what we might consider “normal” sexual temptation.

“It is one thing to burn, another to feel heat . . . what Paul calls burning here, is not merely a slight sensation, but being so aflame with passion that you cannot stand up against it.” (Calvin)

I do however think the context of the chapter isn’t coinciding with Paul here. Paul may be only “giving advice” in this passage and is NOT speaking with the authority of God because he twice says he is not giving “a command of the Lord” (vs 12,25). By “command of the Lord” I feel Paul is referring to Jesus’ teaching while on earth. Thus, in verse 10, Paul can speak of the “command of the Lord” about divorce, a teaching that the Lord gave while on earth, a teaching that we can read in both Matthew 5 (vs 31) and Matthew 19 (vs 1-12). However, about the single life there is no “command of the Lord” that goes back to the time when the Lord Jesus was on earth. I believe, however, this does not mean that Paul is speaking without the authority of God. Paul makes clear in verse 25, he has received mercy to remain faithful and true to God in giving advice.

I also feel Paul’s preference for the single life in 1 Corinthians 7 doesn’t seem to fit in with his HIGH view of marriage in Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3. But Ephesians 5 does not contradict 1 Corinthians 7; it only spells out what a good Christian marriage should be like.

Finally to end my ranting, i feel all of us, married or single, are to have one goal in life: the service of the Lord. I feel the Lord wants us to practice self-control; serve Him with undivided devotion. And married or looking to get married, I feel that we should not get so wrapped up in responsibilities and concerns that you have no time to serve the Lord.

Question: What do you think about 1Cor 7:29-31? Somewhat troubling to me! But interesting.

I dunno. I think what should be built up more is the fact that you get (have) to wake up next to someone the rest of your life. Your life will now be revolving around someone else other than yourself. That is exciting to me. You get to lay your life down for someone and they do the same. I think that is intimacy. Sex is a wonderful expression of this and is important, but not the only thing.

I agree, I have a few friends that got married quickly. It seems like alot of work for maybe 2 minutes of enjoyement…. ok well 2 minutes for most… umm anyway..

Good seeing you this weekend. It was great you could come. It was amazing.

twss

In response to your sex remarks, I have a few thoughts. I believe that the spiritual roots of sex run far, far deeper than the physical ones. This is where I may take issue with your view. Sex should not be viewed as a wedding night privilege, and neither as a right. Whether you view something as a privilege or a right, who is the beneficiary? You are. In sex you should never view yourself as the primary beneficiary. Rather you should view sex as a service. You are demonstrating to your spouse that all that you have is his/hers. I agree that viewing sex as something earned or deserved is bad, but I do not feel like abstaining from sex in marriage is the answer. I think we must fundamentally shift our thoughts and perspectives on sex from selfish pleasure to selfless sacrifice.

Yes, the purpose of getting married is to grow closer to Christ. But I do feel that sex is a part of that. It is an intricate piece of dying to self and learning to serve.